Activities in Greece are focused on three different projects of which Anagenesis is currently due to finalize the first and expects to complete the second soon thereafter due to the potential synergies and spillover effects it can generate on both projects. The three distinct projects are:
1.
A government related venture in Peloponnesus, in the southern part of Greece
2.
A private-sector related venture involving farmers in the Thessaly area in (Larissa & Volos) in central Greece (Sterea Ellada)
3.
A semi-governmental venture with EBZ (National Sugar Industries –
a public company) and its parent the Agricultural Bank of Greece for
converting the existing old infrastructure into a modern bioethanol
refinery in conjunction with privatization procedures.
ATC has received pre-approval and is in the process of securing the formal right to import the Anagenesis Trifolia species into Greece. Once the license is granted, ATC will have the right to import Trifolia anywhere within the European Union.
- Area: 30,000 acres [120,000 stremmata]
- Ownership: Governamental [main government or local municipalites]
- Current crop: Nil-burnt areas
- Proposed engagement: Long-term sale
- Period: 25-52 Years
- Additional notes: Pre-aproved by the local administrator, awaiting approval from central government - cheaper option though land requires treatment
The first project is directly related to the Greek government. It deals with the long-term lease of burnt land from the catastrophic fires in the summer of 2007 in the region of Peloponnesus, where 1.2 million acres were destroyed. The total area under negotiation is approximately 30,000 acres (120,000 stremmata). Anagenesis has reached a commercial agreement with the local state authorities; the state authority is awaiting the central (main) government’s final approval of the project.
Anagenesis Trifolia trees are substantially less vulnerable to forest fires due to the absence of flammable oils, the natural quality of a very high temperature resistance (ignition temperature approximately 100% higher than most other woods) and the frequent use of irrigation systems. In addition, a definite crop insurance is part of the company’s risk management.
- Area: 37,500 acres [150,000 stremmata]
- Ownership: Private. Many farmers guided by the Farmers' Union of Volos and Larissa
- Current crop: 50% nil, tobacco & cotton
- Proposed engagement: Lease with an option to buy
- Period: 15-25 Years
- Additional notes: More expensive lease or purchase prive yet the best and most fertille agricultural land in greece
The second project deals directly with the private sector in the Thessaly region of Greece. Via negotiations with the agricultural unions of Volos and Larissa, ATC intends to secure up to 75,000 acres (300,000 stremmata) of land. With agreements in principal in place with both unions, parties are now focusing on the terms and conditions of the final agreements. In addition, advanced negotiations for a potential joint venture with one of the leading companies in the energy sector are ongoing.
- Area: 70,500 acres [300,000 stremmata]
- Ownership: Private. Several farmers under the guidance of the EBZ and the agricultural bank of Greece
- Current crop: Sugar beets (in many cases there is no production because there is no market)
- Proposed engagement: Lease with an option to buy or self-farming
- Period: 15-25 Years
- Additional notes: Subject to final negotiations with the EBZ
The final project deals with a semi-government organization, namely the EBZ (National Sugar Industries) which has entered into a tender offer for the conversion of their land and sugar factories into a sustainable bioethanol production to help meet the national emissions reduction and biofuel usage needs of the Greek Government as set forth by the directives of the European Union. The procedure was abandoned in July 2008, and has subsequently led to direct negotiations with one of the finalists, a company which is proposing corn-based ethanol technology. ATC has presented its technology, which senior government and company individuals concede is far superior to the suggested corn-based alternative. Upon completion of discussions with the aforementioned party, an official negotiation with ATC will ensue.
