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We currently face a unique and challenging global situation characterized by food shortages, commodity crises, and financial crises. As we approach the second half of 2023, investors understandably worry about how to still make profitable investments in these unpredictable times. With these world crises and talk about a major recession awaiting around the corner, investors need to delve deeper to discover how to crisis-proof their portfolios. Shifting investment criteria and focusing on innovative companies that offer solutions to the crises at hand, offer investment possibilities that can thrive in these circumstances

Investors traditionally rely on earnings performance, fundamentals, and technical analysis to identify favorable investments. But, according to a recent report by CNBC in addition to our current market challenges, we are now also facing the biggest rice shortage in 20 years, envisaging a global shortfall of 8.7 million metric tons.

So from an investor’s perspective, a new approach is necessary. So, what should the approach be with this new global situation? Well, with such crises in food and commodities, we must examine companies that can provide solutions to these crises. And innovation is the key factor that can set companies apart and reward investors during crises.

Companies that offer real-world solutions to the food crisis, commodity crisis, and financial crisis are the ones that will prove to be valuable investments. While fundamentals and charts remain important, investors need to dig deeper into a company's track record of innovation and their ability to address the current challenges we face. This includes examining the company's culture of innovation, the revolutionary nature of their solutions, and their responsiveness to the demands of the crises.

To identify innovative companies, investors should conduct thorough research and consider the following steps:

• Explore the company's innovation efforts and initiatives by reading up on their practices and approaches.
• Visit their websites and pay attention to their blogs or "solution pages" to gain insights into their most recent innovative projects, strategies, and solutions.
• Evaluate the company's commitment to innovation, including their current efforts and future plans.

By answering critical questions about a company's innovation culture, its ability to make a difference, and its alignment with the needs of the crises, investors can make informed investment decisions.

In times of crisis, it is essential to assess a company's actions and mindset. This includes considering their attitude toward innovation, their capacity to identify and seize opportunities, and their adaptability to challenging market conditions. Companies that possess technical expertise, sufficient resources, and a proven ability to address the growing food and commodity crises are more likely to weather financial storms successfully. History has shown that adaptable and innovative companies tend to thrive in tough times.

Let's explore 7 innovative companies that are well-positioned to offer solutions during the current food crisis and commodity crisis while also prospering in the face of a financial crisis.

• ICL Group (ICL): A global specialty minerals company and one of the largest fertilizer companies in the world, with over 13,000 employees and 24 R&D centers. ICL’s fertilizers and crop nutrition solutions are helping to increase crop yields, improve plant quality, and enhance soil fertility worldwide. As far as innovation goes, well this company never stops innovating, through their planet Startup Hub, and their groundbreaking solutions such as FuitMag™for fruit preservation and eqo.x, this company is always ahead of the game. They are also deeply committed to sustainability.
• AGCO (AGCO): A manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery, including tractors, combines, and sprayers that help farmers improve productivity and increase crop yields. AGCO also offers precision farming solutions, such as the Fuse® technology that optimizes planting and harvesting practices.
• Titan International (TWI): A manufacturer of wheels, tires, and undercarriage systems that reduces soil compaction and fuel consumption, improving equipment performance to increase food production and reduce waste.
• John Deere (DE): A global leader in the production of agricultural equipment designed to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing waste and environmental impact. John Deere also offers precision agriculture solutions, such as JDLink™ technology, which optimizes operations and reduces costs.
• Valmont Industries (VMI): A global leader in the production of irrigation systems, lighting, and infrastructure products. Valmont Industries' irrigation solutions help conserve water and increase crop yields, while their lighting products promote sustainable energy usage. They also offer crop protection solutions, including pivot-mounted sprinklers that reduce the spread of plant diseases.
• Archer Daniels Midland (ADM): A global producer of food ingredients, animal feed, and biofuels, with products used around the world to feed people and animals. They are also committed to sustainability, with initiatives to reduce water usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Lindsay (LNN): A global producer of irrigation systems, including center pivot and lateral move systems designed to help conserve water and increase crop yields while reducing waste and improving sustainability. Lindsay's FieldNET® technology provides farmers with real-time data and control, optimizing irrigation practices and improving efficiency.

These seven companies are just a few examples of the many organizations working to address the global food crisis by offering innovative solutions that increase productivity, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.