Rabat, October 29, 2024 – OCP Nutricrops, the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P),
Intercéréales-France, and Arvalis announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in agronomic research and agricultural development.
This MoU marks an important step in the collaboration between these four institutions, each
contributing unique expertise in agriculture, research, technological development, and
innovation.
Innovative projects to address agricultural challenges
The main objective of this agreement is to study and develop joint research projects focused on
soil health and fertility, precision agriculture, water management, and adaptation to climate
change. The projects under this agreement include the exchange of expertise and scientific
knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices, as well as the development of solutions adapted
to local soils and agroecological conditions. The parties also commit to organizing events,
meetings, and training to promote productive and low-carbon agriculture.
A strategic partnership for food security and sustainable agriculture
“This agreement is a unique opportunity to combine our strengths to tackle global challenges
relating to food security and sustainability,” highlighted Mr. Youssef El Bari, CEO of OCP
Nutricrops.
Mr. Hicham El Habti, President of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, added: “Innovation
and research are at the heart of our development strategy. By combining our expertise with OCP
Nutricrops, Intercéréales-France, and Arvalis, we strengthen our capacity to develop sustainable
solutions that address today’s agricultural challenges, while promoting responsible and
environmentally friendly agriculture.”
Benoît Piétrement, President of Intercéréales-France, also emphasized the importance of this
collaboration: “Thanks to this partnership, the French cereal sector will benefit from the expertise
of various partners in research, innovation, plant nutrition, and understanding of the
Mediterranean climate. The sector will then be better equipped to adapt cereal cultivation to
climate variability, a major issue for the long-term viability of our agricultural and agri-food
sectors.”
Jean-Marc Schwartz, President of Arvalis, stated: “With its expertise in agronomy and plant
nutrition, Arvalis is committed, alongside its partners, to studying all possible technical solutions
to respond to the growing demand for food in the context of climate change.”
About OCP Nutricrops
OCP Nutricrops is a subsidiary of the OCP Group, dedicated to developing soil nutrition solutions
to address global challenges in food production and sustainability. OCP Nutricrops provides
farmers with a wide variety of high-quality, sustainable, and customized phosphate-based soil
health and plant nutrition solutions, and promotes the adoption of advanced agronomic practices
by collaborating with agronomists and experts worldwide. OCP Nutricrops helps farmers across
the world access effective and sustainable products tailored to their soil’s specific needs,
regardless of their crop choice or location. In addition to its internal teams of dedicated
agronomists, OCP Nutricrops leverages the expertise of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University
(UM6P) and its international partners, harnessing the latest technological advancements and the
most precise agricultural data. Through its advanced soil mapping and the creation of customized
products, OCP Nutricrops promotes optimal soil health and helps farmers maximize yields while
protecting the environment and combating climate change. For more information:
www.ocpnutricrops.com [email protected]
About Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a pioneering Moroccan university, is
dedicated to developing innovative solutions addressing Africa’s specific challenges and, more
broadly, global issues. Focused on education and research, while fostering close partnerships
with the industrial sector, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship development, UM6P is
committed to training a new generation of talent destined to shape the future of the African
continent.
About Intercéréales-France
Intercéréales-France is the interprofessional organization in France representing cereals such as
common wheat, maize, barley, durum wheat, triticale, rye, oats, rice, sorghum, millet, quinoa,
spelt, buckwheat, canary seed, amaranth, chia, mixed grains, and tritordeum, as well as cereal
products. Created by professional organizations in the cereal sector, it brings together all
economic players in the sector: production, collection/merchandising, and primary processing. It
is a forum for exchange between these organizations, working together to develop cereal sectors
in the country, as well as to promote French know-how and the quality of cereal products
internationally. For more information, please contact: Mathilde Toulet – 06 58 51 78 02 –
[email protected]
About Arvalis
Arvalis is France’s largest agricultural applied research organization and the leading technical
advisor for large-scale crops. Its mission is to acquire knowledge and deliver practical innovations
to producers of grain cereals (soft wheat, durum wheat, barley, triticale, rye, oats, rice), maize
(grain, seed, sweet), sorghum, potatoes, forage crops, flax fiber, tobacco, and associated
economic sectors. Its work aims to enable the development of production systems that combine
economic performance, market adaptation, and positive contributions to environmental
challenges.
