Zero hunger
In 2050 the world population will have grown from 7.5 to 9.1 billion people, which means food production must grow along. The chemical industry can contribute to the goals of ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Farmers worldwide rely on fertilizers to control the quality and yield of the crops. Potato farmers for instance add nitrogen to prevent the plant from dying and potassium to increase the potato quality. Fertilizers continue to be used more efficiently and precise.
Farmers increasingly make use of soil sampling, GPS-based dispensing tractors and even drone inspections when applying fertilizers.
Currently about 50 percent of the world population depends at least partly on fertilizer. Farmers also use crop protection products (also known as pesticides) protect their crops against insects and diseases and improve the harvest. Even with the use of these products, 20-40% of potential food production is lost every year to pests. Without them, the losses could be double.
Chemical substances are also used as feed additives. By improving their feed, livestock can grow more quickly and healthy. At the same time the human meat consumption strains the planet. Therefore, meat substitute products are being developed using chemical substances.
By using chemical preservatives food producers increase the shelf life of food.
With their intimate knowledge of chemical substances and their extensive product portfolios chemical distributors enable farmers and food companies worldwide to feed the world. They help them to increase their production and to develop innovative products.