The future of global food systems depends on bold action and innovative solutions. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has defined a clear path forward with its Four Betters Framework—a transformative strategy to build sustainable agrifood systems that are resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sound.
At the forefront of this effort is ICL Group, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to align with the FAO’s Four Betters and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From advanced fertilizers to precision agriculture, ICL is empowering farmers, restoring ecosystems, and driving impactful change on a global scale.
The Four Betters Framework
Introduced by the FAO, the Four Betters Framework simplifies the challenge of transforming global agrifood systems into four actionable pillars:
- Better Production
- Better Nutrition
- Better Environment
- Better Life
Together, these pillars form a vision for food systems that are resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sound. The framework’s emphasis on continuous improvement aligns with ICL’s approach to sustainable innovation—leveraging clean technologies, promoting responsible practices, and boosting agricultural productivity without compromising biodiversity or equity.
These efforts support key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 13: Climate Action
Through this alignment, ICL is helping advance to a more sustainable, equitable, and food-secure future—where “better” is a guiding principle, not a fixed target.
Better Production
The foundation of sustainable food systems begins with Better Production—increasing agricultural productivity without depleting natural resources or compromising the environment. This pillar is critical to ensuring global food security while safeguarding biodiversity.
ICL’s Innovative AgTech Solutions
ICL is driving agricultural innovation through precision farming and digital platforms that empower farmers to make data-driven decisions. These solutions optimize crop plans, enhance seed selection, and boost crop yields while reducing costs and environmental impact. By enabling more efficient use of resources, ICL is transforming how agriculture meets the challenges of today and tomorrow.
ICL Planet Startups: Revolutionizing Agriculture
Through its Planet Startup Hub, ICL is collaborating with pioneering companies to develop advanced technologies:
- CropX: An AI-driven farm management system that integrates real-time field data with agronomic insights to maximize productivity and sustainability.
- Agrematch: A platform powered by AI that accelerates the discovery of innovative agricultural solutions, significantly cutting development time and costs.
- Arkeon GmbH: A groundbreaking company creating edible proteins from carbon dioxide through a revolutionary fermentation process, epitomizing circular sustainability.
Impact of ICL Fertilizers
As one of the world’s leading fertilizer manufacturers, ICL is enhancing food production on a massive scale:
- Enabling over 60 million tons of increased agricultural output annually.
- Feeding over 400 million people daily.
- Improving the quality and longevity of 43 million tons of food, equivalent to 250 billion meals.
By aligning with the FAO’s Four Betters Framework, ICL is advancing the goals of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). These efforts ensure that productivity gains are sustainable, equitable, and environmentally responsible.
Better Nutrition
Access to nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food is a cornerstone of global health and well-being. The Better Nutrition pillar focuses on improving food quality and accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations. ICL is playing a pivotal role in advancing this goal through its innovative solutions and partnerships.
Enhancing Food Quality with Advanced Fertilizers
ICL’s nutrient-rich fertilizers not only improve crop yields but also enhance the nutritional quality of the food produced. By ensuring optimal nutrient delivery to plants, these solutions contribute to healthier harvests and improved food security across regions facing acute hunger and malnutrition.
ICL Planet Startups: Driving Food Innovation
ICL’s Planet Startup Hub supports cutting-edge companies that are redefining food production:
- Protera: Harnessing proprietary algorithms and the madi™ platform to unlock the functionality of proteins, Protera is revolutionizing nutrient availability and sustainable food production.
- Plantible Foods: Utilizing lemna, a nutrient-dense aquatic plant, Plantible Foods creates alternative protein sources that are sustainable, scalable, and ethically produced.
Tackling Global Food Challenges
These innovations are part of ICL’s broader efforts to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity. From developing climate-resilient crops to improving soil health and irrigation efficiency, ICL is helping increase access to nutritious food.
