Actor Ian Somerhalder has largely stepped away from his Hollywood career to focus on regenerative agriculture, a practice aimed at rebuilding soil health and restoring ecosystems. Somerhalder, known for his roles in "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries," described the change as life-altering, particularly after a pivotal trip to Zimbabwe.
During an interview, Somerhalder recalled visiting Zimbabwe with regenerative agriculture pioneer Allan Savory. Living in military tents and immersing himself in the landscape, Somerhalder witnessed firsthand how regenerative farming could revive degraded land and entire ecosystems. This experience, he said, "shifted my life forever."
"That's how it started, where I realized and saw firsthand how regenerative practices cannot just fix land, heal them, and rebuild them into verdant oasis, like wetlands, grasslands," Somerhalder stated. He learned that grasslands have the potential to be significant carbon sinks, a concept he grasped at age 32 while documenting Savory's efforts.
The footage Somerhalder captured in Zimbabwe became early material for the 2020 documentary "Kiss the Ground," which he believes helped initiate broader conversations about regenerative agriculture. This was followed by "Common Ground" in 2023 and his latest project, "Groundswell," which premiered in June. Somerhalder served as an executive producer for both follow-up films.
Somerhalder, who grew up in rural Louisiana with family members practicing both conventional and regenerative farming, found his perspective reinforced by his experiences. He described waking to lion tracks outside his tent in Zimbabwe, highlighting his deep immersion in the environment he was documenting.
While Somerhalder misses the camaraderie of his acting days, he noted a significant shift in Hollywood's culture. "It's changed a great deal since I was an actor," he observed. "It's really politics became such a hotbed on these sets, and it's very divided."
He and his wife, actress Nikki Reed, now live a life focused on nature and sustainability on their farm. Somerhalder credits Reed with sharing his passion for the land from the beginning of their relationship. He recounted spending significant time with Reed on their land in an Airstream trailer early in their relationship, emphasizing their connection to the earth.
"Family is about being present," Somerhalder said, discussing their approach to raising their children. "Family is going back to nature and being present." He believes that despite the prevalence of technology and current global divisions, people are increasingly seeking a deeper connection with the earth, which aligns with the principles of regenerative agriculture and overall well-being.
Looking forward, Somerhalder expressed optimism about future generations embracing regenerative agriculture and reconnecting with nature, believing that rebuilding the ground people stand on will lead to positive changes in other areas. "The future is bright," he concluded.