Where Food Comes From Inc's Business Segments

Where Food Comes From, Inc. and its subsidiaries is a leading trusted resource for third-party verification of food production practices in North America. The Company supports more than 15,000 farmers, ranchers, vineyards, wineries, processors, retailers, distributors, trade associations and restaurants with a wide variety of value-added services provided through its family of verifiers, including IMI Global, International Certification Services, Validus Verification Services, Sterling Solutions, SureHarvest Services and our newest acquisition, A Bee Organic. In order to have credibility, product claims such as gluten-free, non-GMO, non-hormone treated, humane handling, and others require verification by an independent third-party such as WFCF. The Company’s principal business is conducting both on-site and desk audits to verify that claims being made about livestock, crops and other food products are accurate. In addition, we develop software and provide services related to sustainability measurement and benchmarking, traceability, verification and certification to the food and agriculture industries. The Company’s Where Food Comes From Source Verified® retail and restaurant labeling program utilizes the verification of product attributes to connect consumers directly to the source of the food they purchase through product labeling and web-based information sharing and education. With the use of Quick Response Code (“QR”) technology, consumers can instantly access information about the producers behind their food.

Where Food Comes From Inc. (WFCF) operates through a multifaceted business model that encompasses various segments, products, and services aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. Below is a detailed overview of the companys principal segments and offerings.

1. Verification and Certification Segment

Core Services:
The Verification and Certification segment is fundamental to WFCFs operations, focusing on providing verification audits and related certification services. The company collects fees for these services, which serve a critical role in the agricultural and food industries by ensuring adherence to specific standards and claims.

- Verification Audits: WFCF conducts thorough audits to verify that producers meet established standards associated with various claims they intend to present about their products. This can involve assessing animal welfare practices, organic certification, or other sustainability claims.

- Labeling Program: The companys proprietary WFCF labeling program allows food producers and brands to display verified claims on their products. This enhances consumer trust and provides a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

- Consulting and Program Development Services: WFCF extends its services through consulting and program development related to source verification. Although the revenue from this stream may be relatively minor, it represents a significant value-added extension, supporting clients in crafting credible sourcing narratives.

Recognition and Standards Compliance:
WFCF is recognized by various standards-setting bodies as an accredited verification and certification service provider, reinforcing its credibility within the food industry. Clients rely on WFCF to substantiate their claims about the provenance and quality of their food products.

Product Sales:
In addition to its primary verification services, WFCF sells ancillary products—most notably, cattle identification ear tags. Although the profit margins on these products are lower than those from verification services, they complement WFCFs offerings by providing a full suite of solutions to clients. These products help producers with traceability and compliance, which are essential components of food safety and quality assurance.

Software Sales and Related Consulting Segment

Software Offerings:
The acquisition of SureHarvest has allowed WFCF to venture into software sales, introducing a new revenue stream that aligns with the needs of the food and agricultural industries.

- SaaS Model: SureHarvest operates on a Software as a Service (SaaS) model, where clients pay for annual software licenses. These licenses come bundled with continuous software enhancements, updates, and support, ensuring that clients have access to the latest technological advancements to support their operations.

- Professional Services: Beyond software, WFCF provides a wide array of professional services, including customer-specific consulting, training, and educational programs. This adds further value to their software offerings and enables clients to optimize their usage of the technology.

Consulting Services:
Software-related consulting services encompass various engagements such as professional appearances, customer education, and training sessions, focusing on empowering clients to leverage software effectively for their verification and certification needs. This segment plays a crucial role in enhancing customer experience and satisfaction, ensuring they are well-informed about utilizing software tools to improve their operations.

Conclusion
Overall, Where Food Comes From Inc. operates a comprehensive suite of services and products that cater to the growing demand for transparency and accountability in the food supply chain. Through its Verification and Certification Segment, along with its Software Sales and Related Consulting Segment, WFCF equips producers, brands, and consumers with the tools and verification needed to foster trust and ensure high standards within the agricultural landscape.