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Koch Ag & Energy Partners with OCP Nutricrops in 50/50 Joint Venture at Jorf Lasfar
Koch Ag & Energy Solutions has agreed to invest in OCP Nutricrops’ Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I), creating an operational joint venture owned equally by both parties. The partnership will combine two phosphate‑fertilizer plants in Jorf Lasfar, lifting total annual capacity to roughly 2.5 million tonnes and positioning the new entity to serve North‑American growers looking for stable supply and diversified sources. The deal comes as the United States temporarily lifted countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate imports, opening an opportunity for the venture to deliver high‑quality plant nutrition solutions to the US market while reinforcing long‑standing ties between Koch and OCP.
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Joint venture agreement
Koch Ag & Energy Solutions and OCP Nutricrops have signed a definitive agreement under which Koch will invest in Jorf Fertilizers Company I (JFC I), a wholly‑owned subsidiary of OCP Nutricrops. Upon completion, the two parties will operate a 50/50 joint venture.
Production capacity
JFC I runs a phosphate‑fertilizer plant at Jorf Lasfar with an annual capacity of 1.2 million metric tonnes. Combined with the already‑operational Jorf Fertilizers Company III (renamed Kofert), the new partnership will bring total output to roughly 2.5 million tonnes per year.
Strategic relevance
The venture is designed to serve customers worldwide, with a particular focus on North‑American farmers who are seeking reliable, diversified sources of phosphate fertilizer. The recent U.S. decision to temporarily suspend countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate imports adds an extra incentive for American growers to turn to this new supply channel.
Comments from executives
Scott McGinn, President of Koch Fertilizer, said: “We are excited to expand the range of phosphate products for our customers and to deepen the long‑standing partnership with OCP.”
Faris Derrij, CEO of OCP Nutricrops, added: “This agreement marks a significant step forward in our collaboration with Koch and reinforces our ability to deliver reliable, high‑quality soil‑nutrition solutions to markets in North America.”
Regulatory approval
The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including the receipt of all necessary regulatory authorisations.