The Nobel Prize for Food (WFP) goes to Brazil, to the Brazilian Dr. Mariângela Hungria.

Publicado em 22/05/2025

Brazil’s expertise in Tropical Agriculture is increasingly being recognized as vital for the future of our planet.

Published on May 16th, 2025 

By José Luiz Tejon 

AgriConscient Show broadcast by Radio Eldorado / Estadão – Brazil 

Translated by Teacher Francisco Barbosa. Bardhal 

Dr. Mariângela Hungria, an agronomist and researcher at Embrapa Soybean in Londrina, has been awarded the World Food Prize, the most prestigious global honor in agriculture and food security, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of Agriculture.", Established by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Norman Borlaug, this distinguished award has been granted to notable figures such as Dr. Rattan Lal. This recognition places Brazil at the forefront of sustainable agriculture worldwide. 

Here’s what Dra. Mariângela Hungria had to say about this significant  award and her groundbreaking work: 

“This prize is the result of a lifetime of dedication. I’ve always been very determined, even as a child, I was fascinated by microorganisms and dreamed of working in agriculture. It was my calling. I attended college in the late 1970s, graduating from ESALQ (Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture). Back then, the focus was heavily on chemical inputs, but I believed there had to be another way. I was convinced microorganisms could play a key role. So, from my undergraduate years through my master’s and Ph.D., I committed myself to exploring how microbes could potentially replace chemical fertilizers, either partially or completely.

"When I started, the idea of high productivity without heavy chemical use seemed unthinkable. But my focus never wavered: selecting microbial technologies that could maximize yields. Today, our major achievement is in soybean cultivation, where microorganisms can supply all the nitrogen needed. Over the past 15 years, we’ve also developed microbial solutions for corn, reducing the dependence on nitrogen fertilizers by 25%.

For 40 years, I never strayed from this mission, and now, this incredible honor, I´ve never imagined before has come to me. From the heart of Paraná, from a lifetime of research, working directly with farmers, teaching them how to apply these methods… Who would have imagined I’d receive what’s regarded as the Nobel Prize of Agriculture?"-Said Dra.Mariângela.

According to Embrapa, her discoveries could save USD 40 billion per year in fertilizer costs in Brazil. 

And, when I asked her about the significance of this award for Brazil’s global image, she responded me: 

“This is incredibly important. I’m the 56th laureate, the 10th woman, and only the third Brazilian citizen to receive this prize. It’s a testament to Embrapa’s persistent support, which shows its belief in biological solutions and investment in this research. This recognition highlights Brazil’s leadership in Biological Agriculture, proving our commitment to sustainability.

Today, 85% of Brazilian soybean farmers use these biological inputs. Does that mean every farmer prioritizes sustainability? No, just like in any industry, some lag behind. But the vast majority, from small family farms feeding our nation to large agribusinesses driving exports, are embracing sustainable practices. This award shines a light on that progress.”

Congratulations to Dr. Mariângela Hungria! 

Beyond being a technological breakthrough for Brazilian productivity, profitability, and agricultural sustainability, her work offers a model for the Tropical and Sub-Tropical Belt, home to half the world’s population. 

Brazil is a nation that changes the world for the better, thanks to visionaries like Dr. Mariângela Hungria, who are transforming Science and our future. 

Congratulations to Embrapa!

*Prof. Dr. José Luiz Tejon – PhD in Education Universidad de La Empresa/Uruguay. Academic Director Brazil+Tropical Belt Nations at International Agribusiness MBA Audencia France & Fecap Brazil. Master's degree in Art Education and History of Culture - Mackenzie University. Journalist and Publicist - Harvard, MIT and PACE/USA/Insead in France. Specialization Academic Coordinator of Master's Science Food & Agribusiness Management at Audencia in Nantes/France, and FECAP/Brazil. Managing Partner at Biomarketing and TCA International. Professional Head at Agri Anefac. Writer, author and co-author of 37 books. Agri Personality Award 2023/ABAG -100 Most Influential People in Agribusiness. Former director of Grupo Estadão, Agriceres and Jacto S/A. 2025 Award Agriworld Group.