We face risks of rapidly changing regulations which may negatively impact our programs.
Regulations and standards are continually evolving and present a challenging risk. For example, In January 2013, the Japanese government announced a change to its import requirements on US beef. Because the change enabled a significant increase in the amount of product qualifying for export to Japan, it negatively impacted the premiums typically seen in the marketplace for source and age verified cattle. As a result, it negatively impacted our source and age verification business by approximately 75% from 2012 to 2013. Due to the diversification of our product offerings and our strategy of managing to profitability, we were able to quickly minimize the impact of these adverse changes.
While we attempt to mitigate these risks by creating innovative programs that mitigate the risk of rapidly changing regulations, we can give no assurance that we will be successful in overcoming the potential negative impact to the results our operations.
We face risks that highly contagious diseases or viral outbreaks may negatively impact the source of product we are able to verify.
Today infectious disease and viral outbreaks appear to be emerging more quickly than ever. For example, we are currently assessing the risk of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus(PEDv) on the pork/sow industry. The total number of known positive PEDv laboratory swine accessions is growing rapidly each week and currently there are no vaccines against the virus. Furthermore, cold weather greatly enhances the spread of the virus. Positive identification of this virus creates increased bio-exclusion considerations in our business. At worse, the virus has the potential to significantly reduce the number of on-site verifications or at best, it would shift the timing of on-site verifications further impacting seasonality in our business.
While we attempt to mitigate these risks by creating innovative solutions that mitigate the risk of transferring disease, we can give no assurance that we will be successful in overcoming the potential negative impact to the results our operations.
Beginning in 2011, we began evaluating objectives to grow revenue through acquisitions and strategic investments to gain entry into other commodity markets. The acquisition of ICS in February 2012 represented an opportunity to extend the range of our existing programs and establish our capabilities in other major food groups, including grain, fruits and vegetables, organic and gluten-free. Our acquisition of Validus in September 2013 further diversified our business and extended our reach into the pork, poultry and dairy industries. We regularly evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that complement our long-term strategic objectives.
Current Concerns in our Industry
We are currently assessing the risk of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDv) on the pork/sow industry. The total number of known positive PEDv laboratory swine accessions is growing rapidly each week and currently there are no vaccines against the virus. Furthermore, cold weather greatly enhances the spread of the virus. Positive identification of this virus creates increased bio-exclusion considerations in our business. At worse, the virus has the potential to significantly reduce the number of on-site verifications or at best, it would shift the timing of on-site verifications further impacting seasonality in our business.
In February 2014, in order to prevent the spread of PEDv, the USDA published a request that pig farmers submit accurate on farm inventory, birth, and death rates in an effort to minimize persons sent to farms to collect data. In light of this information, we believe this will significantly reduce, or possibly eliminate, the number of onsite pork verifications we complete in first and second quarter 2014. Additionally, at this time, we have no estimates as to how this information may continue to impact our 2014 revenue.
Asset Purchase and Contribution Agreement, dated as of September 16, 2013 by and among Praedium Ventures, LLC; the Members of Praedium Ventures LLC; Where Food Comes From, Inc. and Validus Verification Services, LLC
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
3.2
Articles of Amendment
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 15, 2012.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2/A filed June 22, 2006.
Inco+E16rporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.0 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed April 28, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2/A filed August 3, 2006.
Purchase and Exchange Agreement, dated as of February 29, 2012, by and among Integrated Management Information, Inc. and International Certification Services, Inc.
Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as of February 29, 2012, by and among Integrated Management Information, Inc. and International Certification Services, Inc. and the selling shareholders.
10.7
Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Validus Verification Services LLC, dated as of September 16, 2013
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed September 19, 2013
Employment Agreement, effective September 16, 2013, by and between Validus Verification Services LLC and Earl Dotson
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
31.2
32.1
32.2