In recent years, the steady decline of global agricultural production and crop yields has raised 
fears that one day the world may be unable to grow enough food to feed the population 
adequately. The effects of climate change and population growth have contributed to this grim 
scenario. Serious problems already exist in some States at both national and local levels, and 
the current situation may even worsen unless States undertake concerted efforts to address the 
problem. There is an urgent need to examine technologies that can greatly improve and 
increase crop production and ensure the preservation of the products until they reach 
consumers. 
Radiation technology has long been recognized as a process that can degrade, graft and 
crosslink polymers to fabricate novel value added products. Considering the crucial role that 
radiation technology plays in the production of commodities aimed at increasing crop yields 
and consequently preserving these crops, the IAEA and its Member States have initiated and 
supported projects related to the radiation processing of polymers for agricultural 
applications. Completed projects include the coordinating research project (CRP) 
Development of Radiation Processed Products of Natural Polymers for Application in 
Agriculture, Healthcare, Industry and Environment (20082012) and RCA RAS/8/109 
Supporting Radiation Processing of Polymeric Materials for Agricultural Applications and 
Environmental Remediation (20092012). Currently active projects include the CRP 
Application of Radiation Technology in the Development of Advanced Packaging Materials 
for Food Products. 
The technical meeting on Radiation Processed Materials in Products from Polymers for 
Agricultural Applications was held from 8 to 12 July 2013 at the IAEA. The meeting 
provided a forum for the sharing of practical experiences and lessons learned. This 
publication is a result of this meeting, and it reviews the recent developments in the use of 
radiation technologies for the preparation of green products based on polymers for 
agricultural applications.