UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Table of Contents
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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This report on Form 10-K contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements represent our expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies concerning future events, including, but not limited to, any statements regarding our assumptions about financial performance; the continuation of historical trends; the sufficiency of our cash balances for future liquidity and capital resource needs; the expected impact of changes in accounting policies on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows; anticipated problems and our plans for future operations; and the economy in general or the future of the defense industry, all of which were subject to various risks and uncertainties.
When used in this Report on Form 10- K and other reports, statements, and information we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”), in our press releases, presentations to securities analysts or investors, in oral statements made by or with the approval of an executive officer, the words or phrases “believes,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “should,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “will likely result,” “estimates,” “projects” or similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. However, any statements contained in this Report on Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. We caution that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors.
We do not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement. You should carefully evaluate such statements in light of factors described in this annual report. In this Form 10-K, AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. (“AgriFORCE™” or the “Company”) has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historic results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider any such list to be a complete list of all potential risks or uncertainties.
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PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
AgriFORCE™ was incorporated as a private company by Articles of Incorporation issued pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) on December 22, 2017. The Company’s registered and records office address is at 800 – 525 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 1C6.
Our Business
AgriFORCE™ is an “Ag-Tech” company with a primary focus to developing and utilizing our intellectual property assets for improvements dedicated to the agricultural industry. We believe that this goal is best achieved by using our proprietary IP for solutions in the agricultural industry as well as seeking development of new IP to both enhance the technology which we already retain in house as well as development of new technologies which can increase our footprint in the Ag-Tech space with expansion into other areas which have ESG ramifications.
Our AgriFORCE™ Brands division is focused on the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and products that deliver more nutritious food. We will market and commercialize ingredient supplies, like our Awakened Flour™ and Awakened Grains ™.
The AgriFORCE™ Solutions division is dedicated to transforming modern agriculture through our controlled environment agriculture (“CEA”) equipment, including our FORCEGH+™” solution. We are continuing to modify our business plan to accommodate artificial intelligence and blockchain in the development and implementation of FinTech systems to commercial farmers, and advancing on the commercialization of our Hydroxyl clean room systems to greatly reduce the spread of pathogens, mold and disease at processing facilities worldwide.
AgriFORCE™ Brands
UN(THINK)™ Foods
The Company purchased Intellectual Property (“IP”) from Manna Nutritional Group, LLC (“Manna”), a privately held firm based in Boise, Idaho on September 10, 2021. The IP encompasses a granted patent to naturally process and convert grain, pulses and root vegetables, resulting in low-starch, low-sugar, high-protein, fiber-rich baking flour as well as produces a natural sweetener juice. The core process is covered under Patent Nr. 11,540,538 in the U.S. and key international markets. The all-natural process is designed to unlock nutritional properties, flavors, and other qualities in a range of modern, ancient and heritage grains, pulses and root vegetables to create specialized all-natural baking and all-purpose flours, sweeteners, juices, naturally sweet cereals and other valuation products, providing numerous opportunities for dietary nutritional, performance and culinary applications.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company has achieved milestones towards the commercialization of our UN(THINK) Awakened Flour™ flour, the Company’s first line of products to utilize the IP. Management has defined and tested its quality controls and safety protocols for production, and produced several multi-ton batches of germinated grains, refining and scaling production processes with our partners in Canada. We are also in the process of qualifying partners in the US to establish additional production hubs – at no additional CAPEX - which will support growth and reduce logistics costs for customers in the region. Additionally, we have established our supply chain logistics with a contracted shipping company and two warehouses in Canada and the US. Our commercial team made progress in defining pricing and is starting to approach US and Canadian Bakeries and Baked Goods Companies who are now testing our new flours for integration into their manufacturing operations and innovation pipeline. Online sales logistics and advertising materials were developed during the period to support the establishment of the direct-to-consumer sales channel which will be started once the Business to Business channel sales will ramp up. Lastly, the Company has developed an extensive number of recipes for the application of Awakened Flour™ product line for both customers and consumers.
The Company is developing several finished product prototypes including a line of pancake mixes, which are ready for consumer testing.
Wheat and Flour Market
Modern diet is believed to be a contributor to health risks such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, due in part to the consumption of highly processed foods that are low in natural fiber, protein and nutrition; and extremely high in simple starch, sugar and calories. These “empty carbs” produce glycemic swings that may cause overeating by triggering cravings for food high in sugar, salt and starch. As an example, conventional baking flour is low in natural fiber (~ 2-3%), low-to-average in protein (~ 9%), and very high in starch (~ 75%)(4). Apart from dietary fiber, whole flour is only marginally better in terms of these macronutrients (5).
(4) Based on protein, fiber, and starch content results from a nationally certified independent laboratory, as compared to standard all-purpose flour.
(5) https://www.soupersage.com/compare-nutrition/flour-vs-whole-wheat-flour
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In contrast, foods high in fiber help to satiate hunger, suppress cravings and raise metabolism(6). They also assist in weight loss, lower cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes(7).
Advantages of the UN(THINK)™ Foods IP
Our Controlled Enzymatic Reaction & Endothermic Saccharification with Managed Natural Germination (“CERES-MNG”) patented process allows for the development and manufacturing of all-natural flours that are significantly higher in fibers, nutrients and proteins and significantly lower in carbohydrates and calories than standard baking flour.
CERES-MNG baking flour produced from soft white wheat has 40 times more fiber, three (3) times more protein and 75% less net carbohydrates than regular all- purpose flour(8).
Source: Independent analysis by Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing Madison, Inc, February 2022
The CERES-MNG patent will help develop new flours and products from modern, ancient and heritage grains, seeds, legumes and tubers/root vegetables.
(6) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/14400-improving-your-health-with-fiber
(7) https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fiber-full-eating-for-better-health-and-lower-cholesterol-2019062416819
(8) Based on protein, fiber, and starch content results from a nationally certified independent laboratory, as compared to standard all-purpose flour.
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Products that AgriFORCE™ intends to develop for commercialization from the CERES-MNG patented process under the UN(THINK)™ foods brand:
- | High protein, high fiber, low carb modern, heritage and ancient grain flours (for use in breads, baked goods, doughs, pastry, snacks, and pasta) | |
- | Protein flours and protein additives | |
- | High protein, high fiber, low carb cereals and snacks | |
- | High protein, high fiber, low carb oat based dairy alternatives | |
- | Better tasting, cleaner label, high protein, high fiber, low carb nutrition bars | |
- | High protein, high fiber, low carb nutrition juices | |
- | Sweeteners – liquid and granulated | |
- | High protein, high fiber, low carb pet foods and snacks |
We intend to commercialize these products behind three (2) main sales channels:
- | Branded ingredients (B2B) | |
- | Consumer branded products (B2B and B2C) |
Successful commercialization of premium specialized products from the UN(THINK)™ foods IP and the capture of a small percentage share of the category is a notable business opportunity for AgriFORCE™.
Breads & Bakery (2) | Whole Wheat Flours (1) | Pulse Flours (3) | Dairy Alternatives |
Cereal
Bars (4) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Global market size of target categories | $ | 235B | $ | 72B | $ | 19B | $ | 23B | $ | 23B | ||||||||||||||
Potential market share | 0.1 | % | 0.2 | % | 1 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||||||||||||
AgriFORCE™ potential net revenues | $ | 200M | $ | 140M | $ | 190M | $ | 20M | $ | 20M | $ | 560M |
Sources: Future Market Insights Reports, June 2022 (2), October 2022 (1), January 2023 (3) and October 2022 (4), .
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To produce the UN(THINK)™ power wheat flour, we are using our patented process to develop a new germinated whole grain wheat flour, which we have qualified and made available for sale through November 2023 in Canada and the USA, under the UN(THINK)™ Awakened Flour™ brand. This new Awakened Grains™ flour – available in 3 types: hard white wheat and hard red wheat for breads and soft white wheat for bakery and pastries – will provide enhanced nutrition with over five times more fiber, up to two times more protein and 23% less net carbs versus conventional all-purpose flour (source: Eurofins Food Chemistry Madison, Inc, December 2022).
GROWTH PLAN
AgriFORCE™’s organic growth plan is to actively establish and deploy the commercialization of products in four distinct phases:
PHASE 1 (COMPLETED):
● | Product and process testing and validation. (completed) | |
● | Filing of US and international patents. (completed) | |
● | Creation of the UN(THINK)™ foods brand. (completed) | |
● | Qualification and operational and commercial set up of the Awakened Grains™ line of products. (completed) |
PHASE 2:
● | Launch of the UN(THINK)™ Awakened Flour™ lightly germinated flour range of products in business to business (“B2B”) channel. (completed) | |
● | Develop range of finished products behind the wheat grain flours, qualify patented process for pulse/legume, and rice-based protein flours | |
● | Drive business as ingredients for bakery, snack and plant-based protein products manufacturers. | |
● | Develop relationships with universities, nonprofit organizations and civic organizations focused on health in underserved communities to research impact of patented flour on nutrition. |
PHASE 3:
● | Develop range of finished products behind the wheat grain flours, qualify patented process for pulse/legume, and rice-based protein flours. | |
● | Drive business as ingredients for bakery, snack and plant-based protein products manufacturers. | |
● | Develop manufacturing base through partnerships and licensing. |
PHASE 4:
● | Expand product range in US/Canada. | |
● | Expand business to other geographies internationally. |
AgriFORCE Solutions
Understanding Our Approach –Bringing Cutting Edge Technology to Enhance and Modernize Agriculture
Traditional farming includes three fundamental approaches: outdoor, greenhouse and indoor. We are taking modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (“AI”) and blockchain–based advances to bring what is traditionally a low technology industry into the 21st century. This approach means that we are able to reach into areas not readily available to agricultural businesses in the past, such as advanced Fintech to enhance financing capabilities for these businesses and more readily provide advanced intelligence for farmers. These technologies can also be applied to worldwide sourcing and matching food producers to consumers in an efficient manner.
Our intellectual property combines a patented uniquely engineered facility design and automated growing system to solve excessive water loss and high energy consumption, two problems plaguing nearly all controlled environment agriculture systems. FORCEGH+ delivers a patented clean, sealed, self-contained micro-environment that maximizes natural sunlight and offers supplemental LED lighting. It limits human intervention and is designed to provide superior quality control through AI optical technology. It was also created to drastically reduce environmental impact, substantially decrease utility demands, conserving water, while delivering customers daily harvests and higher crop yields.
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The Ag-Tech sector is severely underserved by the capital markets, and we see an opportunity to acquire global companies who have provided solutions to the industry and are leading innovation moving forward. The robustness of our engagement with potential targets has confirmed our belief and desire to be part of a larger integrated Ag-Tech solutions provider, where each separate element of the business has its existing legacy business and can leverage across areas of expertise to expand their business footprint.
The Company intends to continue development and license its technology to existing farmers in the plant based pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and high value crop markets using its unique patented facility design and hydroponics based automated growing system that enable farmers to effectively grow crops in a sealed controlled environment (“FORCEGH+™”). The Company has designed FORCEGH+™ facilities to produce crops in virtually any environmental condition and to optimize crop yields to as near their full genetic potential possible while substantially eliminating the need for the use of pesticides, fungicides and/or irradiation. The Company continues to develop its solution for fruits and vegetables focusing on the integration of its current structure with a new form of vertical grow technology.
