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Guanoboost enhances soil health, nutrient uptake and fruit & vegetable shelf life. Our ingredients are 100% natural and renewable, ideal for Tesco's supply chain sustainability
About
Guanoboost UK identified the opportunity to assist Tesco achieve their Supply Chain Sustainability goals and introduced Tesco to Guanoboost in South Africa over the last 6 months.
About GuanoBoost
GuanoBoost is an innovative, organic soil enhancer and granular organic fertiliser designed to improve soil health, increase crop yields, and support sustainable farming practices by reducing and eliminating chemical fertiliser. Derived from sustainably harvested seabird guano, worm castings, compost and cow manure, GuanoBoost provides a rich source of essential nutrients, high amounts of organic carbon and beneficial microbes that promote healthy plant growth and soil biodiversity.
What It Is and What It Includes: GuanoBoost is composed of seabird guano, worm castings and organic cow manure, all sustainably harvested and processed. GuanoBoost contains three vital elements, (i) nutrients - chelated and plant available nitrogen, phosphates and potassium, over 20 trace elements, (ii) carriers such as fulvic acid and organic carbon, and (iii) 90,000 microorganisms per ml.
These elements are natural, and balanced and work in harmony to enhance soil health and provide plants with the nutrients needed to encourage enhanced photosynthesis and robust growth. The nutrient cycle facilitated by GuanoBoost not only boosts soil health through the continual increase of beneficial microorganisms but also enhances the nutrient density and BRIX levels of plants. This is crucial for producing healthier, more nutritious crops that are resilient and have longer shelf lives.
It also allows farmers to build the carbon, organic content and beneficial microbes in their soil, ensuring they reduce their C02 and guarantee the long term sustainability of their soils.
Usage: GuanoBoost can be applied as a liquid or in granule form, and used together for enhanced results. The liquid is typically applied through irrigation systems, ensuring immediate nutrient absorption, while the granule offer a slow-release option, gradually enriching the soil over time. This dual application method allows for flexibility depending on the specific needs of the farm and crop type.
Current Use: GuanoBoost is currently being used by over 3,500 farms in Southern Africa, covering a wide range of crops including citrus, fruits, vegetables, pasture grass, stable crops, trees and more. These farms have seen significant improvements in soil health, plant growth, and crop yields, reducing or eradicating reliance on chemical fertilisers. Also, because GuanoBoost has been proven to increase the Brix levels in plants, many farmers have found they can significantly reduce or eliminate their pesticides, validating the efficacy of GuanoBoost in diverse agricultural settings.
Home and Garden Market: In addition to its success in commercial agriculture, GuanoBoost is also a popular choice among home gardeners in South Africa. It has quickly become the #1 selling liquid organic fertiliser in South Africa, helping gardeners achieve lush, healthy lawns and vibrant plants sustainably.
GuanoBoost's comprehensive benefits and scientifically proven results make it an ideal solution for enhancing sustainability and productivity in Tesco's supply chain.
We have had extensive discussions with Tesco's Sustainability Director, who we met at REAP 2023, as well as Tesco's main suppliers from South Africa, namely, AMTFresh and DPS. GuanoBoost are starting trials in July, at the start of the growing season, on 10-15 Tesco's Supply Chain Farms, in the Western and Eastern Cape, focusing on citrus and table grapes. The aim is to demonstrate these benefits further. GuanoBoost has already proven to be a great success with these particular product groups, enhancing both yield and quality, and we are confident that these trials will solidify its value in achieving Tesco's sustainability goals.
Recently two UK-based trials began in Kent and Gloucestershire as part of this Tesco initiative. Interim results are due in the next couple of weeks.
Key Benefits
Key Benefits of GuanoBoost and Their Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories
Reducing Chemical Inputs
Benefit: GuanoBoost reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers and pesticides by providing natural nutrients and beneficial microbes that enhance soil fertility and plant health.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Responsible Reduction in Chemical Inputs such as Pesticides and Antibiotics: By reducing and in many instances eliminating reliance on synthetic chemicals, GuanoBoost helps Tesco achieve its goal of promoting responsible chemical use.
- Reducing GHG Emissions: Lowering the use of chemical fertilisers reduces the carbon footprint associated with their production and application. GuanoBoost organic fertilisers use 11,500% less energy in their Manufacturing , 75%+ less C02 in their transportation, there is no volatilisation, no leeching into water courses and improved Carbon sequestration.
Improving Soil Health
Benefit: GuanoBoost improves soil structure, increases organic matter, and promotes beneficial microbial activity, leading to healthier and more fertile soils.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Improving Soil Health & Resilience: Enhanced soil health directly supports agricultural resilience, helping farms withstand environmental challenges. GuanoBoost achieves this by building up organic matter and beneficial microbes in the soil.
- Supporting Biodiversity: Healthy soils support a diverse range of microorganisms and plants, fostering biodiversity.
Increasing Nutrient Uptake by the Plant
Benefit: The presence of fulvic acids in GuanoBoost acts as a natural chelating agent, improving nutrient uptake efficiency. This ensures that plants receive the maximum benefit from the nutrients available in GuanoBoost and in the soil.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Improving Soil Health & Resilience: Enhanced nutrient uptake contributes to overall plant health, stress tolerance and productivity, making the agricultural system more resilient.
- Reducing Agricultural Waste: Efficient nutrient uptake reduces the likelihood of nutrient runoff and waste. Also, increased Brix levels and plant nutrient density leads to longer shelf life in fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing food waste.
