Friday, February 20, 2009

The Pitch

Farm expands medicinal herb biz to nutraceutical market

By Mass High Tech staff

Bird of the Hand Farms
Headquarters: Sterling
Employees: 4
Founded: 2008
E-mail: organicgardendesign@verizon.net
Phone: 978-422-6217
The Pitch: The company is seeking $1.5 million.

PITCHING THE TECHNOLOGY

Bird of the Hand Farms produces nutraceutical crops and other products. The farm produces dried medicinal herbs it plans to wholesale to the nutraceutical market, as well as organic apples. The medicinals will also be sold through the export market, fresh markets and herbal practitioners.

PITCHING THE PEOPLE

Who is on the management team? Cathy Harragian, chemist, farm operations; Sue Harragian, business management.
 
Have executives been involved in a cashout prior to this venture? No.

Who is on the board of advisers? Dan Cooley of the University of Massachusetts department of plant, soil and insect sciences; Jim French, land acquisition director, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; Mike Pineo of the Sterling Agricultural Commission; Roland Morin, owner, Big Oak Apple Farm.

PITCHING THE BUSINESS

How much money is being sought? The company is seeking $1.5 million.

What partnerships, collaborations or affiliations are already in place? Bird of the Hand Farms recently presented at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Venture Forum Spotlight on Entrepreneurs.

List any federal or state grants, contracts or awards received: None.

What’s the market size being pursued? The company describes its market as $80 million in the nutraceutical and local fresh food markets.

Who are the likely competitors, direct or indirect?  Asian nutraceutical companies and Frontier Natural Products Co-op are its main competition, according to the company.

Is the company profitable? No.