Hungria is only the second researcher from EMBRAPA to receive this honor, following Edson Lobato, who made significant contributions to agricultural advancements in Brazil's Cerrado region.

Despite early doubts, Hungria successfully showcased that high crop yields could be achieved through biological methods, benefiting crops like wheat, corn, and beans.

Mariangela Hungria, a Brazilian microbiologist, has been awarded the prestigious World Food Prize for her groundbreaking research on using soil bacteria to enhance agricultural productivity.

Her innovative work has played a crucial role in establishing Brazil as the world's largest producer of soybeans, surpassing both the United States and Argentina.

Hungria's research emphasizes biological seed and soil treatments, which have significantly contributed to Brazil's agricultural success and reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Initially, she faced skepticism from farmers reluctant to abandon chemical fertilizers, prompting her to conduct field demonstrations to build trust in her methods.

Her research addresses the environmental impacts of traditional fertilization, such as greenhouse gas emissions and waterway pollution, making it highly relevant today.

Hungria plans to use her prize money to establish an award recognizing women's contributions to agriculture, highlighting the importance of gender equity in sustainable farming.

While acknowledging concerns about deforestation linked to soybean farming, she argues that her methods promote soil health and reduce the need for further land clearance.

Through her work, Hungria isolated beneficial bacteria like rhizobia and Azospirillum, which enhance crop yields by capturing nitrogen and stimulating root growth.

Gebisa Ejeta, chair of the World Food Prize Laureate Selection Committee, commended Hungria for her transformative impact on agriculture in South America and her commitment to sustainability.

The World Food Prize, established by Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, includes a monetary award of $500,000, which Hungria will receive at a ceremony in October 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.