BUSINESS PLAN
The Company will launch a full line up of Hydroxyl Devices and start commercializing the Hydroxyl Devises into the US market of CEA and Food Manufacturing. The Company will identify and establish exclusive distribution agreement for the EMEA region as well Expand Distribution Network into Latin America and Asia. The Company will also advance on the commercialization of our Hydroxyl clean room systems to greatly reduce the spread of pathogens, mold and disease at processing facilities worldwide.
The Company is exploring opportunities to utilize its patented FORCEGH+™ structure and its related technologies in joint ventures and licensing. The Company is also studying the utilization of FORCEGH+ technologies in arctic, tropical and desert environments. The Company intends to continue development of and license of its technology to existing farmers in the plant based pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and high value crop markets using its unique patented facility design and hydroponics based automated growing system that enable farmers to effectively grow crops in a sealed controlled environment (“FORCEGH+™”).
The Company also looks to expand its efforts into development of blockchain solutions and the implementation of these solutions into FinTech systems to allow quicker and less costly transactions between commercial farmers.
The Company is exploring opportunities to utilize its patented FORCEGH+™ structure and its related technologies in joint ventures and licensing. The Company is also studying the utilization of FORCEGH+ technologies in arctic, tropical and desert environments and artificial intelligence and blockchain in the development and implementation of FinTech systems to commercial farmers, and advancing on the commercialization of our Hydroxyl clean room systems to greatly reduce the spread of pathogens, mold and disease at processing facilities worldwide.
The AgriFORCE Clean Solutions
The Company’s Solutions division is charged with the commercialization of our FORCEGH+ technology and our RCS clean room systems. The Company has also begun to advance its initiative to integrate blockchain in the development and implementation of FinTech systems for commercial farmers.
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We have a worldwide license to commercialize the proprietary hydroxyl generating devices of Radical Clean Solutions, Inc. (“RCS”) for the CEA and food manufacturing industries. The RCS technology is a product line consisting of patent-pending “smart hydroxyl generation systems” focused on numerous industry verticals that is proven to eliminate 99.99+% of all major pathogens, virus, mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and allergy triggers(8).
On October 1, 2023, the Company signed a definitive agreement to purchase a 14% ownership stake in RCS.
The Company generated its first revenue from the sale of RCS devices in late 2023. During 2023, the Company signed an exclusive distribution agreement with a leading distributor of air conditioning and heating solutions in Mexico for the representation and sale of the AgriFORCE/RCS hydroxyl generating devices for greenhouses and food manufacturing facilities for the territory of Mexico. The first products were delivered in October 2023 pursuant to purchase orders for the products.
The Company will continue to expand sales into Mexico through its distributor, Commercializadora DESICO. Based on its sale into the poultry industry in Mexico, the Company is expanding its distribution of its Clean System solutions into other Latin American markets and the United States.
(8) BCI Labs, Gainesville Florida, February 2022; and various institutional studies.
BUSINESS PLAN
2024
● | Continue introduction into the Mexico market with our exclusive distributor | |
● | Identify and set up exclusive distribution agreements for the EMEA region | |
● | Start commercializing the Hydroxyl Devices into the US market of CEA and Food Manufacturing | |
● | Launch full line up of Hydroxyl Devices : in-Duct HVAC unit, Portable Industrial QuadPro Unit, Small Rooms Wall-Mount unit |
2025
● | Expand Distribution Network into Latin America and Asia. |
Merger and Acquisition (“M&A”)
The Company plans to evaluate accretive M&A opportunities of an appropriate scale as it progresses with its ongoing business plans surrounding its already owned IP and improvements thereto. Any M&A propositions must be of a size and scale which works to complement the Company’s ongoing business in terms of allocation of resources.
The Company intends to focus any M& A activity to targets which are focused in the Ag-Tech space with emphasis on businesses which can also increase our ESG footprint. This refocused M&A strategy will ensure that proper personnel and economic resources are allocated to the Company’s ongoing businesses, while refocusing efforts on synergistic opportunities which work to enhance the Company’s existing assets.
As a result of this refocus of the M&A strategy, the following formerly considered acquisition opportunities are no longer being considered by the Company:
Delphy Groep BV Acquisition
● | On February 10, 2022, the Company signed a definitive share purchase agreement (the “Delphy Agreement”) to acquire Delphy, a Netherlands-based Ag-Tech consultancy firm, for €23.5 million through a combination of cash and stock. | |
● | On May 25, 2023, the parties mutually terminated the share purchase agreement after extensive due diligence, an evaluation of the historical and projected financial information, potential for impairment risk as well as current market conditions. |
Deroose Plants NV Binding Letter of Intent
● | On February 23, 2022, the Company signed a binding letter of intent (the “Deroose LOI”) with Deroose Plants NV (“Deroose”). | |
● | The Deroose LOI was subject to completion of standard due diligence and entry into a definitive purchase agreement. | |
● | The Company is no longer pursuing this acquisition opportunity. |
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Stronghold Land Acquisition
● | On August 30, 2022, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) with Stronghold Power Systems, Inc. (“Stronghold”) to purchase approximately 34 acres of land in Coachella California. | |
● | As at March 31, 2023 the prefunded warrants issued were rescinded and the warrants were rendered null and void as the Company presented termination notice to Stronghold. | |
● | On October 12, 2023, the Company was served a complaint filed in the Superior Court of California from Stronghold for breach of contract in relation to the PSA. The Company denies any liability, other than what is already recorded in the financial statements and will vigorously defend the claims made against the Company. |
Berry People LLC Binding Letter of Intent
● | On January 24, the Company announced it has entered a binding letter of intent (“BP LOI”) to acquire Berry People LLC, (“Berry People”). | |
● | The Company is no longer pursuing this acquisition opportunity. |
Corporate Structure
The Company currently has the following wholly-owned subsidiaries, which perform the following functions – AgriFORCE Investments holds the Company’s U.S. investments, West Pender Holdings retains real estate assets, West Pender Management is a management company, AGI IP holds the Company’s intellectual property in the U.S., un(Think) Food Company will manufacture food products in the U.S. and un(Think) Food Company Canada Ltd. manufactures food products in Canada:
Name of Subsidiary | Jurisdiction of Incorporation | Date of Incorporation | ||
AgriFORCE Investments Inc. (US) | Delaware | April 9, 2019 | ||
West Pender Holdings, Inc. | Delaware | September 1, 2018 | ||
AGI IP Co. | Nevada | March 5, 2020 | ||
West Pender Consulting Company* | Nevada | July 9, 2019 | ||
un(Think) Food Company | Nevada | June 20, 2022 | ||
un(Think) Food Company Canada Ltd.** | British Columbia | December 4, 2019 | ||
AgriFORCE Europe BV*** | Belgium | March 29, 2023 | ||
AgriFORCE Belgium BV*** | Belgium | March 29, 2023 | ||
GrowForce BV*** | Belgium | June 19, 2023 | ||
AgriFORCE (Barbados) Ltd.*** |
Barbados |
October 14, 2022 |
* | West Pender Consulting Company changed its name from West Pender Management Co. on August 1, 2022. |
** | un(Think) Food Company Canada Ltd. changed its name from Daybreak AG Systems Ltd. on August 19, 2022. |
*** | Entities have no activity and are in the process of being dissolved. |
Summary Three Year History
From the date of Incorporation (December 22, 2017) to the date of this filing, the Company has largely been engaged in completion of its initial corporate organization, assembling its management team, completing the design and engineering of its IP and filing the appropriate intellectual property protection and taking the initial steps to implement its business plan through the commencement of initial operations. Significant milestones during the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 are as follows:
● | On February 18, 2022, the Company signed a license agreement with Radical Clean Solutions Ltd (“Radical”), a New York corporation that has developed a patent pending product line consisting of smart hydroxyl generation systems to eliminate 99.99+% of all pathogens, virus, mold, volatile organic compounds and allergy triggers, to commercialize the proprietary hydroxyl generating devices within the CEA and food manufacturing industries. The license grants the rights to AgriFORCE™ in perpetuity as well as joint patent ownership rights for application in CEA. | |
● | On May 18, 2022, the Company completed the acquisition of the food processing intellectual property of Manna Nutritional Group (Manna). | |
● | On January 3, 2023, the Manna patent, which encompasses a process to naturally convert grain, pulses and root vegetables, resulting in low-starch, low-sugar, high-protein, fiber-rich baking flour as well as produces a natural sweetener juice, was approved by the US Patents Office and the title was transferred to the Company. | |
● | On October 18, 2023, the Company delivered its first shipment of hydroxyl generating devices. |
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Financing
On June 30, 2022, the Company entered into security purchase agreements with certain accredited investors (the “Debenture Investors”) for the purchase of $14,025,000 in convertible debentures (the “First Tranche Debentures”) due December 31, 2024. The Debentures were convertible into common shares at $111.00 per share. The Convertible Debt Investors had the right to purchase additional tranches of $5,000,000 each, up to a total additional principal amount of $33,000,000. In addition, the Debenture Investors received 82,129 warrants at a strike price of $122.10, which expire on December 31, 2025 (the “First Tranche Debenture Warrants”). The Debenture Warrants and Debentures each have down round provisions whereby the conversion and strike prices will be adjusted downward if the Company issues equity instruments at lower prices.
On January 17, 2023, the Debenture Investors purchased additional tranches totaling $5,076,923 (the “Second Tranche Debentures”) and received 53,226 warrants (the “Second Tranche Debenture Warrants”). The Second Tranche Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $62.00 and expire on July 17, 2025. The issuance of the additional tranches triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First Tranche Debentures and the First Tranche Debenture Warrants to $62.00.
On June 20, 2023 the Company issued 20,000 common shares with 20,000 warrants via a private placement for consideration of $250,000.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company issued 124,652 common shares for cash under the ATM agreement for net proceeds of $939,695. The issuance triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First and Second Tranche Debentures as well as the First and Second Tranche Debenture Warrants to $5.50.
On October 18, 2023, a Debenture Investor purchased an additional tranche totaling $2,750,000 in convertible debentures (the “Third Tranche Debentures”) and received 620,230 warrants (the “Third Tranche Debenture Warrants”). The Third Tranche Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $2.62 and expire on April 18, 2027. The issuance of the additional tranche further triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First and Second Tranche Debentures as well as the First and Second Tranche Debenture Warrants to $2.62.
On November 30, 2023, a Debenture Investor purchased an additional tranche totaling $2,750,000 in convertible debentures (the “Fourth Tranche Debentures”) and received 1,986,112 warrants (the “Fourth Tranche Debenture Warrants”). The Fourth Tranche Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $0.90 and expire on May 30, 2027. The issuance of the additional tranche further triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First, Second and Third Tranche Debentures as well as the First, Second and Third Tranche Debenture Warrants to $0.90.
On February 21, 2024, a Convertible Debt Investor purchased an additional tranche of $1,100,000 in convertible debentures (the “Fifth Tranche Debentures”) and received 3,341,122 warrants (the “Fifth Tranche Debenture Warrants”). The Fifth Tranche Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $0.214 and expire on August 21, 2027. The issuance of the additional tranche triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth tranche of Debentures and the First, Second, Third, Fourth tranche of Debenture Warrants to $0.214.
