OCP Group, UM6P, US Regrow to create tailored carbon stock monitoring system for African soil

Morocco’s OCP Group, the world’s largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer, the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and Regrow, an American startup invested in the agricultural field, last week, signed a strategic partnership to develop a Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system specific to African soil.

The system is based on the “DNDC” (DeNitrification-DeComposition) biogeochemical model, a scientific model calibrated and validated worldwide, and recognized by reference standards, said OCP in a press release.

The aim of the project is to explore the potential of soil to sequester carbon, boost its fertility, and improve equitable access to the carbon market, thereby promoting soil health on the continent, the press release pointed out.

The project will give African farmers access to a state-of-the-art MRV system, at a competitive cost compared with conventional MRV, and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices, improving soil health and yields, and develop an alternative source of income through carbon credits.

A crucial spin-off of this project is the development and implementation of a digital platform, with a user-friendly interface containing key farmer characteristics, management data inputs, carbon project tracking, and a link with tele-detection tools based on Regrow’s satellite imagery, as well as the validated and calibrated DNDC model, the press release added.

OCP Group, UM6P and Regrow support the sustainable transformation of agricultural systems to feed the planet and combat climate change. This project is just the beginning of a wider collaboration between the stakeholders to promote soil health and carbon sequestration. Through this partnership, OCP Group reaffirms its position as a leader in the transition to green and sustainable farming in Africa.

“The OCP Group works hand-in-hand with its partners and farmers to implement sustainable practices to improve soil health, contribute to global food security, and combat global warming,” s Vice-President of Climate Action & Decarbonization at OCP Group, Naoufal Mahdar, was quoted in the press release as saying.

For his part, UM6P President Hicham EL Habti said: “We are delighted to be joining forces to promote resilient, equitable and sustainable food systems in Africa, with the aim of ensuring food and nutritional security for all.”

William A. Salas, Chief Strategy Officer of Regrow, commented that Regrow is committed to improving agricultural resilience, and that half of Africa’s workforce is still employed in agriculture, which is why growth in agricultural productivity is essential to the continent’s economic prospects.

“We are delighted to be partnering with OCP Group, a global leader in the agricultural sector, and UM6P to make a positive impact with African farmers,” he said.