OCP Nutricrops, Arvalis, Intercéréales, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) announced on Wednesday in Meknès the signing of a scientific and technical collaboration contract to promote rational plant nutrition and sustainable soil management in the face of climate change.
Signed on the sidelines of the 17th edition of the International Agriculture Show in Morocco (SIAM), this partnership continues the memorandum of understanding signed in October 2024, which laid the groundwork for cooperation in agronomic research, nutrition, soil health, and adaptation to climate change, according to a joint statement.
An alliance for sustainable agronomic solutions
This collaboration marks a structural step towards the co-construction of science-based solutions that align with field realities. It includes the implementation of experiments, the development of decision-support tools, and the creation of common recommendations for rational fertilization, balancing agronomic performance and environmental requirements.
A three-year research program (2025–2028) is thus launched, focusing on three axes: agronomic trials in France, both in stations and under real operating conditions, the development of personalized fertilization plans based on scientific criteria, and the creation of educational content to facilitate the adoption of results by farmers.
The program is based on the principles of the “4Rs” (the right nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place) and a differentiated management of nutrients. This approach allows for precise responses to plant needs, limits losses, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and improves the nutritional quality of crops while supporting productivity.
Restoring soil health to enhance agricultural resilience
Soil health is at the heart of agricultural sustainability. The four partner institutions are committed to promoting practices that can sustainably improve soil fertility and their ability to cope with climatic hazards.
Thus, the program aims to reduce emissions related to inappropriate fertilization practices by offering scientifically-based, measurable alternatives that are compatible with the economic realities of farmers.
The results of this work will gradually be transferred to the field through demonstration devices and training actions to facilitate large-scale adoption.
By relying on a rigorous scientific approach and tailored solutions, this collaboration concretely contributes to sustainable agriculture (Sustainable Development Goal -SDG- 13), productive and resilient (SDG 2).
A common scientific foundation between Europe and Africa
This alliance is fully aligned with OCP Nutricrops’ international strategy, a global player in plant nutrition and soil health.
By collaborating with major players in the European agricultural sector, the Moroccan company asserts its desire to contribute to the emergence of a common scientific framework between the North and the South in support of food sovereignty, agricultural competitiveness, nutrition, and adaptation to climate change.
OCP Nutricrops is a subsidiary of the OCP Group dedicated to developing soil and plant nutrition solutions to address global challenges in food production and sustainability.
Arvalis, an applied agricultural research organization in France, is the largest and primary technical reference for major crops.
Intercéréales, for its part, is the representative inter-professional organization in France for cereals, bringing together all economic actors in the sector: production, collection/marketing, and primary processing actors.
MAP