Morocco’s Cadmium-Reduced Fertilizers Target European Agriculture

Cadmium Controversy and New Processing Technology

Cadmium occurs naturally in phosphate rock and accumulates in agricultural soils and food supplies through fertilizer application, according to the French health agency Anses. Sedimentary deposits in Morocco, the United States, and Tunisia show much higher concentrations than those found in South Africa or Russia. In June, French lawmakers adopted a proposed law aimed at limiting population exposure to the toxic heavy metal, which can cause kidney damage and increased cancer risks.

To meet shifting standards, OCP began offering fertilizers in 2025 containing less than 20 milligrams of cadmium per kilogram, according to company statements provided to AFP. This level is three times lower than the maximum threshold of 60 milligrams per kilogram permitted by the European Union, which serves as OCP’s third-largest foreign client at 17 percent, trailing Asia at 41 percent and the Americas at 31 percent. Faris Derrij, PDG de OCP Nutricrops, filiale de l’OCP, told AFP that the group made major investments to adapt production to varying regional regulations, though he did not disclose specific financial figures or export concentrations outside Europe.

Verification Challenges and Industrial Methods

European authorities currently lack systematic tracking for cadmium in fertilizer imports, meaning Brussels cannot independently verify producer claims, a European official told AFP. However, the official confirmed that a major Moroccan producer reported investing in technologies to guarantee levels below 20 milligrams per kilogram for shipments destined for Europe.

OCP utilizes specific additives during phosphoric acid treatment to capture cadmium before purifying and reusing the acid for fertilizer manufacturing, according to company disclosures. Beyond heavy metals, the industry generates phosphogypsum, a highly polluting waste byproduct containing acids and heavy metals. OCP plans to build a terrestrial storage facility by 2027 to cut down on massive sea discharges and is actively researching methods to valorize the residue.

Environmental Pressures and Middle East Supply Disruptions

Excessive use of phosphate fertilizers creates severe environmental pressures, including water contamination and nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions, according to Sylvain Pellerin, a research director at the French institute INRAE. Global demand for fertilizers continues to rise while geopolitical conflict strains raw material supply chains.

The war in the Middle East that began in late February restricted global fertilizer supply and caused international prices to surge, as the region accounts for 30 percent of the world’s fertilizer production. The Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, serves as a critical choke point for transporting sulfur and ammonia. Major production slowdowns or suspensions across Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Jordan impacted delivery timelines and operating costs, though OCP maintained operational continuity using existing stockpiles and its strategic geographic position, according to Faris Derrij.

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