The First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Tranche Debentures (the “Debentures”) have an interest rate of 5% for the first 12 months, 6% for the subsequent 12 months, and 8% per annum thereafter. Principal repayments will be made in 25 equal installments which began on September 1, 2022 for the First Tranche Debentures, July 1, 2023 for the Second Tranche Debentures, January 1, 2024 for the Third Tranche Debentures, May 1, 2024 for the Fourth Tranche Debentures and August 1, 2024 for the Fifth tranche Debentures. The Debentures may be extended by nine months at the election of the Company by paying a sum equal to nine months interest on the principal amount outstanding at the end of the 18th month, at the rate of 8% per annum.
All financings per the above were issued in private placement transactions exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Intellectual Property
In accordance with industry practice, the Company protects its proprietary products, technology and its competitive advantage through a combination of contractual provisions and trade secret, copyright and trademark laws in Canada, the United States and in other jurisdictions in which it conducts its business. The Company also has confidentiality agreements, assignment agreements and license agreements with employees and third parties, which limit access to and use of its intellectual property.
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Patents
Patent Application # | Application Date | Expiry Date | Title | Case Status |
Country | |||||
2001/2096 | 26-Aug-2020 | 26-Aug-2040 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Pending | Barbados | |||||
3151492 | 26-Aug-2020 | 26-Aug-2040 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Pending | Canada | |||||
202080073940.7 | 26-Aug-2020 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Pending | China | ||||||
20858811.1 | 26-Aug-2020 | 26-Aug-2040 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Pending | European Patent Office | |||||
TT/A/2022/00024 | 26-Aug-2020 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Abandoned (p) | Trinidad & Tobago | ||||||
11528859 | 26-Aug-2020 | 26-Aug-2040 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Registered | United States | |||||
17/983109 | 08-Nov-2022 | AUTOMATED GROWING SYSTEMS | Application allowed | United States | ||||||
PCT/CA2023/051251 | 21-Sep-2023 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR GROWING PLANTS USING CLONE TO FLOWER MODEL | Pending | Patent Cooperation Treaty | ||||||
2018215090 | 31-Jan-2018 | 31-Jan-2038 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR AND POWER JUICE AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Application allowed | Australia | |||||
3051860 | 31-Jan-2018 | 31-Jan-2038 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR AND POWER JUICE AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Pending | Canada | |||||
18747157.8 | 31-Jan-2018 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR AND POWER JUICE AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Pending | European Patent Office | ||||||
201917032603 | 31-Jan-2018 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR AND POWER JUICE AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Pending | India | ||||||
755792 | 31-Jan-2018 | 31-Jan-2038 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR AND POWER JUICE AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Pending | New Zealand | |||||
11540538 | 31-Jan-2018 | 31-Jan-2038 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR, SWEETENED LIQUID, SWEETENERS, CEREALS, AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Registered | United States | |||||
17/963690 | 11-Oct-2022 | HIGH FIBER, HIGH PROTEIN, LOW CARBOHYDRATE FLOUR, SWEETENED LIQUID, SWEETENERS, CEREALS, AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF | Application filed | United States | ||||||
2001/2057 | 06-Mar-2020 | 06-Mar-2040 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Pending | Barbados | |||||
3132672 | 06-Mar-2020 | 06-Mar-2040 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Granted | Canada | |||||
CN202080033944.2 | 06-Mar-2020 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Pending | China | ||||||
20765629.9 | 06-Mar-2020 | 06-Mar-2040 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Pending | European Patent Office | |||||
TT/A/2021/00093 | 06-Mar-2020 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Abandoned (p) | Trinidad & Tobago | ||||||
11582918 | 06-Mar-2020 | 06-Mar-2040 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Registered | United States | |||||
18/096417 | 12-Jan-2023 | STRUCTURES FOR GROWING PLANTS | Application allowed | United States |
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Trademarks
Application # | Application Date | Expiry Date | Title | Case Status |
Country | |||||
1997835 | 26-Nov-2019 | AGRIFORCE | In examination | Canada | ||||||
018243244 | 22-May-2020 | AGRIFORCE | Registered | European Union Intellectual Property Office | ||||||
UK00918243244 | 22-May-2020 | AGRIFORCE | Registered | United Kingdom | ||||||
88/930218 | 22-May-2020 | AGRIFORCE | Suspended | United States | ||||||
2044675 | 07-Aug-2020 | FORCEFILM | TM Application filed | Canada | ||||||
018389838 | 04-Feb-2021 | FORCEFILM | Registered | European Union Intellectual Property Office | ||||||
90/124842 | 19-Aug-2020 | FORCEFILM | Suspended | United States | ||||||
2127781 | 18-Aug-2021 | UN(THINK) | TM Application filed | Canada | ||||||
018572674 | 06-Oct-2021 | UN(THINK) | Application filed | European Union Intellectual Property Office | ||||||
1669126 | 18-Feb-2022 | UN(THINK) | Pending | Madrid Protocol (TM) | ||||||
90/897689 | 23-Aug-2021 | UN(THINK) | Suspended | United States | ||||||
2196090 | 06-Jul-2022 | C2F | TM Application filed | Canada | ||||||
97/495313 | 08-Jul-2022 | C2F | Suspended | United States | ||||||
2198964 | 20-Jul-2022 | AWAKENED GRAINS | TM Application filed | Canada | ||||||
97/527128 | 29-Jul-2022 | AWAKENED GRAINS | Suspended | United States | ||||||
2207782 | 02-Sep-2022 | FORCEGH+ | Approved |
Canada | ||||||
97/605026 | 23-Sep-2022 | FORCEGH+ | Suspended | United States | ||||||
2243222 | 02-Mar-2023 | AWAKENED FLOUR | TM Application filed | Canada | ||||||
1752858 | 01-Sep-2023 | AWAKENED FLOUR | Registered | Madrid Protocol (TM) | ||||||
97/824500 | 06-Mar-2023 | AWAKENED FLOUR | Suspended | United States | ||||||
TMA1175334 | 24-Jan-2019 | PLANET LOVE | Registered | Canada | ||||||
UK00801504091 | 24-Jul-2019 | PLANET LOVE | Registered | United Kingdom | ||||||
1504091 | 24-Jul-2019 | PLANET LOVE | Registered | Madrid Protocol (TM) | ||||||
6197554 | 24-Jul-2019 | PLANET LOVE | Registered | United States | ||||||
UK00801494234 | 30-Aug-2019 | CANIVATE | Registered | United Kingdom | ||||||
1494234 | 30-Aug-2019 | CANIVATE | Registered | Madrid Protocol (TM) | ||||||
6191972 | 30-Aug-2019 | CANIVATE | Registered | United States | ||||||
UK00801494231 | 30-Aug-2019 | THE CANIVATE WAY | Registered | United Kingdom | ||||||
1494231 | 30-Aug-2019 | THE CANIVATE WAY | Registered | Madrid Protocol (TM) | ||||||
6182017 | 30-Aug-2019 | THE CANIVATE WAY | Registered | United States |
Competitor Comparison and Differentiation
Solutions
The Company believes that it has no direct competitors who provide a proprietary facility design and automated grow system as well as a system of operational processes designed to optimize the performance of the Company’s grow houses. On a broader basis, the competitive landscape includes greenhouse vendors, agriculture systems providers, automated grow system vendors, and system/solutions consultants.
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The Company believes it has developed one of the world’s most technologically advanced indoor agriculture systems by focusing on competitive differentiators to deliver vastly improved results beyond conventional indoor approaches. By conceiving new IP, as well as utilizing tried trued tested existing Ag-Tech and Bio-Tech solutions, the Company delivers integrated unique architectural design, intelligent automation and advanced growing processes to create precisely controlled growing environments optimized for each nominated crop variety. These precision ecosystems should enable the Company to cost-effectively produce the cleanest, greenest and most flavorful produce, as well as consistent medical-grade plant-based nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, available.
The Company believes that is has the rights to one of the world’s most effective and safe purification solutions via its license and ownership in Radical Clean Solutions. The Company understands that it has competition, however, the quality of the construction and design of the Radical Clean Solutions has proven to highly effective for the Company’s customers.
Brands
Our patented technology naturally processes and converts grains, pulses, and root vegetables into low-starch, low-sugar, high-protein fiber-rich baking flour products. The Company is developing a range of consumer products to transform the consumers’ diet in multiple verticals.
The Company’s UN(THINK)™ power flour has 40 times more fiber, 3 times more protein, and 75% less net carbs than regular all-purpose flour8.
(8) Based on protein, fiber, and starch content figures from a nationally certified independent laboratory, as compared to standard all-purpose flour.
Recent Developments
Management Restructuring
On July 18, 2023, the Company announced a restructuring of management. Ingo Mueller departed from his position as CEO and Chair of the Board. Richard Wong was concurrently appointed as interim CEO, and David Welch and John Meekison each assumed the role of Co-Chair of the Board. Ingo Mueller served as a director of the Company until the shareholder meeting dated September 27, 2023 at which time he was not re-elected and ceased to serve as a director. On November 10, 2023, David Welch was appointed Board Chair. The Company is currently evaluating options regarding the appointment of a fulltime CEO.
On January 25, 2024, Troy McClellan , President of AgriFORCE Solutions, submitted a letter of resignation to the Company. On January 25, 2024, the Company accepted his resignation and deemed it effective immediately pursuant to Section 7.3 of his employment agreement with the Company which permits waiver by the Company of Mr. McClellan’s notice period (through March 31, 2024) and corresponding acceleration of the resignation date.
On February 10, 2024, Richard Wong resumed his original role as Chief Financial Officer in order to focus on finance and accounting matters for the Company. Effective as of the same day, Jolie Kahn was appointed Executive Turnaround Consultant to support the Company’s operational growth and expansion efforts. Jolie Kahn shall report to David Welch, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, who shall act as Executive Chairman until such time as a permanent Chief Executive Officer is appointed.
On February 19, 2024, Margaret Honey resigned as a Director of (the “Company”) to pursue other interests. The resignation is not the result of any disagreement with the Company.
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Employees
As of April 1, 2024, the Company has seven (7) employees and three (3) consultants /contractors. The Company also relies on consultants and contractors to conduct its operations. The Company anticipates that it will be hiring additional employees to support its planned activities.
Operations
The Company primary operating activities are in Idaho, USA and Saskatoon, Canada. The Company’s head office is located in Vancouver, Canada.
Status as an Emerging Growth Company
On April 5, 2012, the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act, was enacted. Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an “emerging growth company” can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected to avail ourselves of this extended transition period and, as a result, we will adopt new or revised accounting standards on the relevant dates on which adoption of such standards is required for private companies.
We are in the process of evaluating the benefits of relying on other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act. Subject to certain conditions set forth in the JOBS Act, as an “emerging growth company,” we intend to rely on certain of these exemptions from, without limitation, (i) providing an auditor’s attestation report on our system of internal controls over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and (ii) complying with any requirement that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) regarding mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report providing additional information about the audit and the financial statements, known as the auditor discussion and analysis. We will remain an “emerging growth company” until the earliest of (a) the last day of our fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the closing of this offering, (b) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.07 billion, (c) the last day of our fiscal year in which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act (which would occur if the market value of our equity securities that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter), or (d) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Relating to the Company’s Business
The Company is an early stage company with little operating history, a history of losses and the Company cannot assure profitability.
