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Innovation, Sustainability Global
October 21, 2024 | 15–18 min read

Commemorating World Food Day: ICL’s Ongoing Commitment to Global Food Security

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As food security remains one of the greatest challenges of our time, ICL is driving innovation with advanced agtech and food tech solutions that empower farmers and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food worldwide. This year’s World Food Day theme, ‘Foods,’ emphasizes diversity, nutrition, affordability, accessibility, and safety—values that are deeply aligned with ICL’s mission.

We are proud to be at the forefront of the global effort to combat world hunger and are making a substantial impact on the food security of approximately 400 million people every day.”

Raviv Zoller, ICL CEO 

World Food Day presents an important opportunity to showcase ICL’s role in advancing food security, as well as its agtech solutions that empower farmers and bring affordable, high-quality, nutrient-dense products to consumers worldwide.

What is World Food Day?

World Food Day, observed annually on October 16th, marks the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. Celebrated in over 150 countries, it raises awareness about global hunger, malnutrition, and the need for sustainable food systems. The day encourages action to combat hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable food.

Meeting the Challenge of Global Food Security

Food security has been a fundamental challenge throughout human history. Despite technological advances, millions still go hungry daily, and billions remain vulnerable due to fragile food supply chains. Climate change—manifesting as extreme weather events, droughts, and flooding—has intensified these challenges, putting additional pressure on farmers and agronomists to adapt.

Moreover, with the global population projected to peak to 10 billion within this century, the strain on food systems is growing. Urbanization, the loss of arable land, and unsustainable farming practices further complicate the situation.

  • 3.1 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet.
  • 10% of the global population suffers from hunger.
  • 2 million children die annually due to malnutrition.

ICL is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. Through its broad portfolio of innovative solutions—including advanced fertilizers, biostimulants, and next-generation agtech and food tech solutions—ICL is helping create a more secure and resilient global food system.— from optimizing crop yields, improving soil health, and supporting sustainable food production—to create a more secure and resilient global food system.

ICL’s Unique Role in Advancing Food Security

“Every day, I am deeply proud to be part of a company that directly impacts the food security of 400 million people globally, especially in times of growing food scarcity. Our mission, utilizing the minerals we extract, is not just about business; it’s about serving a critical need in society. It’s a privilege to contribute to such a vital cause.”

— Lilach Geva Harel

EVP, Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer

ICL is a global leader in providing innovative solutions that enhance food security and sustainability. Through its production of advanced fertilizers, digital agriculture platforms, plant-based proteins and food-grade phosphates, ICL is making a significant impact on global food supply chains. With an annual production of 60 million tons of fertilizers, ICL is directly responsible for:

  • 190 billion meals each year.
  • Meeting the caloric needs of 175 million people annually.

Additionally, ICL’s food-grade phosphates improve the quality and shelf life of 43 million tons of food, which translates to:

  • 230 billion meals annually.
  • Supporting the caloric needs of 210 million people every year.

ICL’s 2023 ESG report offers valuable insights into how the company’s innovative products and technologies are transforming the global food industry and addressing food security. By aligning with emerging food tech trends, ICL continues to drive sustainability and shape the future of agriculture.

ICL’s commitment to food security extends beyond its core products. Agmatix, an ICL startup, is pioneering digital agriculture platforms that provide farmers with data-driven insights to optimize productivity, reduce costs, and improve crop quality.

Moreover, ICL Planet Startup Hub, the company’s corporate investment arm, is investing in breakthrough technologies through partnerships with visionary startups, including:

  • Agrematch uses AI to discover sustainable bioactive compounds for agriculture.
  • Arkeon GmbH, is an innovator converting CO2 directly into protein ingredients, revolutionizing the food industry.
  • Protera, an AI-driven company developing sustainable proteins to meet future food demands.
  • Plantible Foods, which harnesses the nutrient-rich plant Lemna to produce functional plant-based proteins.
  • Lavie Bio, focused on AI-based microbial bio-stimulants and bio-pesticides to boost agricultural productivity.
  • CropX, which provides real-time soil data analytics to help farmers optimize water and nutrient use.

Together, ICL, Agmatix, and ICL Planet are advancing sustainable agricultural practices that not only address current food security challenges but also pave the way for a more resilient global food system.

Innovative ICL Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture and Advancing Food Security

As the global population continues to rise and the demand for food grows, sustainable agriculture is more critical than ever. ICL is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that not only increase agricultural productivity but also ensure long-term sustainability. Through a combination of advanced fertilizers, precision farming technologies, and resource-efficient practices, ICL is working to protect and enhance the environment while meeting the world’s food needs.

One of ICL’s key contributions to sustainable agriculture is its BIOZ biostimulant line, which helps crops mitigate the effects of environmental stress, improving resilience, nutrient uptake, and ultimately, crop yields. Tailored to specific crop needs, BIOZ ensures sustainable growth even under challenging conditions.

ICL has also pioneered controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), including eqo.x and eqo.s, which feature a first-of-its-kind biodegradable coating. This innovation improves nutrient use efficiency by synchronizing nutrient release with plant demand, significantly reducing nutrient runoff, and minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Another notable innovation is Puraloop, ICL’s recycled phosphorus fertilizer. Puraloop exemplifies the circular economy by recycling phosphorus from waste streams, reducing reliance on non-renewable phosphate rock, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) are another key solution. Designed for fertigation systems, these fertilizers enhance nutrient availability while reducing losses through leaching or runoff. This approach ensures crops receive precise nutrient doses, optimizing growth while minimizing waste.

