Rabat — Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) has announced the signing of an agreement with OCP Group, including OCP Nutricrops, OCP Fertilizers as well as the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).
The Brazilian company issued a statement on Monday, saying that the agreement seeks to strengthen research and development in sustainable agriculture.
“This initiative represents the strengthening of joint efforts that will benefit research in both Brazil and Morocco, countries whose potential will contribute to the exchange of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions or future scenarios,” the company quoted Embrapa President Silvia Massruha as saying.
Former Brazilian agricultural minister Roberto Rodrigues expressed satisfaction with the agreement, citing the challenges of food insecurity and climate change that are affecting communities across the world.
Recalling Brazil’s importance as a “leader in sustainable tropical technology,” Rodrigues talked about the benefits of the partnership between Embrapa and Morocco in tackling similar challenges.
“And Morocco is the African country that has the broadest institutional concern regarding agriculture, science, and technology. So, a partnership between a Brazilian company… will certainly yield unmistakable results.”
CEO of OCP Fertilizers Marcos Stelzer also expressed OCP Group’s commitment to advancing sustainability and prosperity in agriculture in Brazil, Morocco, and across the world.
“At OCP, we remain committed to placing the needs of rural producers at the center of everything we do,” Stelzer said, reaffirming the importance of combining knowledge and know-how from the company and cutting-edge solutions with Embrapa’s globally recognized expertise.
“Our goal is to empower farmers to increase the yield and nutritional quality of their crops, ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for people and the environment,” Stelzer added.
Youssef El Bari, CEO of OCP Nutricrops echoed the same sentiment shared by Stelzer, noting that the master research agreement represents OCP’s commitment to using science and innovation to promote more sustainable, resilient, and productive agriculture.
“By combining research and industry, this collaboration reflects our joint dedication to developing customized scientific solutions that meet the needs of farmers and contribute to global food security,” El Bari added.
For his part, UM6P’s President Hicham El Habti outlined that the agreement is part of a “global vision, where science and innovation are essential pillars for the sustainable transformation of agricultural systems.”
UM6P also renewed its determination to bolster the most advanced knowledge and technologies to build a “future where agriculture is a driver of prosperity, resilience, and balance for our planet.”
Under the agreement, the partners seek to develop innovative fertilizers, application of digital agriculture techniques as well as the biofortification of crops.
The program also seeks to facilitate academic exchanges and enhance the capabilities of research and students from both countries, the statement added.
This is in line with OCP’s vision to tackle challenges related to food insecurity in Africa and across the world.
The group has been strengthening its position through different programs and initiatives that seek to support food security in Africa and worldwide, as well as promoting fertilizer use to contribute to the continent’s yields and soil health.
