April 12, 2018

Small hold farmers in emerging markets in East Africa and Central America will have greater access to energy efficient cold storage and food processing technology as UK-based Inspira Farms put €4.15 million (US$5.1 million) in newly acquired finding to work. The Series A Round, first announced in 2017 and just expanded, saw participation by Factor(e) Ventures, PYMWYMIC, Energy Access Ventures, the Montpelier Foundation and the Doen Foundation.

InspiraFarms supplies modular, energy-efficient refrigerated storage and food processing solution for agribusinesses challenged by energy reliability and market access. Its units are automated, controlled and remotely monitored refrigeration storage and food processing space that comply with international food safety standards, making it more easily possible for agribusinesses to leapfrog into higher value markets and value chains. It is suitable for both tropical and temperate climate produce and can be fully solar-powered.

In a press release, InspiraFarms points out that in those markets, up to 30 percent of harvests are lost to environmental exposure and pests. The goal of the company is that by allowing farmers to mitigate those concerns, entrepreneurship and farming incomes will increase.

“Our technology is a game changer for small scale agribusinesses. With food-safe cold-chain processing capabilities, a small-scale farming operation can not only stem post-harvest loss, but also diversify its business and income, create jobs and get a foothold in the global supply chain,” said InspiraFarms Technical Director Dr. Michele Bruni.

David Nitchman – GAI Media