The Company currently has little revenues and does not have any significant history of revenue generating operations. The Company has been involved in the design and development of its CEA FORCEGH+™ facility, acquisition, the sales and development of Hydroxyl generating devices and advancement of the UN(THINK)™ foods IP, product base, and transacting with potential revenue generating acquirees. While the Company has invested considerably in these business plans, no FORCEGH+™ facility has been constructed to date, the Company has not generated revenue from UN(THINK)™, nor has the Company completed any acquisition of revenue generating companies. The commercial or operating viability of the Company’s business plans have not been proven. There is no assurance that the revenue generated from its operations, and if those revenues, when and if generated, will be sufficient to sustain operations, nonetheless achieve profitability.
There is no assurance that the Company’s FORCEGH+™ facilities will operate as intended.
The Company’s initial state of its business operations will be to construct and deploy and license its initial FORCEGH+. Accordingly, this component of the Company’s business plan is subject to considerable risks, including:
● | the costs of constructing and operating the laboratories may be greater than anticipated; | |
● | the potential offtake partners who have indicated a willingness to deploy the laboratories at their existing cultivation operations may withdraw and determine not to deploy the laboratories; | |
● | there is no assurance that the facilities will deliver the intended benefits of high production yields, lower crop losses and reduced operation costs; | |
● | if the company is not able to fully develop the grow house or it does not operate as intended, it could prevent the company from realizing any of its business goals or achieving profitability; | |
● | the costs of constructing the grow houses may be greater than anticipated and the Company may not be able to recover these greater costs through increases in the lease rates, license fees and services fees that it charges to its customers; and | |
● | the costs of operating the grow house may be greater than anticipated. |
There is no assurance that UN(THINK)™ will operate as intended.
The Company’s plans for developing and advancing the UN(THINK)™ are in its preliminary stages. The Company has yet to fully launch their range of products in either the B2B or D2C channels. Accordingly, this component of the Company’s business plan is subject to considerable risks, including:
● | the potential B2B sales may not achieved the planned levels of sales; | |
● | there is no assurance that the Company’s production partners will deliver the planned production levels or scale; | |
● | the quality of product from the co-manufacturing may not be sufficient. | |
● | the cost from co-manufacturing may be greater than anticipated. | |
● | the demand for the products may not be as high as predicted. | |
● | the pricing of the products may deter potential buyers and may not cover the cost of production. | |
● | the brand may not attract sufficient volume. |
There is no assurance that Hydroxyl Generating Systems will operate as intended.
The Company’s plans for developing and expanding sales of the AgriFORCE Clean Solutions are in its preliminary stages. The Company has yet to generate remarkable sales of its Hydroxyl products. Accordingly, this component of the Company’s business plan is subject to considerable risks, including:
● | the quality of product from the co-manufacturing may not be sufficient. | |
● | the cost from co-manufacturing may be greater than anticipated. | |
● | the demand for the products may not be as high as predicted. | |
● | the pricing of the products may deter potential buyers and may not cover the cost of production. | |
● | the brand may not attract sufficient volume. | |
● | the quality of product from the co-manufacturing may not be sufficient. |
We may not realize the anticipated benefits of, and synergies from, acquisitions and may become responsible for certain liabilities and integration costs as a result.
The businesses we have proposed to acquire have previously operated independently from us. The proposed integrations of our operations with the proposed businesses acquisitions are intended to result in financial and operational benefits, and business synergies. There can be no assurance, however, regarding when or the extent to which we will be able to realize these and other benefits. Integration may also be difficult, unpredictable, and subject to delay because of possible company culture conflicts, system integrations, regulatory compliance, and other factors. Difficulties associated with the integration of the proposed business acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Fluctuations in the exchange rate of foreign currencies could result in losses.
We incur a portion of our operating expenses in Canadian dollars, and in the future, as we expand into other foreign countries, we expect to incur operating expenses in other foreign currencies. We are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of our international operations are translated from the local functional currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation. A decline in the U.S. dollar relative to foreign functional currencies would increase our non-U.S. revenue and improve our operating results. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to foreign functional currencies, our revenue and operating results would be adversely affected. We have not previously engaged in foreign currency hedging. If we decide to hedge our foreign currency exchange rate exposure, we may not be able to hedge effectively due to lack of experience, unreasonable costs or illiquid markets.
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The Company will require additional financing and there is no assurance that additional financing will be available when required.
The Company will require substantial additional capital in order to execute its business plan. Existing funds will not be sufficient and additional financing will be needed for this purpose and for other purposes. The Company plans to achieve this additional financing through equity and/or debt financing which will likely be dilutive to the position of then current shareholders. However, there is no assurance that this financing will be available at favorable terms, if at all, when required, given the Company’s small asset base and current lack of revenue.
The Company had negative cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2023.
The Company had negative cash flows from operating activities for year ended December 31, 2023. To the extent that the Company has negative cash flows from operating activities in future periods, it may need to allocate a portion of its cash reserves to fund such negative cash flow. The Company may also be required to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to generate a positive cash flow from operating activities, that additional capital or other types of financing will be available when needed or that these financings will be on terms favorable to the Company. The Company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from the expectations of the Company’s management.
The Company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from the expectations of the Company’s management.
The Company’s actual financial position and results of operations may differ materially from management’s expectations. The process for estimating the Company’s revenue, net income and cash flow requires the use of judgment in determining the appropriate assumptions and estimates. These estimates and assumptions may be revised as additional information becomes available and as additional analyses are performed. In addition, the assumptions used in planning may not prove to be accurate, and other factors may affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. As a result, the Company’s revenue, net income and cash flow may differ materially from the Company’s projected revenue, net income and cash flow.
The Company expects to incur significant ongoing costs and obligations related to its investment in infrastructure, growth, regulatory compliance and operations.
The Company expects to incur significant ongoing costs and obligations related to its planned investments. To the extent that these costs may be greater than anticipated or the Company may not be able to generate revenues or raise additional financing to cover these costs, these operating expenses could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, future changes in regulations, more vigorous enforcement thereof or other unanticipated events could increase costs and have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company. The Company may not be able to recover sufficient revenues to offset its higher operating expenses or to recoup its initial capital investment. The Company may incur significant losses in the future for a number of reasons, including, unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays, and other unknown events. If the Company is unable to achieve and sustain profitability, the market price of our securities may significantly decrease.
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There is no assurance the Company will be able to repatriate or distribute funds for investment from the United States to Canada or elsewhere.
In the event that any of the Company’s investments, or any proceeds thereof, any dividends or distributions there from, or any profits or revenues accruing from such investments in the United States were found to be in violation of money laundering legislation or otherwise, such transactions may be viewed as proceeds of crime under applicable federal laws, rules and regulations or any other applicable legislation. This could restrict or otherwise jeopardize the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends, effect other distributions or subsequently repatriate such funds back to Canada or elsewhere.
The Company may not be able to effectively manage its growth and operations, which could materially and adversely affect its business.
If the Company implements it business plan as intended, it may in the future experience rapid growth and development in a relatively short period of time. The management of this growth will require, among other things, continued development of the Company’s financial and management controls and management information systems, stringent control of costs, the ability to attract and retain qualified management personnel and the training of new personnel. The Company intends to utilize outsourced resources, and hire additional personnel, to manage its expected growth and expansion. Failure to successfully manage its possible growth and development could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business and the value of the shares.
The Company may face significant competition from other facilities.
Many other businesses in California engage in similar activities to the Company, leasing commercial space to agricultural producers generally, and providing additional products and services to similar customers. The Company cannot assure you that it will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. Competitive pressures faced by the Company could have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results and financial condition.
The Company may face significant competition from other nutritious food companies.
We face significant competition from other nutritious food companies. Many of our competitions may have established brands, more experience and competency in the industry, larger fulfillment infrastructure, significantly more marketing and other financial resources, and larger customers bases than we do. These factors may allow our competitions to achieve greater net sales and profits. The significant competition faced by the Company could have a material adverse effect on its business, operating results and financial condition.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property, our business may be adversely affected.
There can be no assurance that trade secrets and other intellectual property will not be challenged, invalidated, misappropriated or circumvented by third parties. Currently, our intellectual property includes provisional patents, patent applications, trademarks, trademark applications and know-how related to business, product and technology development. We plan on taking the necessary steps, including but not limited to the filing of additional patents as appropriate. There is no assurance any additional patents will issue or that when they do issue they will include all of the claims currently included in the applications. Even if they do issue, those new patents and our existing patents must be protected against possible infringement. Nonetheless, we currently rely on contractual obligations of our employees and contractors to maintain the confidentiality of our products. To compete effectively, we need to develop and continue to maintain a proprietary position with respect to our technologies, and business. The risks and uncertainties that we face with respect to intellectual property rights principally include the following:
● | Provisional protection may not result in full patents being granted, and any full patent applications that we file may not result in issued patents or may take longer than expected to result in issued patents; | |
● | we may be subject to interference proceedings; | |
● | other companies may claim that patents applied for by, assigned or licensed to, us infringe upon their own intellectual property rights; | |
● | we may be subject to trademark opposition proceedings in the U.S. and in foreign countries; |
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● | any patents that are issued to us may not provide meaningful protection; | |
● | we may not be able to develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable; | |
● | other companies may challenge patents licensed or issued to us as invalid, unenforceable or not infringed; | |
● | other companies may independently develop similar or alternative technologies, or duplicate our technologies; | |
● | other companies may design around technologies that we have licensed or developed; | |
● | any patents issued to us may expire and competitors may utilize the technology found in such patents to commercialize their own products; and | |
● | enforcement of patents is complex, uncertain and expensive. |
It is also possible that others may obtain issued patents that could prevent us from commercializing certain aspects of our products or require us to obtain licenses requiring the payment of significant fees or royalties in order to enable us to conduct our business. If we license patents, our rights will depend on maintaining our obligations to the licensor under the applicable license agreement, and we may be unable to do so. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the work-for-hire, intellectual property assignment and confidentiality agreements entered into by our employees and consultants, advisors and collaborators will provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use or disclosure of such trade secrets, know- how or other proprietary information. The scope and enforceability of patent claims are not systematically predictable with absolute accuracy. The strength of our own patent rights depends, in part, upon the breadth and scope of protection provided by the patent and the validity of our patents, if any.
Impairments of the carrying amounts of intangible asset could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our intangible asset balance consists of our patented process to develop germinated whole grain wheat flour. We test our assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Such events and circumstances could include a sustained decrease in our market capitalization, increased competition or unexpected loss of market share, increased input costs beyond projections (for example due to regulatory or industry changes), disposals of significant components of our business, unexpected business disruptions, unexpected significant declines in operating results, or significant adverse changes in the markets in which we operate. We test our intangible asset for impairment by comparing the estimated fair value with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, we record an impairment loss based on the difference between fair value and carrying amount.
