Opportunity for

• Manufacturer’s and agricultural investors interested in scaling production of proprietary geodesic dome greenhouse (GDG) technology in Australia
• Investors interested in scaling production of Vanilla in Australia
  ^This opportunity is only for professional and sophisticated investors.

Opportunity description

Industry challenge:

Commercial vanilla is currently produced in developing countries, where labour costs are very low and production is expected to be impacted by the effects of climate change. Therefore current global vanilla supply is volatile causing price fluctuations, which significantly impairs buyers’ confidence.

The challenge is to increase global vanilla production by using advanced technology to increase yield cost effectively and broaden available growing regions and labour sources. Ensuring reliable supply will reduce price fluctuations, stabilise the market and meet quality and supply expectations of consumers.

Current opportunity:

Australian Vanilla Plantations is seeking investors with expertise and experience in manufacturing and/or agriculture, greenhouse fabrication and manufacturing of Australian Vanilla Plantation's proprietary geodesic dome greenhouse (GDG) technology in Australia.

The prototype (GDG) has been designed, constructed and operational for three years. Targeted operating and performance parameters have been achieved, this includes robust and resilient continual operations irrespective of external climate conditions, such as extremely low and high temperatures (4-46 degrees celcius), strong winds (90km/h) rain and high UV (12+). The unique and proprietary rotating trellis system has facilitated equal and uniform plant growth. The dome shape ensures very good air circulation which promotes consistent plant health and growth.

Vanilla flowering has been achieved after 2.8 years with the first harvest anticipated to occur after 6-7 months of initial planting. The vanilla bean lengths have been recorded up to 24cm and 65% of the vine population flowered. There is strong commercial interest to purchase vanilla domes as a complete turnkey solution and to work with Australian Vanilla Plantations to assist with management of each plantation.

Opportunity potential other applications:

The GDG are ideal for micro cropping. They are very low risk, robust, efficient and effective assets fulfilling a niche market that is not currently serviced. The design of the GDG can easily be adapted to other horticulture produce such as saffron or other unique fruits, herbs and spices. This would require changes to the plant grow structure as well as customisation of the automated climate and irrigation system.

The GDG can be used in across broad geographical regions with varying climate conditions.