Use of Renewable Resources Towards the Sustainable Production of Crop Protection Agents

Abstract

Today, the production of food accounts for roughly one quarter of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Since the 1970s, thanks to substantial research and development, the overall yield output in farm fields has increased by ca. 60%, while the net use of crop protection agents per square meter of farm field has been reduced by more than 90%. The development of modern crop protection agents remains an important need as new pests, diseases and weeds continue to affect crops. The vast majority of these effective solutions are manufactured using raw materials that ultimately come from fossil resources. In this article, we are touring within the agrochemical landscape to provide the reader with an overview of concrete examples on how in this industrial field, renewable and sustainable raw materials have been used to produce active ingredients. We are also discussing the opportunities for future development as well as some of the challenges and needs that are emerging.