OCP ‘is in the Business of Sustainability’

Rabat- Speaking at the Future of Food and Farming Summit 2022 organized by Politico, OCP Group’s Executive VP of Performance Management, Nada El Mahjoub, said the company is “not threatened by sustainability,” adding that it is a core part of the business.

“We define ourselves as being in the business of sustainability,” El Mahjoub said, adding that OCP endeavors to make the most sustainable fertilizer on the market.

She detailed that the group aims to guarantee sustainability by monitoring its value chain. “It’s not just about bringing more fertilizer out there,” she said during Politico’s conference. “It’s about making sure every single actor uses them wisely.”

El Majdoub adds that in addition to focusing on producing enough food for the world’s population, OCP has also adopted a customization strategy to supply each farmer with the right type and amount of fertilizer for their crop and soil.

The group’s sustainability goal is part of Morocco’s far-reaching investment to support the country’s vital agricultural sector.

Sustainable development ambitions

The North African country aspires to become a pioneer in the field of sustainable development and the green economy.

Several reports shed light on Morocco’s vision, including the World Bank. In 2015, the bank expressed its satisfaction with Morocco’s vision, describing it as “inclusive.” The country seeks to ensure better management of natural resources and introduce strategies for agriculture and fisheries that seek to make the most of limited water resources and fish stocks.

Some of the country’s most recent initiatives included the management of water amid lack of rainfall during the previous agriculture season. The government announced a plan to ration water use in several provinces as part of its plan.

However, much more work is necessary to ensure completely sustainable development. The recent Sustainable Development Report put Morocco in the 84th position worldwide. The ranking shows Morocco marking a double-digit year-on-year drop in the global report, moving from 69th to 84th position.

However, Morocco scored 69 out of 100, which remains higher than the average of 66.7 in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Turbulent market

The COVID-19 crisis, as well as the Russia-Ukraine war, has led to an increase in prices, Al Mahjoub said, due to the supply of fertilizers and ammonia falling in the face of rising demand.

OCP managed to switch its sourcing of ammonia and keep up production to offset the supply-demand issues, she said.

The group has recently gained a strong foothold in the international fertilizer market and reported strong numbers, during a time where international production seems to be waning.

International orientation

OCP has recently amplified its efforts on the continent, hoping to use this accelerated success to secure a long-term continental foothold. Currently, Africa suffers from structural food security issues despite having vast amounts of arable lands.

In addition to the developments in Africa, farmers in the US and Europe have also turned to OCP as a potential competitor for local producers who have announced production cuts this year.

With 70% of the world’s phosphates reserves,–an important ingredient for fertilizers, Morocco hopes to gain a role in achieving food security regionally and internationally, especially as competitors continue to hurt from the Russia-Ukraine war.