While there was no single determinative event or factor, the consideration in totality of several factors that developed during the fourth quarter of 2023 led us to conclude that it was possible that the fair value of our intangible asset was below their carrying amounts. These factors included: (i) a sustained decrease in our share price in 2023, which reduced our market capitalization below the book value of net assets; (ii) lack of financing raised during 2023 due to the economic environment (iii) delays in the launch of the sale of our UN(THINK) flour. Impairment of Company’s intangible asset could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We operate in an industry with the risk of intellectual property litigation. Claims of infringement against us may hurt our business.
Our success depends, in part, upon non-infringement of intellectual property rights owned by others and being able to resolve claims of intellectual property infringement without major financial expenditures or adverse consequences. Participants that own, or claim to own, intellectual property may aggressively assert their rights. From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims relating to the intellectual property rights of others. Future litigation may be necessary to defend us or our clients by determining the scope, enforceability, and validity of third-party proprietary rights or to establish its proprietary rights. Some competitors have substantially greater resources and are able to sustain the costs of complex intellectual property litigation to a greater degree and for longer periods of time. In addition, patent holding companies that focus solely on extracting royalties and settlements by enforcing patent rights may target us. Regardless of whether claims that we are infringing patents or other intellectual property rights have any merit, these claims are time-consuming and costly to evaluate and defend and could:
● | adversely affect relationships with future clients; | |
● | cause delays or stoppages in providing products; | |
● | divert management’s attention and resources; | |
● | require technology changes to our platform that would cause our Company to incur substantial cost; | |
● | subject us to significant liabilities; and | |
● | require us to cease some or all business activities. |
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In addition to liability for monetary damages, which may be tripled and may include attorneys’ fees, or, in some circumstances, damages against clients, we may be prohibited from developing, commercializing, or continuing to provide some or all of our products unless we obtain licenses from, and pay royalties to, the holders of the patents or other intellectual property rights, which may not be available on commercially favorable terms, or at all.
We have limited foreign intellectual property rights and may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.
We have limited intellectual property rights outside the United States. Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on devices in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive, and our intellectual property rights in some countries outside the United States can be less extensive than those in the United States. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property to the same extent as laws in the United States. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States, or from selling or importing products made using our inventions in and into the United States or other jurisdictions. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patents to develop their own products and further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patents, but enforcement is not as strong as that in the United States.
Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain countries, particularly China and certain other developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents, trade secrets and other intellectual property, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. To date, we have not sought to enforce any issued patents in these foreign jurisdictions. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. The requirements for patentability may differ in certain countries, particularly developing countries. Certain countries in Europe and developing countries, including China and India, have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In those countries, we and our licensors may have limited remedies if patents are infringed or if we or our licensors are compelled to grant a license to a third party, which could materially diminish the value of those patents. This could limit our potential revenue opportunities. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license.
If we are unable to obtain or defend our patents, our business could be materially adversely affected.
Our patent position is highly uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions. Accordingly, we cannot predict the breadth of claims that may be allowed or enforced under our patents or in third-party patents. For example, we might not have been the first to make the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications and provisional patents; we might not have been the first to file patent applications for these inventions; others may independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies; it is possible that none of our pending patent applications will result in issued patents; our issued patents may not provide a basis for commercially viable technologies, or may not provide us with any competitive advantages, or may be challenged and invalidated by third parties; and, we may not develop additional proprietary technologies that are patentable.
As a result, our owned and licensed patents may not be valid and we may not be able to obtain and enforce patents and to maintain trade secret protection for the full commercial extent of our technology. The extent to which we are unable to do so could materially harm our business.
We have applied for and will continue to apply for patents for certain products. Such applications may not result in the issuance of any patents, and any patents now held or that may be issued may not provide us with adequate protection from competition. Furthermore, it is possible that patents issued or licensed to us may be challenged successfully. In that event, if we have a preferred competitive position because of such patents, such preferred position would be lost. If we are unable to secure or to continue to maintain a preferred position, we could become subject to competition from the sale of generic products. Failure to receive, inability to protect, or expiration of our patents would adversely affect our business and operations.
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Patents issued or licensed to us may be infringed by the products or processes of others. The cost of enforcing our patent rights against infringers, if such enforcement is required, could be significant, and we do not currently have the financial resources to fund such litigation. Further, such litigation can go on for years and the time demands could interfere with our normal operations. We may become a party to patent litigation and other proceedings. The cost to us of any patent litigation, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial. Many of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of such litigation more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater financial resources. Litigation may also absorb significant management time.
Unpatented trade secrets, improvements, confidential know-how and continuing technological innovation are important to our scientific and commercial success. Although we attempt to and will continue to attempt to protect our proprietary information through reliance on trade secret laws and the use of confidentiality agreements with our partners, collaborators, employees and consultants, as well as through other appropriate means, these measures may not effectively prevent disclosure of our proprietary information, and, in any event, others may develop independently, or obtain access to, the same or similar information.
International intellectual property protection is particularly uncertain, and if we are involved in opposition proceedings in foreign countries, we may have to expend substantial sums and management resources.
Patent and other intellectual property law outside the United States is more uncertain and is continually undergoing review and revisions in many countries. Further, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. For example, certain countries do not grant patent claims that are directed to business methods and processes. In addition, we may have to participate in opposition proceedings to determine the validity of its foreign patents or its competitors’ foreign patents, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of its efforts and loss of credibility with customers.
If we are found to be infringing on patents or trade secrets owned by others, we may be forced to cease or alter our product development efforts, obtain a license to continue the development or sale of our products, and/or pay damages.
Our processes and potential products may violate proprietary rights of patents that have been or may be granted to competitors, universities or others, or the trade secrets of those persons and entities. As our industry expands and more patents are issued, the risk increases that our processes and potential products may give rise to claims that they infringe the patents or trade secrets of others. These other persons could bring legal actions against us claiming damages and seeking to enjoin manufacturing and marketing of the affected product or process. If any of these actions are successful, in addition to any potential liability for damages, we could be required to obtain a license in order to continue to manufacture or market the affected product or use the affected process. Required licenses may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, and the results of litigation are uncertain. If we become involved in litigation or other proceedings, it could consume a substantial portion of our financial resources and the efforts of our personnel.
We rely on confidentiality agreements to protect our trade secrets. If these agreements are breached by our employees or other parties, our trade secrets may become known to our competitors.
We rely on trade secrets that we seek to protect through confidentiality agreements with our employees and other parties. If these agreements are breached, our competitors may obtain and use our trade secrets to gain a competitive advantage over us. We may not have any remedies against our competitors and any remedies that may be available to us may not be adequate to protect our business or compensate us for the damaging disclosure. In addition, we may have to expend resources to protect our interests from possible infringement by others.
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We have a limited operating history on which to judge our business prospects and management.
Our company was incorporated and commenced operations in 2017. Accordingly, we have only a limited operating history upon which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. Operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties and we cannot assure you that we will achieve or sustain profitability. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks encountered by companies in the early stage of development, particularly companies in new and rapidly evolving markets. Future operating results will depend upon many factors, including increasing the number of affiliates, our success in attracting and retaining motivated and qualified personnel, our ability to establish short term credit lines, our ability to develop and market new products, control costs, and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address any of these risks.
We may not be able to continue as a going concern.
The Company has incurred substantial operating losses since its inception and expects to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future and may never become profitable. As reflected in the financial statements, the Company had an accumulated deficit of approximately $44.5 million at December 31, 2023, a net loss of approximately $11.7 million, and approximately $6.5 million of net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The Company anticipates incurring additional losses until such time, if ever, that it can obtain marketing approval to sell, and then generate significant sales, of its technology that is currently in development. As such it is likely that additional financing will be needed by the Company to fund its operations and to develop and commercialize its technology. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The Company is seeking additional financing to support its growth plans. The sale of additional equity may dilute existing shareholders and newly issued shares may contain senior rights and preferences compared to currently outstanding common shares.
Our management team will be required to devote substantial time to regulatory compliance which may divert our attention from the day-to-day management of our business.
Our management team will require substantial attention from our senior management and could divert our attention away from the day-to-day management of our business. Regulatory compliance is increasingly complex and management may not have experience in all areas of public company compliance. The management team will seek assistance from external resources when appropriate for public company regulatory compliance and tax regulatory compliance for applicable jurisdictions.
The Company may become subject to litigation, which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s reputation, business, results from operations, and financial condition.
The Company may be named as a defendant in a lawsuit or regulatory action. The Company may also incur uninsured losses for liabilities which arise in the ordinary course of business, or which are unforeseen, including, but not limited to, employment liability and business loss claims. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, sales, cash flow or financial condition.
If the Company is unable to attract and retain key personnel, it may not be able to compete effectively.
The Company’s success has depended and continues to depend upon its ability to attract and retain key management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and technical experts. The Company will attempt to enhance its management and technical expertise by continuing to recruit qualified individuals who possess desired skills and experience in certain targeted areas. The Company’s inability to retain employees and attract and retain sufficient additional employees or engineering and technical support resources could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, sales, cash flow or financial condition. Shortages in qualified personnel or the loss of key personnel could adversely affect the financial condition of the Company, results of operations of the business and could limit the Company’s ability to develop and market its intellectual property. The loss of any of the Company’s senior management or key employees could materially adversely affect the Company’s ability to execute the Company’s business plan and strategy, and the Company may not be able to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all. The Company does not maintain key person life insurance policies on any of the Company’s employees.
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The size of the Company’s initial target market is difficult to quantify and investors will be reliant on their own estimates on the accuracy of market data.
Because high growth crop technology is in an early stage with uncertain boundaries, there is a lack of information about comparable companies available for potential investors to review in deciding about whether to invest in the Company and, few, if any, established companies whose business model the Company can follow or upon whose success the Company can build. Accordingly, investors will have to rely on their own estimates in deciding about whether to invest in the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company’s estimates are accurate or that the market size is sufficiently large for its business to grow as projected, which may negatively impact its financial results. The Company regularly follows market research.
The Company’s industry is experiencing rapid growth and consolidation that may cause the Company to lose key relationships and intensify competition.
The agriculture industry and various verticals within it are undergoing rapid growth and substantial change, which has resulted in an increase in competitors, consolidation and formation of strategic relationships. Acquisitions or other consolidating transactions could harm the Company in a number of ways, including by losing strategic partners and or customers if they are acquired by or enter into relationships with a competitor, losing customers, revenue and market share, or forcing the Company to expend greater resources to meet new or additional competitive threats, all of which could harm the Company’s operating results. As competitors enter the market and become increasingly sophisticated, competition in the Company’s industry may intensify which could negatively impact its profitability.
The Company will be reliant on information technology systems and may be subject to damaging cyberattacks.
The Company’s operations depend, in part, on how well it and its suppliers protect networks, equipment, information technology systems and software against damage from a number of threats, including, but not limited to, cable cuts, damage to physical plants, natural disasters, intentional damage and destruction, fire, power loss, hacking, computer viruses, vandalism and theft. The Company’s operations also depend on the timely maintenance, upgrade and replacement of networks, equipment, IT systems and software, as well as pre-emptive expenses to mitigate the risks of failures. Any of these and other events could result in information system failures, delays and/or increase in capital expenses. The failure of information systems or a component of information systems could, depending on the nature of any such failure, adversely impact the Company’s reputation and results of operations.
The Company has not experienced any material losses to date relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, but there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access is a risk. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Company may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities.
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The Company’s officers and directors may be engaged in a range of business activities resulting in conflicts of interest.