Enhanced Root Development Leading to Optimal Growth and Improved Stress Tolerance
Benefit: GuanoBoost promotes strong root development, which is essential for optimal plant growth and resilience. Enhanced root systems improve water and nutrient absorption, making plants more tolerant to environmental stresses such as drought and poor soil conditions.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Improving Soil Health & Resilience: Stronger root systems contribute to soil stability and plant resilience. When placed in the soil, the microbes in GuanoBoost take their food from the nutrition and fulvic acid in GuanoBoost, thereby increasing in population and doubling every 4 hours.
- Improving Water Quality & Water Use: Better root systems enhance water absorption efficiency, reducing runoff and improving water quality.
Increased Pest Resistance Due to Higher BRIX Levels
Benefit: Plants treated with GuanoBoost exhibit higher BRIX levels, which indicate higher sugar content and overall plant health. Higher BRIX levels are associated with increased resistance to pests and diseases, reducing and elimination the need for harmful pesticides.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Reducing Crop Losses and Food Waste: Increased pest resistance reduces crop losses, ensuring that more of the produce reaches the market.
- Supporting Biodiversity: Reduced need for chemical pesticides supports a healthier ecosystem for beneficial insects and wildlife.
Improved Shelf Life
Benefit: The enhanced nutrient profile, increased nutrient density and health of plants treated with GuanoBoost lead to produce that has a longer shelf life. This is particularly beneficial for perishable items like fruits and vegetables.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Reducing Food Waste: Improved shelf life directly contributes to reducing food waste, as produce remains fresh for longer periods.
More Nutrient-Dense Product Leading to Better Product Grading
Benefit: GuanoBoost enhances the nutrient density of crops, leading to higher quality produce. This results in better product grading and higher market value. Nutrient dense food is not only healthier, but tastes better.
Link to Tesco's Sustainability Categories:
- Supporting Biodiversity: By promoting healthier, more nutrient-dense crops, GuanoBoost supports agricultural biodiversity.
- Improving Animal Health & Welfare: Healthier, nutrient-dense fodder crops improve the nutrition and health of livestock.
GuanoBoost: Sustainable Soil Health for Tesco's Supply Chain
GuanoBoost's comprehensive benefits align closely with Tesco's sustainability goals. By reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health, increasing nutrient uptake, enhancing root development, boosting pest resistance, improving shelf life, and producing more nutrient-dense crops, GuanoBoost offers a holistic plants nutrition solution for sustainable farming. These benefits not only improve agricultural productivity but also contribute to the overall sustainability and resilience of Tesco's supply chain.
Our upcoming trials on 10-15 farms, directly related to Tesco's supply chain and focusing on citrus and soft fruit, aim to demonstrate these benefits further. GuanoBoost has already proven to be a great success with these particular product groups, enhancing both yield and quality, and we are confident that these trials will solidify its value in achieving Tesco's sustainability goals.
Applications
Applicable Area and Target Market for GuanoBoost Innovation
Applicable Area
Tesco, as one of the major UK supermarket chains, relies heavily on the importation of fruit and vegetables from South Africa and its Southern African neighbours. GuanoBoost is already a successful, scientifically proven, and extensively trialed commercial soil enhancer and fertiliser in South Africa, across a vast variety of crop types and ecological zones. The benefits of GuanoBoost, such as reducing chemical inputs, improving soil health, increasing nutrient uptake, enhancing root development, boosting pest resistance, improving shelf life, and producing more nutrient-dense crops, are well-documented.
We are currently collaborating with Tesco to demonstrate the efficacy of GuanoBoost on 11 farms from which Tesco sources produce in South Africa. Upon successful completion of these trials, our goal is to have GuanoBoost adopted as a key organic fertiliser product across Tesco's supply chain, not only in Southern Africa but also in other regions where Tesco operates.
Target Market
GuanoBoost targets several key agricultural sectors, which are crucial for Tesco's supply chain and sustainability goals. These sectors include:
- Horticulture:
- Fresh Fruit & Vegetables: This includes a wide range of crops such as citrus, berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, and root vegetables.
- Herbs and Spices: High-value crops that require careful nutrient management and soil health to achieve the best quality and yield.
- Permanent Crops: Fruit and nut bearing trees
- Fruit Trees: Including apples, apricots, pears, and other orchard crops that benefit from improved soil health and reduced chemical inputs.
- Vineyards: Grapes for both fresh consumption and wine production, which require consistent soil quality and nutrient availability. Guanoboost is extensively used in the Western Cape vineyards today.
- Dairy Farmers: - WE BELIEVE THIS IS A KEY OPPORTUNITY GIVEN THE SUCCESS BEING ACHIEVED WITH PASTURE GRASS IN SOUTH AFRICA, and across the UK and Ireland with pressure on dairy farmers to reduce Nitrogen fertilisers.
- Pasture Grass Production: Essential for producing high-quality feed for dairy cattle, enhancing both yield and nutritional value of the pasture.
Implementation Strategy
- Phase 1: Conduct trials on 10-15 farms in South Africa, focusing on citrus and soft fruits. These trials aim to demonstrate the tangible benefits of GuanoBoost in real-world farming conditions.
- Phase 2: Expand the application of GuanoBoost to other farms within Tesco's supply chain in South Africa and eventually to other regions. This includes adopting GuanoBoost for a variety of crops, ensuring comprehensive benefits across the supply chain.
GuanoBoost's scientifically proven benefits align closely with Tesco's sustainability goals, making it a pivotal innovation for improving the agricultural supply chain's overall health and productivity. By focusing on key agricultural sectors, GuanoBoost can help Tesco achieve net zero, protect and restore nature, and improve animal health and welfare across its supply chain.