From Soil to Spotlight: Mariangela Hungria Wins 2025 World Food Prize
In a world searching for sustainable solutions Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria has found the answer in some of nature s smallest wonders microbes For over years Hungria has worked quietly but relentlessly with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation Embrapa helping transform Brazil s farming practices from heavy chemical use to nature-powered biological methods Her groundbreaking work has not only improved soil health but also boosted food production in an eco-friendly way In recognition of her life s work Hungria has been awarded the prestigious World Food Prize along with a award from the Iowa-based World Food Prize Foundation She brought crops and bacteria together in a graceful dance one where tiny soil microbes turned the air s nitrogen into nourishment for plants eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers Under her guidance this natural partnership helped Brazil s soybean production soar from just million tonnes in to an astonishing million tonnes
