Good news for citrus farmers

On October 17, 2019, the managing director of Anyfion, George Stergiou, and gebana managing director Adrian Wiedmer met with around 40 farmers from the Argolida region in Greece who supply us with citrus fruits. They gathered at Anyfion’s headquarters in Nafplio, the region’s capital. Anyfion is our partner in Greece, in which we have recently acquired a 20 percent stake.

George Stergiou and Adrian Wiedmer announced to the farmers that at the end of the season they would be entitled to 10 percent of our revenue from the sale of their clementines. This surprised some of those present. Since exporters often promise a lot and then do not follow through, the farmers will of course remain skeptical – at least until the actual payments in a few months.

The proposal to the farmers was to divide the revenue share among all citrus farmers and not only pay those who actually deliver clementines. That would be only some of the group. The concrete proposal was a three-part division:

1. About 300 to 400 euros for everyone. Idea: covering the costs of their certifications
2. A share that is proportionally linked to each farmer’s export volume
3. Access to free organic crop protection products and fertilizers, information and advice

The farmers in Nafplio agreed to this and afterwards showed great interest in the gebana model. This includes not only a revenue share but also long-term commitment and additional services related to environmental protection and social security. For example, training in water-saving irrigation techniques, fields free of plastic, or better conditions for pickers.

Not only the farmers were interested in the gebana model: a Greek TV channel produced a segment including an interview with George Stergiou and Adrian Wiedmer (from minute 4:30). For all who understand Greek.

We expect to pay the revenue share on the clementine sales to the farmers in March 2020. During 2020 the other Greek products are then also expected to be included.