Swedish startup Cropcision introduces plastic-free fertilizers for sustainable sunflower production

The European sunflower market, a key player in various industries from cooking oil to biodiesel, faces increasing challenges due to climatic stresses and geopolitical disruptions. Cropcision, a Swedish AgTech startup, is stepping up with a solution that could reshape the future of sunflower cultivation. The company’s innovative, plastic-free precision fertilizers are slated for a trial in Spain in 2025, supported by EIT Food, to showcase their effectiveness and sustainability.

The demand for a stable sunflower supply has become more acute following significant production hurdles, including severe weather and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the world’s leading sunflower producer. Recognizing these challenges, Cropcision aims to demonstrate how its next-generation fertilizers can not only meet the European Union’s Farm-to-Fork strategy to reduce fertilizer use by 20% by 2030 but also comply with the upcoming 2028 EU ban on non-biodegradable polymers in agricultural products.

Jonathan Love, CEO and founder of Cropcision, highlighted the dual benefits of their products, “Our precision fertilizers are designed to improve both financial and environmental outcomes for farms, greenhouses, and forests, even in a market dominated by large agribusinesses.”

The trial in Spain will provide a practical demonstration of how precise fertilizer placement can optimize nutrient delivery to the crop rather than weeds, enhancing yield while reducing overall fertilizer use. Cropcision’s technology allows for a controlled release of nutrients in a manner that aligns with plant growth cycles and does not hinder seed germination.

In addition to agricultural applications, Cropcision is also pioneering solutions for other sectors, including forest regeneration. “We have launched Silvivo, a product specifically designed for young forest tree seedlings, which supports early growth and helps meet the biomass demands of a transitioning bio-based economy,” Love explained.

Cropcision’s developments come at a critical time as farms worldwide grapple with volatile fertilizer prices and the pressing need for sustainable practices. By focusing on precision and efficiency, Cropcision is poised to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and economic viability can go hand in hand.