SOQUEL, CA & CASTLE ROCK, CO - SureHarvest Inc.—a prominent sustainability management systems provider for specialty crops—has been acquired by Where Food Comes From Inc. (WFCF)—one of the largest independent verifiers of food production practices in North America.

“SureHarvest has built a strong portfolio of solutions for the agri-food chain, and this deal takes us one step closer to being a one-stop-shop for growers who are facing increased pressures to streamline operations, and improve productivity, resource efficiency and profitability, while better meeting the needs of customers and consumers,” said John Saunders, Chairman and CEO of WFCF. “Together, SureHarvest and Where Food Comes From bring even more industry knowledge, expertise and resources than either company on its own.”

In a company press release, WFCF noted that the acquisition expands and diversifies the company’s reach with high-value specialty crops and programs certifying winegrapes, almonds, hazelnuts, strawberries, mushrooms, cut flowers, leafy greens, and other fresh produce.

“Where Food Comes From and SureHarvest both operate from the premise that consumers want and will continue to demand information about where food comes from, how food is grown and by whom,” said SureHarvest President and CEO Dr. Jeff Dlott. “In addition, both aim to create a smarter, more transparent food system by using technology to create greater connectivity between suppliers, buyers and consumers.”

Dlott also noted that the deal will allow more growers to tell their sustainability and production stories: “We also believe producers, packers, distributors and retailers can be better managers of natural resources and even achieve competitive differentiation through verification and traceability initiatives. Through this new deal, we can help even more agri-food suppliers tell their stories.”

SureHarvest employs a variety of sustainability and farming Management Information Systems (MIS) solutions, certification, compliance management and professional services including its flagship Sustainability Management Information System.

SureHarvest also brings to the deal five issued patents, eight 2016 patent allowances, and three pending applications that include devices, methods, and systems to capture farm level data, record chain of custody, and automatically certify or communicate agricultural production and product information to consumers. The company has identified 240 potential licensees in the ag industry for these devices, methods, and systems.

“Food producers from beef to almonds to wine grapes are challenged to meet ever higher standards of stewardship in managing natural resources in support of their supply chains, operations and corporate responsibility initiatives. Together, SureHarvest and WFCF can further provide much-needed solutions,” said Leann Saunders, WFCF President.

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Where Food Comes From SureHarvest