Crop protection and postharvest preservation for a more sustainable agriculture

AgroSustain, a company founded in 2018 as a spin-off from the University of Lausanne, develops solutions for crop protection and fresh produce preservation focused on reducing conventional treatments, maintaining yields, and cutting fruit and vegetable losses along the supply chain. Its comprehensive approach covers both the cultivation phase and the postharvest stage.

Field innovation against climate stress

During the production phase, the company has developed Tornado, a physical barrier technology that forms an ultra-thin layer on the plant surface. This barrier helps seal micro-wounds while maintaining natural gas exchange, improving the crop's ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions—such as heat, drought, and salinity—while reducing reliance on conventional agricultural treatments.

Field trials conducted on grape crops across diverse European conditions—including Spain, France, Italy, and Switzerland—have demonstrated yield increases of up to 20% under climate stress, alongside reductions of up to 50% in specific conventional treatments. The goal is to cut agricultural inputs without compromising crop productivity.

Grape clusters treated with AgroSustain’s Tornado physical barrier technology, designed to improve crop resilience against climate stress and reduce conventional treatments by up to 50%

This approach aligns directly with SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by striving to maintain agricultural yields under increasingly demanding environmental conditions, and with SDG 13: Climate Action, through its focus on adapting crops to climate-related stress. It is also linked to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting a measurable reduction in conventional chemical inputs within farming systems.

Edible coating and postharvest efficiency

AgroSustain’s action continues after harvest with Afondo, an edible coating made from food-grade ingredients that creates an invisible physical barrier on the surface of fruits and vegetables. This layer limits water loss and preserves product quality, extending commercial shelf life without interfering with natural ripening, and can be seamlessly integrated into standard packinghouse equipment via spraying or dipping systems.

Extending shelf life reduces spoilage and food waste during storage, transit, and retail. Furthermore, these solutions can reduce or replace conventional postharvest treatments and, for suitable produce, enable a shift from air to sea freight by providing extra time to keep products in optimal commercial condition.

By linking preharvest crop protection with postharvest preservation, the company maximizes the resources invested in cultivation and aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, driven by the research-intensive and technological nature of its solutions. Overall, AgroSustain focuses on protecting crops, cutting reliance on conventional treatments, and extending fresh produce shelf life throughout the supply chain.

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