Dear colleagues,

The University of Carthage (UCAR), in collaboration with the International Organizing Committee of CIEC (China) and the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT), is delighted to invite you to participate in the 51^st International Fertilizer Conference (CIFC51).

This prestigious event will take place from October 20 to 22, 2025, at the National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT), Tunis, which is celebrating its 127ᵗʰ anniversary, a milestone reflecting its rich heritage and ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence in education, research, and international cooperation. Founded in 1898 under the joint authority of UCAR and the Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education (IRESA), INAT is the oldest engineering school in Tunisia and Africa, recognized nationally and regionally for its leadership in agricultural sciences, food systems, natural resources management, and sustainable development.

CIFC51 will bring together researchers, experts, and stakeholders from around the world to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and explore innovative approaches for sustainable fertilizer management in the Maghreb region. The program will feature scientific sessions, in-depth discussions, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities, providing an excellent platform to foster collaboration and address current challenges in agriculture.

We warmly invite you to join us in the vibrant setting of Tunisia for an inspiring and impactful conference that combines scientific excellence with international cooperation and cultural exchange.

The International Center for Chemical Fertilizers (CIEC) is the oldest scientific organization solemnly dedicated to all issues of fertilizers and fertilization. CIEC was founded in 1932/1933 at the first International Scientific Conferences for Fertilizers in Rome and Amsterdam. CIEC is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) and organized as a task force with membership on invitation only. CIEC was merged with CIEC-ASIA (founded in 2016) in 2019. CIEC provides annual events to present and discuss scientific issues of fertilizer research and encourage international networking between stakeholders in science, industry, and politics. Until today CIEC conducted 18 World Fertilizer Congresses (in a 6-year rotation) in: Liniy, Beijing, Bucharest, Budapest, Chiang Mai, Ghent, Heidelberg, Lisbon, Moscow, Nicosia, Opatija, Rio de Janeiro, Rome (3), Shenyang, Vienna, Zurich (1932-2025: in total est. 12.300 participants) and 31 Fertilizer Symposia (held annually) in Athens, Bari, Benghazi, Berlin, Brauschweig (3), Balatonfured, Cairo (2), Christchurch, Coimbra, Debrecen, Ghent, Goslar, Groningen, Guilin, Helsinki, Kusadasi, Nicosia, Pretoria, Pulawy, Rome (2), Salamanca, Santa Clara, Son, Suceava, Tokat, Vienna (2) (1932- 2023): in total est. 13.000 participants). Together these are 50 events making the event in Tunis, Tunisia in 2023 the 51^st and the second one carrying the new branding “CIEC International Fertilizer Conference”. 

UCAR, CIEC and INAT are organizing the 51st CIEC International Fertilizer conference : In celebration of the 127th anniversary of INAT

The National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia is the oldest agricultural engineering school in Tunisia and Africa, founded in 1898. It operates under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with academic affiliation to IRESA and the University of Carthage.
INAT benefits from a strategic position near the capital and major institutions. Over its history, it has undergone several reforms to adapt to national needs, from the early colonial period to post-independence modernization, gradually. INAT has established itself as a national and regional leader in agricultural sciences, food systems, natural resources management, and sustainable development. guided by a vision focused on innovative research, attractive and market-oriented engineering education, and strong social and environmental responsibility, INAT continues to shape the future of agriculture in Tunisia and beyond. Today, INAT hosts seven research laboratories. It offers engineering diploma in seven specialities, six research master’s programs, one professional master’s program, and a doctoral school. In 2022, INAT achieved ISO 21001:2018 certification, confirming its commitment to international standards in education and training management, and reinforcing its strategic objective of accrediting all agronomic engineering programs. 

Food security and food safety are of prime interest on a global scale as are environmental aspects and soil protection issues. Agricultural production in the Maghreb States faces stress factors such as drought and salinity so fertilizer practices counteracting these adverse conditions are of prime relevance. CIFC´s ambition is to strengthen scientific exchange and cooperation to support this global challenge. With almost 90 years of global networking in the fertilizer research sector, the 51^st International Fertilizer Conference will be a unique venue to present cutting-edge science to pursue this ambitious project not only in the Maghreb region.

The event is hosted by the University of Carthage (UCAR) in Tunis, Tunisia.

The 51^st International Fertilizer Conference is thematically dedicated to issues of plant nutrition, soil science, fertilizers, and fertilization:

CIFC welcomes contributions in the following general research areas:

• Plant nutrition, fertilizers, and fertilization under various conditions
• Effects of stress factors on plant growth in the Maghreb States and similar regions
• Soil fertility
• Environmental issues in fertilization

with a special focus on the following thematic clusters:

• Fertilizer efficiency and sustainable practices
•  Innovation in fertilizers and waste valorization
• Resilient agriculture and fertigation strategies
• Biodiversity and low-input agricultural strategies