As of May 10, 2023, Bitimpex Anstalt, agricultural holding, takes immense pride in announcing its ownership of expansive land resources, encompassing an impressive total of 152,000 hectares. This includes both self-owned and leased agricultural lands, collectively reflecting our commitment to resourceful land management. Furthermore, we are delighted to reveal our custodianship over 48,000 hectares of forest land, secured through long-term leases, exemplifying our resolute dedication to sustainable ecological stewardship.
Having successfully navigated through the year 2022, our holding attains a remarkable milestone - the acquisition of a certification attesting to our alignment with the rigorous standards of both the European Union and the Russian Federation in the domain of organic food production. The auspicious attainment of the EU Directive 864 certification serves as a testament to the integrity of our sustainable practices and the unwavering excellence inherent in our products.
In a resounding display of progress, we take immense pride in unveiling the inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility located in the southern regions of Russia. This facility is dedicated exclusively to the production of environmentally friendly food products. This endeavor has passed the meticulous scrutiny of official commissions from both the European Union and the Russian Federation, assuring adherence to stringent environmental norms and exacting food production standards.
Diversifying our efforts, we are delighted to share that within a designated 12,000-hectare expanse of our forest land, we are undertaking the establishment of fish farms. These farms are focused on cultivating valuable fish species from the sturgeon and salmon families, marking another stride forward in our commitment to sustainable and innovative initiatives. Furthermore, progress continues on the construction of a substantial fish processing plant, an initiative that took root in 2022.
Laying a foundation of our state-of-the-art cheese factory, we proudly embrace advanced Dutch technology, expertly executed by a team of advanced Dutch specialists. This strategic decision is fueled by the abundant volume of high-quality milk sourced from our very own production, reflecting our dedication to in-house processing that guarantees the utmost quality.
As we stand at this juncture, the horizon holds the promise of continued growth and resounding achievements. Our unceasing commitment to evolution serves as a testament to our devotion to delivering only the finest to our esteemed partners. Your trust remains our driving force as we embark on this journey of distinction and advancement.