Collerville biotech firm aims to improve crop nutrition

The Commercial Appeal
November 29, 2007
By Daniel Connolly

To help plants grow, farmers have long used fertilizers -- ranging from cow manure to dead fish.

Floratine Biosciences is putting a new twist on an old problem: Rather than putting more nutrients in the dirt, it uses a liquid biotech product that helps plants absorb more of whatever nutrients are available, even if the soil is poor.

"We're attempting to help the farmer become more efficient without reaching back for more fertilizer," said Brian Goodwin, CEO of the Collierville firm.

Most science-based businesses in the Memphis area focus on orthopedic medical devices, but local leaders also want to foster firms that make agricultural products.

Floratine, a small company that already has operations spread around the globe, is one example of the opportunities available.

Company officials say their method for improving nutrition in plants might have applications for building stronger, healthier animals -- it's starting tests on cattle in California.

"There's huge opportunity to make a cow more efficient with feed conversion into milk or meat," said John Bradley, who served as director of research at Agricenter International before he joined Floratine Biosciences. And there might even be applications for human nutrition, he and Goodwin said.

Floratine Biosciences has its roots in Floratine Products Group, which aims to improve grass used in golf courses and stadiums.

Privately held Floratine Products Group spun off its agriculture arm, which had been operating for some time, and formed Floratine Biosciences in September.

Goodwin and other investors raised $6 million to back the new endeavor.

The company is already selling 18 crop-specific products under the brand name "Carbon Power."

All are based on technologies developed at a European firm that Floratine bought. Goodwin wouldn't give any details about the firm that developed them or how the products are made, but he said they are organic.

Carbon Power products are liquids that can be delivered through methods that range from combination with fertilizer to spraying over the plants.

Bradley said the methods are meant to fit easily with farmers' current practices of spreading fertilizers or spraying pesticides and avoid creating extra work.

The company promises better growth and yield for a wide range of crops, including almonds, grapes and pistachios. Some California ranches are already using the products, and the company had $2 million in revenue this year, Goodwin said.

The company is testing new products at 45 trials at the Agricenter and other sites throughout the United States. It is also testing at sites in Canada, Sweden and Norway.

Company officials say their molecules work by binding to nitrogen and other key nutrients, making it easier for the plant to bring them into its system and transport them internally.

Goodwin said the company can satisfy today's food customer, who wants a nutritious, high-quality product.

"We're willing to pay a premium for a better quality of food," he said.

Floratine Biosciences

Address: 153 North Main, Suite 100, Collierville

CEO: Brian Goodwin

Employees: 27

Web site: fbsciences.com

- Daniel Connolly: 529-5296