This work aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), reinforcing ICL’s commitment to deliver solutions across the entire nutrition spectrum—from field to fork. It also reflects ICL’s focus on sustainable food trends, helping turn emerging ideas into scalable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Better Environment
A sustainable future depends on restoring ecosystems, safeguarding biodiversity, and minimizing the environmental impact of human activity. The Better Environment pillar focuses on addressing the challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and ecosystem degradation through innovative and responsible solutions. At ICL, sustainability is at the heart of every operation.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
ICL is committed to ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions:
- 22.2% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions since 2018.
- Aiming for 30% reduction by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
To achieve these milestones, ICL integrates advanced technologies such as renewable energy systems and energy-efficient processes across its operations.
Pioneering Circular Economy Practices
ICL is transforming waste into value through circular economy initiatives:
- Puraloop®: A groundbreaking phosphorus recycling solution that converts sewage sludge ash into high-quality fertilizers. This innovation reduces waste, supports resource efficiency, and enhances soil health.
- Recycling materials to create sustainable fertilizers aligns with ICL’s commitment to reducing dependency on virgin resources.
Water Conservation and Sustainable Farming
ICL promotes innovative water management solutions to protect this vital resource:
- Platforms like CropX enable precision irrigation, reducing water use and preventing runoff that harms ecosystems.
- Water conservation efforts in 2023 led to an 11% decrease in freshwater withdrawal.
Global Impact and SDG Alignment
ICL’s Better Environment initiatives directly contribute to:
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Promoting water efficiency and sustainable usage.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): Reducing emissions and advancing renewable energy.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): Restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.
By embedding environmental stewardship into its business strategy, ICL is driving meaningful change and helping to create a healthier planet.
Better Life
Agriculture is not just about feeding the world—it’s about building stronger communities and creating opportunities for a better quality of life. The Better Life pillar focuses on improving livelihoods, fostering social inclusion, and ensuring equity for all, particularly for rural and agricultural communities. ICL’s efforts extend beyond technology and innovation to touch the lives of those at the heart of global food production.
Empowering Farmers with Advanced Technologies
ICL equips farmers with tools and knowledge to make agriculture more efficient and profitable:
- GROWERS: A digital platform connecting farmers with retailers and manufacturers, streamlining decision-making and increasing profitability.
- Agmatix: Provides AI-driven agronomic insights, helping farmers optimize crop management and achieve better yields.
- Lavie Bio: Develops biostimulants and biological solutions to enhance soil health and crop resilience, promoting long-term sustainability for farming communities.
Strengthening Communities
ICL invests in social programs and outreach initiatives to improve the well-being of agricultural communities:
- Supporting education and skills development to empower the next generation of farmers.
- Promoting equitable access to advanced farming tools and techniques, ensuring small-scale farmers benefit from the latest innovations.
Reducing Inequalities
ICL’s commitment to sustainability includes addressing socio-economic inequalities:
- Providing opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in agricultural and rural settings.
- Supporting rural development to combat urban migration, fostering thriving, multi-generational farming communities.
Aligned with Global Goals
ICL’s Better Life initiatives directly contribute to:
- SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural livelihoods.
- SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Promoting social equity and reducing disparities within farming communities.
Through its Better Life efforts, ICL is fostering resilient agricultural ecosystems and vibrant rural economies, ensuring that farming becomes not just sustainable but also equitable and rewarding.
Conclusion
ICL’s commitment to the FAO’s Four Betters Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is transforming the global food system. With cutting-edge innovations in fertilizers, biostimulants like BIOZ and BOAZ, and sustainable phosphate applications, ICL is feeding millions daily while advancing agricultural practices that respect the environment and protect future generations.
Through the ICL Planet Startup Hub, collaborations with visionary companies like Protera, Arkeon, and others are delivering groundbreaking solutions that redefine what’s possible in agriculture. Through these partnerships, ICL and its collaborators are working to address some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture and food security.
ICL is not just keeping pace with the latest agricultural trends; it is setting them. By pioneering technologies and aligning its strategies with the FAO’s Four Betters, ICL is creating a future where sustainable agriculture meets the demands of a growing population without compromising planetary health.
Lasting change comes through collaboration. By working together across sectors, we can build more sustainable and equitable food systems for future generations.
