Koch Ag & Energy Solutions (Koch) and OCP Nutricrops S.A. (OCP) signed an agreement to establish a new 50:50 joint venture aimed at expanding phosphate fertilizer production and strengthening global supply chains. Under the agreement, Koch will acquire a 50% stake in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I) from OCP. Upon completion of the transaction, the two companies will jointly own and operate the fertilizer production facility located in Jorf Lasfar, Morocco, one of the world’s largest phosphate fertilizer hubs. The partnership marks another milestone in the companies’ long-standing collaboration and reinforces their commitment to supporting global agriculture with reliable phosphate-based plant nutrition solutions.
Building on a Successful Partnership
The new agreement builds on the strategic relationship established in 2022, when Koch acquired a 50% interest in Jorf Fertilizers Company III, later renamed Kofert. With the addition of JFC I, Koch and OCP will significantly expand their joint manufacturing footprint within the Jorf Fertilizer Complex, the world’s largest phosphate fertilizer production platform.
Production Capacity to Reach 2.5 Million Metric Tons
JFC I operates a state-of-the-art phosphate fertilizer production facility with an annual capacity of 1.2 million metric tons of phosphate-based fertilizers. Following the completion of the transaction, the two joint ventures—JFC I and Kofert—will have a combined annual production capacity of approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes. This expanded capacity will enable the partners to serve customers across global markets, including North America, while ensuring a stable and diversified supply of phosphate fertilizers.
Strengthening Fertilizer Supply for Global Agriculture
The joint venture comes at a critical time as farmers worldwide seek greater supply reliability and diversified sources of phosphate fertilizers. In particular, the collaboration is expected to benefit the North American agricultural sector by improving access to high-quality phosphate-based plant nutrition products that are essential for enhancing soil health, improving crop productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices and strengthening agricultural supply chains. By expanding production capacity and supply capabilities, Koch and OCP aim to help build more resilient agricultural value chains and support long-term global food security.
U.S. Policy Creates New Market Opportunities
The companies also noted that the U.S. administration’s recent decision to temporarily suspend countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer imports creates new opportunities for the joint venture. The policy change is expected to facilitate greater access to Moroccan phosphate fertilizers for U.S. farmers, enabling the venture to provide reliable and competitive plant nutrition solutions to the North American market.
Leadership Reaffirms Long-Term Commitment
Scott McGinn, President of Koch Fertilizer, said the investment builds upon the success of the Kofert joint venture and further strengthens Koch’s long-standing relationship with OCP. He added that the expanded partnership will enhance Koch Fertilizer’s phosphate product portfolio while creating greater value for customers worldwide. Faris Derrij, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OCP Nutricrops, described the agreement as an important milestone in the companies’ strategic partnership. He noted that the new joint venture will strengthen the partners’ ability to deliver reliable, high-quality soil nutrition solutions to farmers and agricultural customers, particularly across North America, while contributing to more resilient agricultural value chains and long-term food security.
Expanding Global Leadership in Phosphate Fertilizers
The new joint venture underscores Koch Ag & Energy Solutions and OCP Nutricrops’ shared commitment to expanding global phosphate fertilizer production and improving supply chain resilience. As per the press release, by combining world-class manufacturing capabilities with strong market expertise, the partnership is well positioned to meet the growing demand for phosphate-based fertilizers while supporting sustainable agriculture, enhanced crop yields and global food security.
