A SCOTTISH-BASED Agritech firm has signed a multi-million-pound deal to supply indoor growing platforms to France.

Intelligent Growth Solutions – which makes 'controlled-environment growth products' – has struck a deal with French urban agriculturalists Jungle, a company focused on sustainable food production, growing superior quality crops through a re-localised supply chain, reducing waste and using no chemicals.

The new deal will introduce IGS indoor growing platforms to Jungle’s operations, initially outside Paris, to grow a variety of crops to supply major French retailers.

The first of these growth towers will be in production by early 2021, scaling incrementally to a minimum of 17 towers by the end of 2021. When completed, the nine-metre-high towers will be housed alongside a 1500 square metre service area on Jungle’s site outside Paris, providing approximately 5200 square metres of growing space, producing up to 425 tonnes per annum when fully operational, making it one of the largest vertical farms in Europe.

The venture will grow a range of herbs and salads to supply select retailers across France. The company will utilise the patented IGS plug-and-play vertical farming platform to widen its portfolio and produce new varieties through an ongoing programme of crop trials. Jungle’s indoor growing operations will also develop a variety of botanicals to provide natural ingredients for a flavour and fragrance business.

IGS CEO, David Farquhar, commented: “The announcement of this deal is an exciting one not just for IGS, but also for the UK’s agritech sector, as we showcase our international capability to support economic recovery post-coronavirus. The Jungle team has a strong reputation for the excellence and sustainability both of its produce and approach.

“Jungle needs a reliable, productised system that can meet its ambitious growth plans in France and beyond and IGS has proven to be exactly that, following a rigorous selection process.”

IGS has received recognition from the Scottish Government for the exciting export opportunities it is bringing to the Scottish market. Trade Minister Ivan McKee MSP added: “This significant contract underlines IGS’ standing as a global leader in agricultural innovation which will help everyone farm more sustainably. IGS’ growth has been driven by a focus on quality, innovation and scientific expertise and shows what Scottish companies can achieve with the right support in place.

“International exports have a central role to play in our economic recovery from COVID-19. The Scottish Government has set an ambitious target of increasing the value of exports from 20% to 25% of GDP by the end of the decade and I look forward to IGS helping us achieve that goal.”