French-Moroccan startup raises $1m for desert agroforestry model

Quantum Commodity Intelligence - French-Moroccan startup Sand to Green has raised $1 million for its vision to deploy agroforestry farms and create carbon stores throughout the African deserts, it announced on Tuesday.

The company, which operates out of Lille, Paris and Guelmim-Oued Noun in southern Morocco, has developed a 20-hectare pilot farm in Morocco.

It has planted a number of tree species at the site and will monetise their production through sales of fruits at local markets and with carbon credits, although the exact carbon standard to be used remains undecided at this stage, one of the company's founders, Gautier de Carcouët, tells Quantum.

The fundraise was supported by Catalyst Fund, Katapult and various business angels.

"The model proposed by Sand to Green is not only ambitious but also extremely innovative in its agricultural and technological approach," says Maxime Bayen, Head of Venture Building and Lead Venture Partner at Catalyst Fund.

"We are convinced that this type of solution can enable a real transition towards a sober, healthy, sustainable and large-scale agriculture in Morocco and Africa."

The company plans to develop its model across 'hundreds' of farms on the African continent, it says.