Although certain officers and board members of the Company are expected to be bound by anti-circumvention agreements limiting their ability to enter into competing and/or conflicting ventures or businesses, the Company may be subject to various potential conflicts of interest because some of its officers and directors may be engaged in a range of business activities. In addition, the Company’s executive officers and directors may devote time to their outside business interests, so long as such activities do not materially or adversely interfere with their duties to the Company. In some cases, the Company’s executive officers and directors may have fiduciary obligations associated with these business interests that interfere with their ability to devote time to the Company’s business and affairs and that could adversely affect the Company’s operations. These business interests could require significant time and attention of the Company’s executive officers and directors.
In addition, the Company may also become involved in other transactions which conflict with the interests of its directors and the officers who may from time to time deal with persons, firms, institutions or companies with which the Company may be dealing, or which may be seeking investments similar to those desired by it. The interests of these persons could conflict with those of the Company. In addition, from time to time, these persons may be competing with the Company for available investment opportunities. Conflicts of interest, if any, will be subject to the procedures and remedies provided under applicable laws. In particular, if such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Company’s directors, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms. In accordance with applicable laws, the directors of the Company are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
There is no guarantee that how the Company uses its available funds will yield the expected results or returns which could impact the business and financial condition of the Company.
The Company cannot specify with certainty the particular uses of available funds. Management has broad discretion in the application of its proceeds. Accordingly, a holder of shares will have to rely upon the judgment of management with respect to the use of available funds, with only limited information concerning management’s specific intentions. The Company’s management may spend a portion or all of the available funds in ways that the Company’s shareholders might not desire, that might not yield a favorable return and that might not increase the value of a purchaser’s investment. The failure by management to apply these funds effectively could harm the Company’s business. Pending use of such funds, the Company might invest the available funds in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
Our Articles of incorporation, by-laws and certain Canadian legislation, contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.
Certain provisions of our by-laws, together or separately, could discourage potential acquisition proposals, delay or prevent a change in control and limit the price that certain investors may be willing to pay for our common shares. For instance, our by-laws contain provisions that establish certain advance notice procedures for nomination of candidates for election as directors at shareholders’ meetings.
The Investment Canada Act requires any person that is non-Canadian (as defined in the Investment Canada Act) who acquires “control” (as defined in the Investment Canada Act) of an existing Canadian business to file either a pre-closing application for review or notification with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. An acquisition of control is a reviewable transaction where prescribed financial thresholds are exceeded. The Investment Canada Act generally prohibits the implementation of a reviewable transaction unless, after review, the relevant Minister is satisfied that the acquisition is likely to be of net benefit to Canada. Under the national security regime in the Investment Canada Act, the federal government may undertake a discretionary review of a broader range of investments by a non-Canadian to determine whether such an investment by a non-Canadian could be “injurious to national security.” Review on national security grounds is at the discretion of the federal government and may occur on a pre- or post-closing basis.
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Furthermore, limitations on the ability to acquire and hold our common shares may be imposed by the Competition Act (Canada). This legislation permits the Commissioner of Competition to review any acquisition or establishment, directly or indirectly, including through the acquisition of shares, of control over or of a significant interest in us. This legislation grants the Commissioner of Competition jurisdiction, for up to one year, to challenge this type of acquisition before the Canadian Competition Tribunal on the basis that it would, or would be likely to, substantially prevent or lessen competition. This legislation also requires any person who intends to acquire our common shares to file a notification with the Canadian Competition Bureau if (i) that person (and their affiliates) would hold, in the aggregate, more than 20% of all of our outstanding voting shares, (ii) certain financial thresholds are exceeded, and (iii) no exemption applies. Where a person (and their affiliates) already holds, in the aggregate, more than 20% of all of our outstanding voting shares, a notification must be filed if (i) the acquisition of additional shares would bring that person’s (and their affiliates) holdings to over 50%, (ii) certain financial thresholds are exceeded and (iii) no exemption applies. Where a notification is required, the legislation prohibits completion of the acquisition until the expiration of the applicable statutory waiting period, unless compliance with the waiting period has been waived or the Commissioner of Competition provides written notice that he does not intend to challenge the acquisition. The Commissioner of Competition’s review of a notifiable transaction for substantive competition law considerations may take longer than the statutory waiting period.
We are governed by the corporate laws of British Columbia, Canada which in some cases have a different effect on shareholders than the corporate laws of the United States.
We are incorporated under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the “BC Act”) and other relevant laws, which may affect the rights of shareholders differently than those of a company governed by the laws of a U.S. jurisdiction, and may, together with our charter documents, have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or may affect the price an acquiring party would be willing to offer in such an instance. The material differences between the BC Act and Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”) that may have the greatest such effect include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) for certain corporate transactions (such as mergers and amalgamations or amendments to our articles) the BC Act generally requires the voting threshold to be a special resolution approved by 66 2/3% of shareholders, or as set out in the articles, as applicable, whereas DGCL generally only requires a majority vote; and (ii) under the BC Act a holder of 5% or more of our common shares can requisition a special meeting of shareholders, whereas such right does not exist under the DGCL. We cannot predict whether investors will find our company and our common shares less attractive because we are governed by foreign laws.
Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Common Shares
New laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure may create uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming.
These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by the courts and other bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations, and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be adversely affected.
As a public company subject to these rules and regulations, we may find it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board of Directors, particularly to serve on its audit committee and compensation committee, and qualified executive officers.
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The market price of our common shares and Series A Warrants may be volatile, and you may not be able to resell your common shares and Series A Warrants at or above the acquisition price.
The market price for our common shares and Series A Warrants may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:
● | actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results; | |
● | changes in financial or operational estimates or projections; | |
● | conditions in markets generally; | |
● | changes in the economic performance or market valuations of companies similar to ours; | |
● | general economic or political conditions in the United States or elsewhere; | |
● | any delay in development of our products or services; | |
● | failure to comply with regulatory requirements; | |
● | inability to commercially launch products and services and market and generate sales of our products and services, | |
● | developments or disputes concerning intellectual property rights; | |
● | our or our competitors’ technological innovations; | |
● | general and industry-specific economic conditions that may affect our expenditures; | |
● | changes in market valuations of similar companies; | |
● | announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, capital commitments, new technologies, or patents; | |
● | future sales of our common shares or other securities, including shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants or convertible securities or otherwise issued pursuant to certain contractual rights; | |
● | period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results; and | |
● | low or high trading volume of our common shares due to many factors, including the terms of our financing arrangements. |
In addition, if we fail to reach an important research, development or commercialization milestone or result by a publicly expected deadline, even if by only a small margin, there could be significant impact on the market price of our common shares. Additionally, as we approach the announcement of anticipated significant information and as we announce such information, we expect the price of our common shares to be particularly volatile and negative results would have a substantial negative impact on the price of our common shares and Series A Warrants.
In addition, in recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock price, notwithstanding our operating results. The market price of our common shares and Series A Warrants will fluctuate and there can be no assurances about the levels of the market prices for our common shares and Series A Warrants.
In some cases, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, shareholders have often instituted class action securities litigation against those companies. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management attention and resources, which could significantly harm our business operations and reputation.
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As an “emerging growth company” under applicable law, we will be subject to lessened disclosure requirements, which could leave our shareholders without information or rights available to shareholders of more mature companies.
For as long as we remain an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we have elected to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” including, but not limited to:
● | not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; | |
● | being permitted to provide only two years of audited financial statements, in addition to any required unaudited interim financial statements, with correspondingly reduced “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” disclosure; | |
● | reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports, proxy statements and registration statements; | |
● | taking advantage of an extension of time to comply with new or revised financial accounting standard; and | |
● | exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and shareholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. |
We expect to take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” Because of these lessened regulatory requirements, our shareholders would be left without information or rights available to shareholders of more mature companies. We cannot predict whether investors will find our common shares less attractive if we rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common shares less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common shares and our stock price may be more volatile.
We are also a “smaller reporting company” as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and have elected to follow certain scaled disclosure requirements available to smaller reporting companies.
Because we have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards for an “emerging growth company” our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates.
We have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards under Section 102(b)(1) of the JOBS Act. This election allows us to delay the adoption of new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until those standards apply to private companies. As a result of this election, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates and may contain less or more modified disclosure than those public companies. Because our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with public company effective dates, investors may have difficulty evaluating or comparing our business, performance or prospects in comparison to other public companies, which may have a negative impact on the value and liquidity of our common shares.
FINRA sales practice requirements may also limit your ability to buy and sell our common shares, which could depress the price of our shares.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) rules require broker-dealers to have reasonable grounds for believing that an investment is suitable for a customer before recommending that investment to the customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status and investment objectives, among other things. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability such speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common shares, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares, and thereby depress our share price.
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If research analysts do not publish research about our business or if they issue unfavorable commentary or downgrade our common shares or Series A Warrants, our securities’ price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our securities may depend in part on the research and reports that research analysts publish about us and our business. If we do not maintain adequate research coverage, or if any of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of our common shares and Series A Warrants could decline. If one or more of our research analysts ceases to cover our business or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our securities could decrease, which could cause the price of our common shares and Series A Warrants or trading volume to decline.
We may issue additional equity securities, or engage in other transactions that could dilute our book value or relative rights of our common shares, which may adversely affect the market price of our common shares and Series A Warrants.
Our Board of Directors may determine from time to time that it needs to raise additional capital by issuing additional shares of our common shares or other securities. Except as otherwise described in this filing, we will not be restricted from issuing additional common shares, including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive common shares. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing, or nature of any future offerings, or the prices at which such offerings may be affected. Additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our common shares and Series A Warrants, or all of them. Holders of our securities are not entitled to pre-emptive rights or other protections against dilution. New investors also may have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to, and that adversely affect, then-current holders of our securities. Additionally, if we raise additional capital by making offerings of debt or preference shares, upon our liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preference shares, and lenders with respect to other borrowings, may receive distributions of its available assets before the holders of our common shares.
An investment in our Series A Warrants is speculative in nature and could result in a loss of your investment therein.
The Series A Warrants do not confer any rights of common share ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of our common shares at a fixed price for a limited period of time. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the Series A Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common shares and pay an exercise price of $300 per share (exercising 50 warrants at $6 per warrant to receive one common share), prior to three years from the date of issuance, after which date any unexercised Series A Warrants will expire and have no further value. Moreover, the market value of the Series A Warrants is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the Series A Warrants will equal or exceed their initial price. There can be no assurance that the market price of the common shares will ever equal or exceed the exercise price of the Series A Warrants, and consequently, whether it will ever be profitable for holders of the Series A Warrants to exercise the Series A Warrants.
Our Series A Warrants and contain a provision which only permits securities claims to be brought in federal court.
Section 11 of our Series A Warrants states in relevant part: “The Company hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan (except for claims brought under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which must be brought in federal court)”. Therefore any claims with respect to our Series A Warrants brought under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act must be brought in federal court while all other claims may be brought in federal or state court. Proceedings in federal court may be more expensive than in state court due to more comprehensive rules on how discovery and motion and trial practice are handled. This provision may have a dampening effect on claims brought under these securities laws or limit the ability of the investor to bring a claim in the jurisdiction it deems more favorable. This provision is likely enforceable as requirements regarding bringing securities claims have been met, but it may have the overall effect of discouraging litigation due to the circumstances described herein.
