Brazil and Morocco partner to advance sustainable agriculture research

The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Morocco’s OCP Group—through its subsidiaries OCP Fertilizers and OCP Nutricrops—and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to expand research and development in sustainable agriculture, according to an announcement made by Embrapa on Monday, February 24.

The signing ceremony took place at the university’s campus in Benguérir, Morocco, in the presence of representatives from all partner institutions, including Embrapa’s president, Silvia Massruhá. She stated that the partnership aims to develop innovative solutions to address the increasing challenges of food security and sustainable resource management.

“This collaboration deepens scientific exchanges between Brazil and Morocco, two nations whose respective strengths will foster the emergence of new approaches and innovations tailored to contemporary agricultural challenges,” Massruhá said while leading Embrapa’s delegation during their visit to Morocco.

The agreement outlines collaborative efforts in several key areas, including the transfer of advanced agricultural technologies, the training of researchers and students, and optimizing soil nutrient use. It also emphasizes the development of next-generation fertilizers, the promotion of digital agriculture, crop biofortification, and the integration of circular economy principles into agricultural systems. Academic exchanges are also planned to strengthen the expertise of researchers and students from both countries.

“By combining our expertise and technological solutions with Embrapa’s globally recognized knowledge, we aim to equip farmers with tools to improve both the yield and nutritional quality of their crops, ensuring resilience and prosperity for future generations,” said Marcos Stelzer, the managing director of OCP Fertilizers. Roberto Rodrigues, a former Brazilian Minister of Agriculture and now a consultant for OCP, was also among the key figures attending the event.

The Embrapa delegation will remain in Morocco until February 26, with a packed agenda that includes site visits and working sessions. Highlights include reviewing pilot farm experiments in Marrakech, scientific exchanges in Benguérir, and a visit to OCP’s mining facilities in the region. The delegation will also explore the Jorf Lasfar port, home to the world’s largest fertilizer production complex operated by OCP.