TEL AVIV / Israel, 17 May 2025: Hunger remains a devastating global challenge, affecting around 800 million people worldwide. The root causes are multifaceted, including climate change, economic instability, and inefficiencies in food distribution.
While international bodies and NGOs are critical in the fight against hunger, private sector innovation is increasingly vital to accelerate progress toward achieving zero hunger.
ICL Group stands at the forefront of this effort, leveraging its expertise in sustainable farming, precision agriculture, resource-efficient crop nutrition, and food preservation. Aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ICL is driving innovation that strengthens food security and builds more resilient agricultural systems.
Aligning with the United Nations Zero Hunger Goal
The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide a global blueprint for addressing pressing challenges, with SDG 2—Zero Hunger—specifically targeting hunger eradication. ICL’s initiatives are designed to complement and advance these objectives through practical and scalable agricultural solutions.
Precision Agriculture and Sustainability: The Foundation
At the core of ICL’s approach is the promotion of precision agriculture combined with sustainability. ICL has developed cutting-edge controlled-release fertilizers, fertigation products, biostimulants, and digital agriculture tools aimed at maximizing crop productivity, enhancing soil health, and minimizing environmental impact. These innovations support regenerative farming practices that maintain long-term land vitality.
The integration of smart agricultural technologies—such as Big Data analytics, artificial intelligence, IoT-connected drones, sensors, and robotics—empowers farmers to boost yields, reduce costs, and streamline labor needs. Precision agriculture also allows for advanced risk management in crop planning by enabling customized nutrition and irrigation strategies based on detailed data insights.
Next-Generation Crop Nutrition Solutions
ICL is pioneering sophisticated controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) with biodegradable coatings designed to optimize nutrient delivery. One standout product, eqo.x, reduces nutrient loss by up to 50% and improves nitrogen use efficiency by as much as 80%. Typically requiring only a single application, eqo.x delivers steady, season-long crop nutrition.
This innovation transforms agricultural operations by enabling cost-effective, environmentally responsible farming. Farmers benefit from improved yields and higher-quality harvests, all while reducing their carbon footprint—an essential step toward sustainable agriculture.
Harnessing Digital Agriculture and Big Data
ICL is advancing digital agriculture through platforms like Agmatix and Growers software, connecting farmers and agronomists to vast data resources. These tools facilitate evidence-based decision-making on crop varieties, seeding strategies, and risk assessment, enhancing the ability to adapt to climate variability.
Digital agriculture also plays a critical role in research, accelerating the development of AgTech innovations. By standardizing and managing field trial data, these digital platforms enable global collaboration, streamline regulatory compliance, and reduce the time from concept to market.
Innovation Driving a Food-Secure Future
Addressing global food security transcends increasing production—it requires transforming how food is grown, preserved, and distributed. ICL leads this transformation through innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable solutions designed to empower farmers and fortify food systems worldwide.
Through ICL Planet, the company collaborates with AgTech and FoodTech innovators to accelerate the adoption of next-generation agricultural practices and food preservation technologies. ICL’s internal research and development consistently pushes the envelope in crop nutrition, soil health, and resource efficiency.
By combining advanced crop nutrition, digital farming solutions, and post-harvest innovations, ICL not only addresses the immediate challenge of feeding a growing global population but also helps shape a more resilient and sustainable food ecosystem.
Building a Sustainable Tomorrow, Today
With an unwavering commitment to sustainability, research, technology, and collaboration, ICL is redefining the future of agriculture. The company’s efforts ensure that food security evolves from a distant goal into a tangible reality, making meaningful strides toward ending hunger across the globe.
Image credit: icl-group.com