Together, ICL’s innovative solutions—such as CRFs, BIOZ biostimulants, water-soluble fertilizers, and Puraloop—are empowering farmers to adopt more efficient and sustainable practices. By leveraging these technologies, ICL is addressing current food security challenges and paving the way for a more resilient global food system.

ICL: Combining Global Reach with International Partnerships

Achieving global food security requires more than innovative products and empowering farmers—it calls for a holistic, collaborative approach. ICL recognizes the importance of working with global organizations to build a resilient food system that can withstand environmental challenges and meet the growing demands of the global population.

Global Collaboration

ICL actively engages in international partnerships that advance sustainability and food security. One key collaboration is with NASA Harvest, a global food security consortium that uses satellite data to monitor agricultural conditions and improve resilience. In conjunction with Agmatix, this partnership is focused on creating a scalable sustainability index to optimize carbon outputs and enhance sustainable farming practices.

ICL also collaborates with Haldor Topsoe to optimize potassium nitrate supply and distribution, contributing to more efficient agri-nutrient operations. Through its partnership with Zhejiang AMP International, ICL has expanded the development and distribution of water-soluble fertilizers (WSF) and polysulphate products in China.

In collaboration with the ARO Volcani Center, ICL developed FruitMag™, a mineral-based post-harvest treatment that extends the shelf life and improves the quality of citrus fruits. ICL is also working with Kebotix to explore the use of artificial intelligence in discovering new molecules for sustainable applications, such as flame retardants.

Food Specialties

ICL’s Food Specialties division plays a critical role in building a sustainable food system and supporting global food security by developing innovative solutions that cater to evolving consumer needs and industry demands:

  • Alternative Proteins: With rising demand for plant-based and clean-label food options, ICL offers advanced solutions for vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian markets. These solutions enable the creation of meat and cheese alternatives with improved taste, texture, and appearance while maintaining a low environmental footprint.
  • Shelf-Life Extension: ICL’s phosphate-based additives play a crucial role in prolonging the shelf life of meat, poultry, and seafood products, reducing food waste, and supporting a more sustainable food supply chain.
  • Texture Improvement: The texture is one of the most important aspects of the food we consume. ICL’s solutions for the meat, bakery, dairy, beverage, and vegan industries ensure optimal texture without compromising on taste or nutritional quality.
  • Fermentation and Nutrient Optimization: Di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP), a key nutrient in ICL’s portfolio, ensures optimal yeast performance during fermentation, contributing to consistent quality in fermented food and beverage products.
  • Functional Dairy Solutions: Prolactal, a subsidiary of ICL, produces organic milk and whey derivatives, supporting clean label and GMO-free dairy products.

By leveraging these food specialty solutions, ICL is enhancing sustainability across the food value chain, from field to fork.

ICL’s Planet Startup Hub Partnerships

ICL is also driving innovation through strategic partnerships with companies like Agrematch, Arkeon GmbH, Protera, and Plantible Foods. These collaborations focus on areas like AI-driven protein design, CO2-to-protein conversion, and plant-based proteins, contributing to a more sustainable food system.

By forging strong alliances and investing in cutting-edge research and development, ICL is building a resilient food system that addresses today’s challenges while preparing for future uncertainties. These global collaborations help ICL and its partners lead the way in shaping a secure, sustainable food supply for the world.

Looking Beyond World Food Day

World Food Day serves as an important reminder of the ongoing global challenge to ensure that every person has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. However, ICL’s commitment to this cause goes far beyond a single day. Through its innovative solutions, sustainable agricultural practices, and global partnerships, ICL is driving real change year-round.

From its cutting-edge fertilizers and digital platforms like Agmatix to its innovative food specialty solutions and partnerships with ICL Planet Startup Hub portfolio companies, ICL is helping to build a resilient food system that not only addresses today’s food security challenges but also prepares for the future. These efforts empower farmers, foster sustainability, and promote technologies that are crucial for feeding a growing global population.

As we commemorate World Food Day, ICL’s work continues—shaping a future where food security is achieved not just for the present, but for future generations. Join ICL in its mission to create a world where everyone can thrive, every day of the year.

Hadar Sutovsky, ICL VP of Corporate Investments & General Manager of ICL Planet

This post was written in cooperation with

Hadar Sutovsky, ICL VP of Corporate Investments & General Manager of ICL Planet

Hadar combines extensive expertise in startup investments, venture capital, incubation, innovation, and global business development across international sectors, with a focus on Climate, Sustainable Agriculture, and Foodtech. Prior to ICL, Hadar served as a Managing Partner at Aquagro Fund, a dedicated impact investment management firm.  Along her professional path, Hadar led Innovation and investments in areas of AgriFood & Sustainability for the Global Unilever Open Innovation Hub in TLV and Frutarom. Hadar holds an MBA in Strategy and Innovation and MSc in Molecular Microbiology & Biotechnology from Tel Aviv University.  Beyond her professional endeavors, she generously volunteers as a certified Yoga teacher to contribute to the community. Hadar is married and resides in Tel Aviv. For more info follow Hadar on LinkedIn and ICL Planet website.

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