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We do not currently intend to pay dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future, and consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common shares.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common shares and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends to holders of our common shares in the foreseeable future. Consequently, investors must rely on sales of their common shares after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investments.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
We are committed to protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information systems and the data they contain from cybersecurity threats. We acknowledge that cybersecurity is a dynamic and evolving area of risk that requires ongoing assessment, management, and oversight. As we grow in size and revenue, we intend to work with third party companies to assess, identify, manage, and mitigate material cybersecurity threats, as well as to respond to and recover from cybersecurity incidents, all as necessary.
We recognize the importance of maintaining our technology and data systems. Our cybersecurity policies, standards, processes, and practices are integrated across our operational departments.
Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy
As one of the elements of our overall risk management program, we focus on the following key areas:
Technical Safeguards: We have commenced to implement technical safeguards, including by not limited to firewalls, anti-malware functionality and access controls.
Outside Consultants: We have identified and, as appropriate and when we have the budget to do so, will utilize outside consultants, including contractors and other third parties, to among other things, conduct regular testing of our networks and systems to identify vulnerabilities through penetration testing, while also measuring and advising on potential improvements to our incident prevention, response, and documentation procedures.
We have not encountered cybersecurity threats or experienced previously cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected or that we believe are reasonably likely to materially affect us, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
Governance
Board of Directors Oversight
Our Board is aware of the critical nature of managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats. Management works with our Board to establish oversight mechanisms to ensure effective governance in managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats because we recognize the significance of these threats to our operational integrity and stakeholder confidence. The Board has delegated to our Audit Committee the primary responsibility for oversight of cybersecurity risks.
Management’s Role Managing Risk
Our Executive Team plays a primary role in informing the Audit Committee on cybersecurity risks. These individuals monitor activity and potential risks related to the day-to-day operations of the business, including reviewing results of the work of our outside consultants. They will provide briefings to the Audit Committee on a periodic basis regarding cybersecurity matters, including but not limited to the following:
● | Current cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats; |
● | Status of ongoing cybersecurity initiatives and strategies; |
● | Incident reporting, if any, and learning from any cybersecurity events; |
● | Risk mitigation efforts and insurance, and |
● | Compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standard. |
Item 2. Properties
The Company currently leases office space at 800-525 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C6 as its principal office. The Company will be moving to a virtual office model in order to reallocate rent expenditures to operations.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are subject to the legal proceedings and claims described in detail in “Note 21. Commitments and Contingencies” to the audited financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not believe the outcome of such legal proceeding and claims, if determined adversely to us, would be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
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PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market information
Our common stock is currently quoted on Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “AGRI”, and warrants under the symbol “AGRIW”. The market price has been volatile.
On March 29, 2024, the closing price for our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market was $0.18 per share.
Securities outstanding and holders of record
On April 1, 2024, there were approximately 5,467 shareholders of record for our common stock and 22,573,938 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding.
Dividend Policy
We have never paid any cash dividends on our common shares. However, we have paid common share dividends on our preferred stock. Our preferred stock was retired and there were no preferred shares outstanding after the IPO. We anticipate that we will retain funds and future earnings to support operations and to finance the growth and development of our business. Therefore, we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay cash dividends on our common shares will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors that our Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, the terms of any future debt or credit financings may preclude us from paying dividends.
Information respecting equity compensation plans
The Company adopted a stock option plan originally on December 12, 2018 (the “Option Plan”), as amended, under which the compensation committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”) may from time to time in its discretion, recommend changes to the Option Plan to grant to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company non-transferable options to purchase common shares (“Options”). The Board of Directors review recommendations and approve changes. As of the date of this filling, the Company has 76,114 Options outstanding, and [2,129,652] Options available for future issuances. The Option Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Company on June 10, 2019.
The following table provides information with respect to options outstanding under our Plan as at December 31, 2023:
Plan category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options | Weighted- average exercise price of outstanding options | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 76,114 | $ | 41.75 | 2,181,280 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
Total | 76,114 | $ | 41.75 | 2,181,280 |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
The Company had the following sales of unregistered securities during the three months ended March 31, 2023:
300 common shares were issued to consultants.
32,742 common shares were issued upon conversion of prefunded warrants.
14,216 common shares were issued upon conversion of convertible debt.
3,118 common shares were issued as part of compensation to Company officers.
The Company had the following sales of unregistered securities during the three months ended June 30, 2023:
30 |
250 common shares were issued to consultants.
10,208 common shares were issued upon conversion of prefunded warrants.
36,111 common shares upon conversion of convertible debt in lieu of repayment in cash.
20,000 common shares issued to a shareholder in a private placement.
The Company had the following sales of unregistered securities during the three months ended September 30, 2023:
350 common shares were issued to consultants.
59,660 common shares were issued upon conversion of prefunded warrants.
422,194 common shares upon conversion of convertible debt in lieu of repayment in cash.
31,889 common shares were issued as part of compensation to Company officers and employees.
The Company had the following sales of unregistered securities during the three months ended December 31, 2023:
580,000 common shares were issued to consultants.
38,565 common shares were issued upon conversion of prefunded warrants.
2,694,611 common shares were issued upon conversion of convertible debt.
1,399,928 common shares upon conversion of convertible debt in lieu of repayment in cash.
On October 18, 2023, a Debenture Investor purchased an additional tranche totaling $2,750,000 in convertible debentures and received 620,230 warrants. The convertible Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $2.62. The issuance of the additional tranche further triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First and Second Tranche Debentures as well as the First and Second Tranche Debenture Warrants to $2.62.
31 |
On November 30, 2023, a Debenture Investor purchased an additional tranche totaling $2,750,000 in convertible debentures and received 1,986,112 warrants. The convertible Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $0.90. The issuance of the additional tranche further triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First and Second Tranche Debentures as well as the First and Second Tranche Debenture Warrants to $0.90.
The Company had the following sales of unregistered securities from January 1, 2024 to April 1, 2024:
10,622,392 common shares were issued upon conversion of convertible debt.
5,871,210 common shares upon conversion of convertible debt in lieu of repayment in cash.
112,645 common shares were issued as part of compensation to Company officers.
126,646 common shares were issued to consultants.
On February 21, 2024, a Convertible Debt Investor purchased an additional tranche of $1,100,000 in convertible debentures and received 3,341,122 warrants. The convertible Debentures and Debenture Warrants were issued with an exercise price of $0.214. The issuance of the additional tranche triggered the down round provision, adjusting the exercise prices of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth tranche of Debentures and the First, Second, Third, Fourth tranche of Debenture Warrants to $0.214.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer or Affiliated Purchasers
There were no repurchases of shares of common stock made during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
As a registrant that qualifies as a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item.
32 |
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Prospective investors should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” You should review the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Revenues
During the year, the Company sold and delivered its first shipment of hydroxyl generating devices. The shipment consisted of 5 units for gross sales of $16,281.
The Company sells its products directly to customers and indirectly to customers through sales brokers.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses primarily consist of wages and salaries, professional fees, consulting, office and administration, investor and public relations, research and development, and share-based compensation. Operating expenses decreased in the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022 by $2,500,658 or 18% primarily due to the following:
● | Professional fees and consulting decreased by $1,480,038 and $1,280,672, respectively due to a significant decrease in M&A spending during 2023 as a result of the Company focusing on organic growth of currently active ventures. |
● | Research and development decreased by $609,104 due to limited research services procured during 2023 as compared to expenditures paid to RCS in 2022 as well as design and construction fees that were only incurred in 2022. |
● | Investor and public relations expenses decreased by $459,711 due to more investor and public relations advisory services utilized in 2022 for communication. |
● | Wages and salaries decreased by $441,530 due to a reduction in staff head count in 2023. |
● | Office and administrative decreased by $286,012 due to overall cost cutting initiatives during 2023. |
● | Travel and entertainment decreased by $170,614 due to a reduction in travel for foreign business development. |
● | Sales and marketing decreased by $165,290 due to significant reductions in public relations agency work and social media contracted fees from cost cutting initiatives. |
● | Share based compensation decreased $99,864 due to a significant number of option forfeitures from lower staff head count. |
● | Shareholder and regulatory decreased $99,611 due to lower Rule 144 share releases in 2023. |
● | Lease expense decreased $28,945 due to the termination of the Company’s long term office lease in 2023. |
This was partially offset by the following:
● | Write down of construction in progress deposit of $1,963,304 due to the termination of an agreement with a construction contractor. |
● | Depreciation and amortization increased $657,431 due to the beginning of amortization of the intangible asset which became available for use in January 2023. |
Other Expenses / (Income)
Other expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased due to the following:
● | Accretion interest on debentures increased by $4,566,721 due to the issuance of three additional tranches of convertible debentures during the year. |
● | Loss on conversion of convertible debt increased by $1,284,703 (gain of $93,973 – 2022) from the conversions of $6,970,382 in principal and interest during the year ($150,000 of principal – 2022) of convertible debentures into the Company’s common shares at a loss. |
● | Loss on debt extinguishment increased by $680,935 (nil – 2022) as a result of the conversion of $1,489,974 of principal from the First Tranche Debentures into the Company’s common shares which triggered an extinguishment of debt due to the change of the fair value of the debt after the conversion. |
● | Foreign exchange loss increased by $365,088 due to a higher average cash balance during 2022 coupled with an increasing USD to CAD rate throughout versus a lower average cash balance during 2023 which saw several large decreases in USD to CAD rates throughout. |
This was partially offset by the following:
● | Change in fair value of derivative liabilities increased by $5,641,017 due to a significant decrease in the Company’s per share price of 99% during the period. |
● | All other items aggregate to $107,040. |
33 |
Critical Accounting Estimates
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. In order to determine if assets have been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable independent cash flows are available (“asset group”). An impairment loss is recognized when the sum of projected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset group. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset group. Fair value has been determined using a market approach.
Fair value determinations of intangible assets require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions, estimates, and market factors. Estimating the fair value of our intangible asset requires us to make assumptions and estimates regarding our future plans, as well as industry, economic, and regulatory conditions. These assumptions and estimates include estimated future annual net cash flows, discount rates, growth rates, contributory asset charges, and other market factors. If current expectations of future growth rates and margins are not met, if market factors outside of our control, such as discount rates, change, or if management’s expectations or plans otherwise change, then our intangible might become impaired in the future.
Our intangible asset balance consists of our patented process to develop germinated whole grain wheat flour. We test our assets for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of our intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. Such events and circumstances could include a sustained decrease in our market capitalization, increased competition or unexpected loss of market share, increased input costs beyond projections (for example due to regulatory or industry changes), disposals of significant components of our business, unexpected business disruptions, unexpected significant declines in operating results, or significant adverse changes in the markets in which we operate.
While there was no single determinative event or factor, the consideration in totality of several factors that developed during the fourth quarter of 2023 led us to conclude that it was possible that the fair value of our intangible asset was below their carrying amounts. These factors included: (i) a sustained decrease in our share price in 2023, which reduced our market capitalization below the book value of net assets; (ii) lack of financing raised during 2023 due to the economic environment (iii) delays in the launch of the sale of our UN(THINK) flour;
Accordingly, we performed an impairment test on our intangible asset as of December 31, 2023 based on the asset’s fair value based on net assets. As a result of our impairment test, we determined that the intangible asset was not impaired as of December 31, 2023. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, our market capitalization continued to decrease indicating that the intangible asset may be impaired in the foreseeable future.
