Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria has been awarded the 2025 World Food Prize for her groundbreaking contributions to sustainable agriculture through biological seed and soil treatments. The award, which includes a $500,000 prize, recognizes her transformative work over four decades at Brazil’s agricultural research agency Embrapa.
Hungria, from São Paulo, developed over 30 microbial technologies that helped crops absorb nutrients naturally, reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers.
A key focus of her research was biological nitrogen fixation, a process where bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can absorb. This method reduced fertiliser usage and environmental impact, while enhancing crop nutrition and soil health.
Hungria’s work led to a dramatic increase in national soybean production—from 15 million tonnes in 1979 to a projected 173 million tonnes in 2025. Inspired by Norman Borlaug, founder of the World Food Prize, Hungria described her approach as a “Micro Green Revolution” powered by beneficial microorganisms.
She also pioneered the use of Azospirillum brasilense alongside rhizobia to boost yields in soybeans and common beans.
Currently, Hungria is using her research to revive degraded pastures, achieving a 22% increase in forage biomass—a step forward in sustainable livestock farming.
Her technologies now cover over 15 million hectares of Brazilian farmland, with more than 70 million inoculant doses applied annually.Currently, Hungria is using her research to revive degraded pastures, achieving a 22% increase in forage biomass—a step forward in sustainable livestock farming.
