IAEA And OCP Group Launch Partnership To Strengthen Global Food Security And Soil Health
By Cyber Era NG Reporters
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition solutions, have launched a five-year strategic partnership to accelerate scientific innovation for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. This collaboration will directly support the Atoms4Food initiative.
Under the agreement, the IAEA and OCP Group will launch a coordinated research project (CRP) applying nuclear and isotopic techniques to improve fertilizer efficiency, enhance crop nutritional quality and reinforce the sustainability of food systems. The project is designed to deliver practical, on‑the‑ground benefits for farmers, particularly in regions facing acute food security challenges.
“This partnership with OCP represents an important advancement in how strategic collaboration can amplify the impact of our Atoms4Food initiative”, IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated. “OCP’s significant commitment and on-the-ground expertise, combined with the IAEA’s unique expertise in nuclear techniques, will translate advanced science into practical solutions for farmers. Together, we will generate the evidence and tools needed to use fertilizers more efficiently, cultivate more nutritious crops and strengthen climate-resilient food systems, particularly in the regions that need them most.”
Research will focus on optimizing the management of key macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as essential micronutrients including zinc, iron and selenium. Using isotopic techniques, the project will generate robust data to support the “4Rs” of nutrient stewardship – using the right source, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place – providing farmers with actionable, evidence-based guidance.
“This collaboration marks a strategic milestone for OCP Group and a major step forward in our mission to strengthen global food security”, stated Chief Global Affairs Officer of OCP Group Meriem El Asraoui. “By combining the IAEA’s world-class expertise with OCP Group’s deep experience and groundbreaking innovations in plant and soil nutrition, we will generate transformative knowledge, support researchers and farmers on the ground and advance agricultural practices that deliver higher yields, better nutrition and long‑term environmental stewardship.”
Benefits for IAEA Member States
This partnership will generate high-quality data to inform public policy, guide fertilizer innovation and support the transition to climate- and nature-positive agriculture. It will also reinforce scientific cooperation between Africa, the IAEA and global research networks, helping countries adopt nutrient stewardship best practices that improve soil health and crop yields at scale, directly contributing to global food security.
