US-based food security company Blumberg Grain is meeting with Algerian government and business leaders to discuss food security program in order to minimise post-harvest losses.
Blumberg Grain's food security systems intend to increase agricultural output by alleviating post-harvest losses, while also boosting agricultural products, improving the quality of grain and produce and ensuring efficient market timing and bringing about stability in commodity pricing.
The company claims that through such initiatives Algeria can save several millions of dollars each year.
Blumberg Grain's chairman Philip Blumberg said: "We are very pleased to be invited by the Algerian government to consider expanding our food security business and manufacturing operations to Algeria. We have been very positively impressed by the Algerian government and leadership and their determination to increase productivity in the agricultural sector and reduce post-harvest losses by employing technology like we provide."
Philip Blumberg, along with Blumberg executives, engineering and development staff, will be evaluating food security infrastructure requirements in Algeria, and also assess Algeria for an investment program to set up manufacturing and processing facilities.
The visit saw a food security conference which was co-hosted by Blumberg Grain and the US Embassy, and attended by approximately 100 government and business leaders.
US Ambassador to the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Joan A. Polaschik said at the conference: "I am delighted to note that Blumberg Grain's commitment to the Algerian marketplace will create local employment opportunities, while helping to preserve locally-grown food and of course helping to reduce costs and imports, thereby reducing foreign currency expenditures."
With Blumberg Grain's technology, the company claims that countries would be able to save 30-40% of the agricultural post-harvest production that rots in the fields and is consumed by rodents and insects or gets stolen.
Blumberg is also interested in making investments in Algeria as part of its North African manufacturing and food processing investment ventures.
Blumberg Grain for Africa and the Middle East CEO David Blumberg said: "We are prepared to move quickly in establishing a Hub in North Africa, and expanding our operations in the region. Algeria presents great opportunity for our company, as we look forward to bringing jobs, a healthier environment for farmers, and increased agricultural output to the country."
