Mariangela Hungria receives the World Food Prize 2024

Microbiologist Mariangela Hungria has won the 2024 World Food Prize. The award, considered the “Nobel Prize of Food”, recognizes her contribution to sustainable agriculture through the use of microorganisms in soil. The Brazilian scientist will receive US$500 for the achievement.

For four decades, Hungary has been researching ways to replace chemical fertilizers with biological processes. It has studied biological nitrogen fixation, in which bacteria interact with plant roots and provide nutrients naturally.

At first, he faced resistance. Many said that without synthetic fertilizers, producers would lose productivity. Hungria proved otherwise. He demonstrated the results in experimental plots and worked with farmers to apply the technology in the field.

The method boosted crops such as wheat, corn and beans. In the case of soybeans, the gains exceeded expectations. Brazil became the world's largest producer of the legume, surpassing the United States and Argentina.

The researcher argues that the use of inoculants and correct practices improves soil health. She said that the biological approach reduces the pressure for agricultural expansion by maintaining more fertile productive areas for longer.

The award ceremony will take place in October in Des Moines, Iowa. Since 1987, 55 people have received the award, which was created by Norman Borlaug, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work against hunger.