SEATTLE, July 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCBB:PLPL) a producer of highly bioavailable botanical extracts, today announced commencement of farming operations on the Senteeko Tea Estate, with the first of the farming equipment being purchased and delivered in order to commence the rehabilitation and restoration of Plandai's farm in South Africa.
The Senteeko Tea Estate is located in Mpumalanga, a north-eastern province of South Africa, and is owned by the Shamile community. The Tea Estate is operated by Plandai under a long-term lease through one of its subsidiaries. Following the 2005 removal of tariff protection on South African green tea, the industry collapsed, leaving many of the previously operating plantations abandoned. Plandai, through its loans and agreements with the Land and Agriculture Bank of South Africa, has agreed to rehabilitate the Senteeko Tea Estate. This process will create numerous jobs while also providing economic sustainability to the Shamile people.
Speaking of the work ahead, estate manager Andrew Loughor-Clarke, commented, "The work that is about to commence here at Senteeko will bring about dramatic changes in a short period of time. It is imperative that we bring the farm back up to the desired standard in the required timeframe so that we can deliver the best raw material possible to the processing and extraction facility that is scheduled to be online for the tea season 2013-2014."
Plandai Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Roger Duffield, added, "Our short term goal is to have over 600 acres of green tea ready for harvest in the tea season commencing in 2013 so that we can take advantage of the processing and extraction system that will be brought online concurrently. Because our process converts the green tea in to a highly bioavailable, antioxidant extract, we believe that Senteeko Estate can be operated in a manner than provides a much-needed lift to the community while also benefiting shareholders by delivering a potentially life-saving product to the market."
In order to meet the timeline, Mr. Loughor-Clarke went on to add that the farm will be taking on an extra 120-150 employees in a very short space of time, fulfilling the promise to bring employment opportunities to the local communities. "At full capacity, which will not be until approximately 2016 Plandai estimates that it will have a work force of 500. In an area where unemployment is as high as 60%, this will go a long way to ensuring a brighter future for the next generation."
About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.
Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. focuses on the farming of whole fruits, vegetables and live plant material and the production of proprietary functional foods and botanical extracts for the health and wellness industry. Its principle holdings consist of land, farms and infrastructure in South Africa. Web site: http://www.plandaibiotech.com/
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