IFDC

IFDC was honored to welcome Florence Mayor Ron Tyler, Sheffield Mayor Bryan Devender, and Tuscumbia Mayor Thurman T. Billings to our headquarters in Muscle Shoals, Alabama!

During their visit, President and CEO Henk van Duijn and our research leadership shared how IFDC is advancing agricultural innovation both locally and globally. Discussions highlighted the Laboratory of Innovations for Fertilizers in the United States (LIFe-US), a groundbreaking initiative focused on strengthening America’s agricultural future through cutting-edge research, technology development, and domestic fertilizer innovation.

We appreciate the opportunity to showcase our work and discuss how innovation, collaboration, and investment in agricultural research can support farmers, communities, and food systems for generations to come.

Le dialogue national, initié par le Programme Soil Values, sur le renforcement des synergies régionales pour la santé des sols et l’amélioration du fonctionnement des marchés des intrants agricoles (notamment les engrais) est à l'étape du Mali.

À travers cet événement, le programme Soil Values réuni les principales parties prenantes pour :
✅ partager les analyses
✅ aligner les priorités
✅ co-construire une feuille de route opérationnelle Objectif: des systèmes d’approvisionnement en intrants plus efficaces, mieux coordonnés et adaptés aux réalités du Sahel.

Ce dialogue s’inscrit dans la continuité de l’échange régional d’Accra (décembre 2025) et de la consultation sur la chaîne de valeur des engrais tenue en avril 2026. Ces deux rencontres ont souligné la nécessité de renforcer la coordination face à la hausse des coûts et aux défis logistiques pour la campagne agricole 2026–2027.

📅 15–16 juin 2026 | 📍 Bamako

Un moment stratégique pour accélérer l’accès à des intrants de qualité et promouvoir la gestion durable de la fertilité des sols au Mali et dans la région du Sahel. Les principaux résultats et recommandations seront publiés sur nos plateformes web.

During the Soil Values "Bundle Boxes" webinar, Dr. Boubou Diallo Mariama, Lead of Bundling for the Soil Values Program, presented the concept of Bundle Boxes as an integrated approach to agricultural support.

She explained that Bundle Boxes are an integrated package of agricultural technologies and services designed in collaboration with farmers and adapted to local realities and needs.

They combine key elements such as high-quality inputs, sustainable agricultural practices, and advisory support to strengthen productivity and resilience.

During the Soil Values webinar, “Bundle Boxes: An Integrated, Practical and Scalable Approach for Soil Fertility Management," participants discussed the importance of strengthening integrated approaches to soil health and agricultural productivity across West Africa and the Sahel.

Dr. Alimata Bandaogo stated that, “Rather than providing isolated solutions, this approach aims to combine several complementary services in order to sustainably improve productivity, ensure long-term soil fertility management, and enhance the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate change.”

This reflects the growing need for holistic and coordinated solutions that bring together multiple services to better support farmers and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.

Yesterday, June 11th, IFDC welcomed participants from the Shoals Chamber Classroom to Careers program for a behind-the-scenes look at the many career opportunities available in agriculture!

Educators and career coaches toured our laboratories and greenhouses, learned about IFDC’s global work to improve soil health and food security, and explored the diverse science, research, and development careers that help transform food systems around the world.

Experiences like these help broaden awareness of the diverse career pathways available within agriculture and inspire future generations to explore careers that create lasting impact.