International Fertilizer Association and Rocky Mountain Institute to collaborate on industry innovation and decarbonization initiatives

Basalt, Colorado, USA and Paris, France, September 21, 2024

The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the two organizations’ ambitions to collaborate in areas related to fertilizer industry innovation and decarbonization.

In recent years, a range of innovative solutions have been developed to reduce the carbon footprint of nitrogen fertilizer production, including substitution of fossil energy by the combined use of renewable energy and water electrolysis, plasma technology, electro chemistry, and nano catalysts, among others.

The commitments enshrined in this MoU include the intent to further advance the areas of technology development and innovation in the fertilizer industry, support the development of low-carbon fertilizers, and collaborate on potential events and activities of common interest.

It is expected that the latter activity will include encouraging startups and other technology providers to develop innovative solutions for the production at different scales of low-carbon nitrogen-based fertilizers, and their adaptation to different farming systems.

IFA CEO and Director General, Alzbeta Klein, said:

“The partnership between IFA and the Rocky Mountain Institute focuses on innovation that will enable the production and use of low-carbon fertilizers. It complements the industry’s activities in the areas of innovation and startups, as well as the most recent developments in blue and green ammonia/hydrogen. IFA is well-placed to bring industry insight into the research and deployment opportunities and challenges in this space.”

Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI, said:

“RMI looks forward to collaborating with the fertilizer industry through our partnership with IFA, helping spur breakthroughs in low-emission fertilizer production that will align agricultural practices with our collective climate goals. By investing in innovation today to improve our agricultural systems, we can transform how we produce fertilizers and dramatically reduce production-linked emissions while supporting global food security in the future.”

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IFA contact information

www.fertilizer.org
LinkedIn: international-fertilizer-association-ifa
X: @FertilizerNews
Media contact: Claire Newell, Director, Communications & Marketing, cnewell@fertilizer.org
+44 (0)7928 529 257

About the International Fertilizer Association

The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) was founded in 1927 and is the only global fertilizer association, with over 480 members from more than 80 countries and a mission to promote the efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients. This mission plays a critical role in helping to feed the world sustainably. IFA represents providers of plant nutrition solutions. Members include fertilizer producers, traders and distributors, as well as their associations, service providers to the industry, research organizations, AgTech startups and non-governmental organizations.

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit, founded in 1982 as Rocky Mountain Institute, that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut climate pollution at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; Abuja, Nigeria; and Beijing.
For media inquiries please contact:
Rachel Sarah, Media Relations Lead, RMI. Cel.: +1 510.928.6122, E: rsarah@rmi.org