Breakthrough technologies are beginning to transform every aspect of the global food supply chain, from field level operations to retail and distribution, and the implementation of viable carbon net-zero strategies.
This article gives an overview of how digital and environmental science tools like AI, life‑cycle analysis and carbon‑labeling are optimizing the entire food‑system and bringing in a new era of transparency, sustainability and data-based decision making. New technologies are also ensuring long term food security – particularly through the increased availability of “low-carbon proteins” – for a rapidly expanding world population. It also features a selection of companies that are pioneering different food tech solutions and driving innovation across the wider Food Tech sector.
The Role of AI in Developing Sustainable Nutrition
AI – generative and predictive – is emerging as one of the key enablers in the development of sustainable nutrition and alternative protein inputs. Farmers and agronomists are increasingly benefiting from platforms that use AI and machine learning to leverage data gained from satellite imagery, drones and other IoT devices to implement precision irrigation, nutrition and crop protection solutions.
CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks), RNNs (Recurrent Neural Networks), and LSTMs (Long Short-Term Memory networks) permit highly sophisticated analysis of spatial and temporal data to allow adaptive yield predictions. On a research level, AI algorithms are transforming the genetic engineering of proteins and enabling the precision fermentation of microbes to create high quality edible proteins. AI also predicts yields for modified seeds and can optimize extraction and processing techniques to achieve optimal protein content in foodstuffs like flour. AI also optimizes the downstream end of the supply chain, improving logistics and distribution, predicting consumer demand and reducing wastage.
Life‑Cycle Assessments and Environmental Impact
A life-cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a crop or food product across its entire life cycle, through land use, planting and growth, harvesting and processing, distribution, retail and waste disposal. An holistic assessment that accurately measures the environmental impact of irrigation, fertilization, farm vehicle fuel consumption, and every other factor, allows genuine and verifiable transparency with regard to sustainability. Reliable LCAs permit strategic decision making about crop choices and identify areas within the food supply chain that require improvement.
Achieving Standardization through Collaborative Platforms and Consortia
A high level of standardization is essential to achieve sustainability in agriculture. Diverse stakeholders need to operate and make assessments according to common definitions, metrics, data standards, and agreed best practices. These can be applied on a regulatory level, or through investor or industry backed networks. Once there is alignment on benchmarks and frameworks, growers and retailers – and consumers – can accurately compare the carbon footprints of proteins and identify genuinely “low carbon proteins”. As consumer awareness grows, all carbon claims must be science-backed and subject to full transparency.
Major Innovators in the Sustainable Nutrition Sector
Benson Hill, Inc
Benson Hill is a Missouri based seed innovation company that leverages the natural genetic diversity of seeds to create optimal nutritional outcomes. Benson Hill is a leader in the utilization of proprietary genetics and AI-driven seed breeding, and has a strong focus on sustainability and delivering full supply chain traceability. Benson Hill technologies include platforms and tech stacks like eMERGE® Genetics, CropOS® and Crop Accelerator™. These technologies have led to innovations like ultra high protein soybeans (for high protein flour), yellow peas with an enhanced protein content. Benson Hill also develops low-carbon animal and aquatic feeds that contribute indirectly to a stronger food supply chain.
ICL Group
ICL Group is a leading specialty minerals company and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of fertilizers by volume. The company leverages its mineral expertise, and other advanced technologies, to innovate across the AgTech and FoodTech sectors. Agmatix is an agro informatics company that is part of ICL’s AgTech digital solutions. The Agronomic Software Suite contains a variety of digital tools that can help growers to maximize protein‑crop yields with minimal inputs. Agmatix’s Agronomic Trial Management tool is particularly useful for collaboration between stakeholders conducting on-farm experiments and field trials. Agmatix also offers predictive (AI and ML) modelling and insights, and a Sustainable Agriculture platform that can provide powerful inputs for sustainable nutrition innovation.
SunOpta, Inc
SunOpta is a multinational food and beverages company, founded in Canada and based in the US. It has a strong focus on plant and fruit based organic foods and a corporate culture and outlook that was already highly receptive to the concept of sustainable nutrition. SunOpta has a range of non-dairy milk alternatives that obtain protein from soy, almonds and oats. Innovations include OatGold™, an upcycled oat protein powder that is used in breakfast cereal and Soy Supreme Fiber‑Reduced powders. The company’s soy-derived Okara powder is another low-carbon protein that is nutrient-dense and sustainably produced. SunOpta technologies are providing improved consumer choice and creating commercially viable examples of low-carbon proteins.
Arcadia Biosciences
Arcadia Biosciences is a California based company focused on agricultural biotechnology and specifically on enhancing the nutritional value of crops. Arcadia Biosciences is pioneering the development of enhanced wheats that provide improved protein and amino acid content, as well as containing a greater density of other essential nutrients. The company’s GoodWheat™ line is also engineered for reduced allergenic gluten content. Arcadia also acquired the rights to Tritordeum, a durum wheat and wild barley hybrid with a high protein content and greater resilience to abiotic stresses for improved sustainability. Wheat and its derivatives are an essential food staple and Arcadia is making a valuable contribution to food security through its innovation.
Conclusion
Companies like ICL Group, Benson Hill and SunOpta are demonstrating that there is clear consumer demand for sustainable nutrition and that emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are making the sector not only commercially viable, but increasingly profitable. Companies that can deliver positive life cycle assessments and align themselves with standardized benchmarks and frameworks can channel technological expertise and innovation into the penetration of new markets. The wider spectrum of sustainable nutrition.
