The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition solutions, announced on Friday in Rabat the launch of a five-year strategic partnership aimed at accelerating scientific innovation in support of sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.

This collaboration falls within the framework of the Atoms4Food initiative, jointly led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the IAEA, according to a joint statement issued by the two partners.

Under this partnership, the IAEA and OCP Group will implement a Coordinated Research Project (CRP) applying nuclear and isotopic techniques to improve fertilizer efficiency, enhance the nutritional quality of crops, and strengthen the sustainability of food systems.

Designed to deliver tangible benefits on the ground, the partnership seeks to support farmers, particularly in regions facing significant food security challenges.

Quoted in the statement, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized that this partnership with OCP Group represents “an important step forward in demonstrating how strategic collaboration can amplify the impact of the Atoms4Food initiative.”

He noted that OCP Group’s strong commitment and field expertise, combined with the IAEA’s unique know-how in nuclear techniques, will help translate cutting-edge science into practical solutions for farmers. “Together, we will generate the evidence and tools needed to use fertilizers more efficiently, grow more nutritious crops, and build climate-resilient food systems, especially in regions that need it most,” he added.

The research activities will focus on optimizing the management of key macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as essential micronutrients, including zinc, iron, and selenium. Through isotopic techniques, the project will generate robust data to support the “4R” principles of nutrient stewardship—right source, right rate, right time, and right place—providing farmers with practical, evidence-based recommendations.

For her part, Meriem El Asraoui, Chief Global Affairs Officer of OCP Group, stated that this collaboration marks a major strategic milestone for the Group and a significant step forward in its mission to strengthen global food security. She noted that by combining the IAEA’s world-class expertise with OCP Group’s extensive experience and innovations in plant and soil nutrition, the partnership will generate high-impact knowledge, support researchers and farmers on the ground, and advance agricultural practices that promote higher yields, improved nutrition, and long-term environmental sustainability.

For IAEA Member States, this partnership will deliver high-quality data to inform public policies, guide fertilizer innovation, and support the transition toward climate- and nature-positive agriculture.

It will also strengthen scientific cooperation between Africa, the IAEA, and international research networks, helping countries adopt best practices in nutrient management that improve soil health and agricultural productivity at scale, thereby contributing directly to global food security.