Equity-linked instruments
The fair value of the Company’s warrants is determined in accordance with FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” which establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the assumptions (inputs) to valuation techniques used to price assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value. The hierarchy, as defined below, gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The guidance for fair value measurements requires that assets and liabilities measured at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
● | Level 1: Defined as observable inputs, such as quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
● | Level 2: Defined as observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1. This includes quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. |
● | Level 3: Defined as unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those whose fair value measurements are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar valuation techniques, as well as significant management judgment or estimation. |
The Company evaluates and accounts for conversion options embedded in its convertible instruments in accordance with ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), which provides that if three criteria are met, the Company is required to bifurcate conversion options from their host instruments and account for them as free-standing derivative financial instruments. These three criteria include circumstances in which;
(a) the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative instrument are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contract;
(b) the hybrid instrument that embodies both the embedded derivative instrument and the host contract is not re-measured at fair value under otherwise applicable generally accepted accounting principles with changes in fair value reported in earnings as they occur; and
(c) a separate instrument with the same terms as the embedded derivative instrument would be considered a derivative instrument.
ASC 815 also provides an exception to this rule when the host instrument is deemed to be conventional as defined under professional standards as “The Meaning of Conventional Convertible Debt Instrument.”
The Company accounts for convertible instruments (when it has determined that the embedded conversion options should not be bifurcated from their host instruments) in accordance with professional standards when “Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features,” as those professional standards pertain to “Certain Convertible Instruments.”
The debenture conversion features are categorized as a Level 3 financial instrument. The Company utilized the Monte Carlo option-pricing for valuing the convertible features.
The First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Tranche of Debenture Warrants, collectively (the “Debenture Warrants”) are categorized as a Level 3 financial instrument. The Company utilized the Monte Carlo option-pricing model to value the Debenture Warrants.
The most subjective assumptions in such option pricing models include the implied volatility, expected term, risk-free rate and the probability of triggering the down-round provisions.
Share Based Compensation
The Company uses the straight-line method to allocate compensation cost to reporting periods over each optionee’s requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, and estimates the fair value of stock-based awards to employees and directors using the Black-Scholes option-valuation model (the “Black-Scholes model”). This model incorporates certain assumptions for inputs including a risk-free market interest rate, expected dividend yield of the underlying common stock, expected option life, and expected volatility in the market value of the underlying common stock. The Company recognizes any forfeitures as they occur.
34 |
Income Taxes
Current tax expense is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted at period-end.
Deferred tax assets, including those arising from tax loss carryforwards, requires management to assess the likelihood that the Company will generate sufficient taxable earnings in future periods in order to utilize recognized deferred tax assets. Assumptions about the generation of future taxable profits depend on management’s estimates of future cash flows. In addition, future changes in tax laws could limit the ability of the Company to obtain tax deductions in future periods. To the extent that future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of the Company to realize the net deferred tax assets recorded at the reporting date could be impacted.
The Company operates in various tax jurisdictions and is subject to audit by various tax authorities.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company’s primary need for liquidity is to fund working capital requirements, capital expenditures, and general corporate purposes. The Company’s ability to fund operations and make planned capital expenditures and debt service obligations depends on future operating performance and cash flows, which are subject to prevailing economic conditions, financial markets, business and other factors. We recorded a net loss of $11,733,210 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $12,873,102 for the year ended December 31, 2022; and recorded an accumulated deficit of $44,507,304 as of December 31, 2023 ($32,774,094 – as of December 31, 2022). Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $6,505,072 compared to $12,079,359 for the year ended December 31, 2022.
We had $3,878,578 in cash as at December 31, 2023 as compared to $2,269,320 as at December 31, 2022.
Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
● | the cost and timing of our regulatory activities, especially the process to obtain regulatory approval for our intellectual properties in the U.S. and foreign countries; |
● | the costs of R&D activities we undertake to further develop our technology; |
● | the costs of constructing our grow houses, including any impact of complications, delays, and other unknown events; |
● | the costs of commercialization activities, including sales, marketing and production; |
● | the costs of our mergers and acquisitions activity; |
● | the level of working capital required to support our growth; and |
● | our need for additional personnel, information technology or other operating infrastructure to support our growth and operations as a public company. |
35 |
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classification of liabilities that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. The Company is at an early stage of development. As such it is likely that additional financing will be needed by the Company to fund its operations and to develop and commercialize its technology. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
For the next twelve months from issuance of these financial statements, the Company will seek to obtain additional capital through the sale of debt or equity financings or other arrangements to fund operations; however, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise needed capital under acceptable terms, if at all. The sale of additional equity may dilute existing shareholders and newly issued shares may contain senior rights and preferences compared to currently outstanding common shares. Issued debt securities may contain covenants and limit the Company’s ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to shareholders. If the Company is unable to obtain such additional financing, future operations would need to be scaled back or discontinued. Due to the uncertainty in the Company’s ability to raise capital, management believes that there is substantial doubt in the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements.
Cash Flows
The net cash used by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $6,505,072 compared to $12,079,359 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The change of $5,574,287 was primarily due to the following:
● | A decrease in net loss of $1,139,892 due to operating expenses noted above. |
● | An increase to amortization of debt issuance costs of $4,707,047 from the issuance of three additional tranches of convertible debentures during the year. |
● | Write down of construction in progress deposit of $1,963,304 due to the termination of an agreement with a construction contractor. |
● | A favorable change in working capital of $1,277,878 driven by the utilization of a prepaid retainer balance for investor relations services as well as amortization of deferred offering costs for usage of the Company’s “At The Market” financing facility in 2023 and by a delay in payment of trade payables as part of a cash savings initiative. |
● | An increase to the loss on debt conversions and debt extinguishment of $1,284,703 and $680,935, respectively due to significant debt conversions. |
● | An increase to depreciation and amortization $657,431 due to the beginning of amortization of the intangible asset which became available for use in January 2023. |
This was partially offset by the following:
● | Non-cash change in the fair value of derivative liabilities of $5,641,017 due to decreased securities prices. |
● | A decrease of shares issued for compensation of $435,851 due to lower employee headcount during 2023. |
● | All other items in an aggregate amount of $60,035. |
During the year ended December 31, 2023, net cash used in investing activities was for the purchase of an equity investment in RCS for $225,000. The net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 was related to the payment against acquisition of IP intangible asset of $500,000 and acquisition of equipment and leasehold improvements amounting to $104,986 due to increased staffing and office renovations, respectively. All other items aggregated to $35,028.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, represents net proceeds from debentures of $9,615,385 as well as common shares issued for cash of $1,342,915. This was partially offset by repayments on convertible debentures of $2,143,091, financing costs of debentures of $387,917 and share issuance costs of $153,220. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 represents net proceeds from debentures of $12,750,000. This was partially offset by financing costs of debentures of $1,634,894 and repayments of $2,805,000 as well as payment of $750,000 for the acquisition of an intangible asset.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a registrant that qualifies as a smaller reporting company, AgriFORCE™ is not required to provide the information required by this Item.
36 |
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of
AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Explanatory Paragraph – Going Concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in Note 2, the Company has a significant working capital deficiency, has incurred significant losses and needs to raise additional funds to meet its obligations and sustain its operations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/
|
|
Marcum llp (PCAOB ID 688) | |
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020 |
April 1, 2024
F-1 |
AGRIFORCE GROWING SYSTEMS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed in US dollars)
Note | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||||||
Current | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | $ | ||||||||||
Other receivable | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 4 | |||||||||||
Inventories | 5 | |||||||||||
Total current assets | ||||||||||||
Non-current | ||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net | 6 | |||||||||||
Intangible asset, net | 7 | |||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use asset | 20 | |||||||||||
Lease deposit, non-current | ||||||||||||
Construction in progress | 8 | |||||||||||
Investment | 9 | |||||||||||
Land deposit | 4 | |||||||||||
Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||
Current | ||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 10 | $ | $ | |||||||||
Debentures | 11 | |||||||||||
Contract liabilities | 12 | |||||||||||
Lease liability – current | 20 | |||||||||||
Total current liabilities | ||||||||||||
Non-current | ||||||||||||
Lease deposit, non-current | ||||||||||||
Lease liability – non-current | 20 | |||||||||||
Derivative liabilities | 13 | |||||||||||
Long term loan | 14 | |||||||||||
Total liabilities | ||||||||||||
Commitments and contingencies | 21 | |||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||
Common shares, | 15 | |||||||||||
Additional paid-in-capital | 15 | |||||||||||
Obligation to issue shares | 15 | |||||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | $ |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-2 |
AGRIFORCE GROWING SYSTEMS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(Expressed in US dollars)
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Note | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Revenue | 16 | $ | $ | |||||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | ||||||||||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||||||||||
Wages and salaries | ||||||||||||
Write down of construction in progress deposit | 8 | |||||||||||
Consulting | ||||||||||||
Professional fees | ||||||||||||
Office and administrative | ||||||||||||
Share based compensation | 15 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6 & 7 | |||||||||||
Investor and public relations | ||||||||||||
Lease expense | 20 | |||||||||||
Sales and marketing | ||||||||||||
Shareholder and regulatory | ||||||||||||
Travel and entertainment | ||||||||||||
Research and development | 19 | |||||||||||
Operating loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
OTHER EXPENSES / (INCOME) | ||||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss (gain) | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | 13 | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||
Accretion of interest on debentures | 11 | |||||||||||
Loss (gain) on conversion of convertible debt | 11 | ( | ) | |||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | 11 | |||||||||||
Write-off of deposit | ||||||||||||
Other loss | 6 & 20 | |||||||||||
Other income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | ||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||
Basic and diluted net loss* | $ | ) | $ | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted* |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3 |
AGRIFORCE GROWING SYSTEMS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Expressed in US dollars, except share numbers)
Common Shares | Additional Paid-in- | Obligation to issue | Accumulated | Accumulated other comprehensive | Total Shareholders’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note | # of Shares* | Amount | capital | shares | Deficit | income (loss) | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for conversion of convertible debt | 11 & 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for compensation | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for consulting services | 15 | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prefunded warrants issued | 4 & 7 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share based compensation | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for conversion of convertible debt | 11 & 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for compensation | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for consulting services | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash, net of issuance costs | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued in private placement | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued on conversion of vested prefunded warrants | 7 & 15 | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fractional shares issued due to roundup from reverse split | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cancelled prefunded warrants | 4 | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share based compensation | 15 | - | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ |
* |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4 |
AGRIFORCE GROWING SYSTEMS LTD.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in US Dollars)
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Note | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||||||
Write down of construction in progress deposit | 8 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 6 & 7 | |||||||||||
Share based compensation | 15 | |||||||||||
Shares issued for consulting services | 15 | |||||||||||
Shares issued for compensation | 15 | |||||||||||
Loss (gain) on debt conversion | ( | ) | ||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment | ||||||||||||
Loss on disposal of fixed assets | ||||||||||||