FAQ: FarmFreeze
What is FarmFreeze?
FarmFreeze is an Open Source project providing technical designs and software for affordable, solar-powered cold storage. Its primary goal is to make reliable refrigeration accessible to smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural innovators under an Open Source license, inviting anyone to freely use the system as-it-is.
Why was FarmFreeze made Open Source?
FarmFreeze is Open Source to democratise access to vital cold storage technology. Proprietary solutions are often expensive and hard to adapt for local needs. Sharing FarmFreeze’s designs and code openly enables anyone: NGOs, communities, entrepreneurs, to replicate, improve, and customise the system, fostering collaborative innovation and broader impact.
What does FarmFreeze actually include?
FarmFreeze comprises technical documentation, mechanical designs, electrical schematics, software, and operational guides for building and managing solar-powered, IoT-enabled cold rooms. All resources are freely available, supporting adaptation and use in diverse settings.
Does FarmFreeze include business models like 'pay-as-you-store'?
FarmFreeze focuses on the technical foundation: hardware, software, and system operation. Business models like 'pay-as-you-store' are possible approaches for deploying FarmFreeze cold rooms, but are not included in the Open Source materials. Local operators and organisations create their own business models based on FarmFreeze’s technical core.
Who can use FarmFreeze?
Anyone can use, adapt, and build upon FarmFreeze materials: farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, agri-businesses, and innovators worldwide. FarmFreeze is released under an Open Source license, inviting anyone to freely use the system as-is, adapt it to fit unique local requirements, or build upon its materials to develop new solutions. This empowers communities, organisations, and innovators to create impactful, customised cold storage initiatives without barriers.
How do I get started with FarmFreeze?
Access the complete set of Open Source materials online, join the FarmFreeze Discord community for support, and begin building or adapting the system for your own use case.
Can FarmFreeze be used in different climates or with different crops?
Yes. FarmFreeze’s Open Source model encourages local customisation. Designs and operational guidelines support adjustment for crop type, volume, climate, and energy resources.
How does FarmFreeze encourage innovation?
By making all technical resources public, FarmFreeze invites users to improve, modify, and share their versions of cold storage systems. This community-driven approach accelerates local problem-solving and ensures solutions evolve with changing needs.
Is support available for implementing FarmFreeze?
Yes. The FarmFreeze Discord community provides knowledge sharing, troubleshooting, and best practice exchange through online forums and documentation.
How can I contribute or share feedback?
All users are encouraged to participate in the FarmFreeze ecosystem whether by sharing experiences, posting improvements, or helping others in the community.