# How Hydrogen (H\({}_{2}\)) Can Support Food Security: From Farm to Fork
## 7 Future Perspectives and Conclusions  
Reducing food waste and cutting costs is a primary concern for food security and the agri-food industry [73; 74]. To better assess the potential for H\({}_{2}\) to support food growth, distribution and production industries, large-scale, in-field research, along with further empirical investigations into the primary, secondary and, perhaps, tertiary effects of H\({}_{2}\) applications will be advantageous. It may also be prudent to analyse whether heritable traits are affected by long-term H\({}_{2}\) usage. This could involve understanding the epigenetic context, hormone regulation, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. Recent studies, such as the one conducted by [PERSON] et al. (2021), have identified that HNW is suitable for irrigating crops [17]; therefore, it may be propitious to focus on this aspect of H\({}_{2}\) production when considering pre-harvest administration. For post-harvest applications, comparative analyses of whether treatment with HRW/HNW or H\({}_{2}\) gas, and at what stage in the distribution chain application is most effective, would be beneficial. It is not only the efficacy of hydrogen treatments that must be scrutinised, but the cost-effectiveness, sustainability and long-term benefits of treatment must also be assessed. The cost of established 'green' hydrogen production technologies has been estimated to be 0.7-1.4 GBP/W for alkaline water electrolysis and 0.8-2.2 GBP/W for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis [75; 76]. However, as such production costs are influenced by commercial innovation and investment, and the interest in H\({}_{2}\)-producing technologies is growing internationally, it is likely such costs will be reduced as H\({}_{2}\) technology becomes more efficient over time. In addition to the purchase and maintenance costs, an assessment of the durability and longevity of commercial units versus conventional treatments and processes will also need to be considered. To summarise both the risks and benefits of commercial H\({}_{2}\) usage in the agri-food industry, Table 4 provides an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for incorporating H\({}_{2}\) into the agri-food chain. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{l l l l l} \hline \hline  & **Strengths** & **Weaknesses** & **Opportunities** & **Threats** \\ \hline
**HRW/HNW** & & & & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Irrigation} & Can be used in multiple stages of & & & \\  & plant development (Germination, & & \\  & Growth) & Retention of H\({}_{2}\) & Agriculture & Unknown costs for large-scale \\  & Low maintenance & & & \\  & Measurable dosing & & & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Topical} & Can be used pre- and post-harvest & & & \\  & May reduce post-harvest spoilage & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \hline \multicolumn{4}{l}{H\({}_{2}\) Gas} \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Drying} & Can be used with a wide range of & & & \\  & products & & & \\  & Relatively easy to incorporate into & & & \\  & established processes & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{Packaging} & Can be used with a wide range of & & & \\  & products & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Measurable dosing & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & Relatively easy to incorporate into & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & established processes & & & \\ \hline \multirow{4}{*}{**Soil** & **Supplement** & Low maintenance & Unknown H\({}_{2}\) levels & Agriculture & Unknown long-term effects of \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \cline{1-1}  & & & & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 4: A SWOT analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to incorporating H\({}_{2}\) into the agri-food chain. In conclusion, via regulating antioxidant, hormonal and microbial activity, a wealth of evidence is accumulating strongly indicating that H\({}_{2}\) may be an effective fertiliser, microbial deterrent and preserving agent for edible produce (Tables 1-3).