Africa Agri-Food Development Progamme: Beotanics

Beotanics is a Kilkenny-based business that is internationally recognised for its innovative approach to horticulture and its ability to develop and produce new plant varieties such as sweet potato, taro, yam, pineapple and peanuts for international markets.

Through its research and development, selection and cultivation, Beotanics develops strains of plants that are uniquely placed to scale to levels of commercial viability, supporting farmers with increased quality and productivity.

With AADP grant funding of €70,000 awarded in 2020 which was matched privately, Beotanics has been engaged in a feasibility study to identify the potential for the cultivation of orange-fleshed sweet potato in Ghana. The study aimed to identify if the crops can be commercialised locally to deliver increased yields for local farmers.

The study, conducted on 3 Louisiana State University AgCenter bred varieties of sweet potato crop established in the region, indicated a yield that is two to three times higher than the local varieties depending on expertise and conditions applied by which would enable local farmers to optimise the return from their land.

Through its multiple location trials and testing, Beotanics has also been able to validate the varieties, yield as well as the vitamin, culinary and nutritional value of the crop. Its study has also worked to identify if the land and logistics are suitable to support a sustainable business.

Pat Fitzgerald, CEO & Founder Beotanics:

“I’d recommend that Irish agri businesses familiarise themselves with the network and the AADP. The feasibility study has enabled us to identify if this is a project that’s going to deliver value, economy of scale and profitability. We wouldn’t have gone ahead with the study without the AADP - we just wouldn’t have had the funding, resources or the time. Not only was the funding a huge support but the access to networks and other state agencies to provide background and on the ground support was critical.”