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Zimbabwe
Earthoil’s farming operations began in Zimbabwe over five years ago with the establishment of a number of contracted organic essential oil plantations. Zimbabwe was identified as a prime location for the production of essential oil crops because of the expertise of the farmers and its favourable growing conditions. A model farm was established, and trials into the production of many oils were undertaken. Within two years Earthoil had supported the establishment of a dozen contracted essential oil farmers, assisting with agronomic advice, guiding oil extraction and supporting those growers in marketing and distribution of their products.
In the deteriorating political environment in Zimbabwe, most of those operations have been curtailed. Some crops have survived, and it is hoped that they will be recovered when productive farming is allowed to resume.
Zambia
As the production environment declined in Zimbabwe, new contract operations were established in Zambia, and that diversification is continuing. Over the last two years Earthoil contracted farmers have established healthy tea tree plantations here. In addition, opportunities to develop oil production based on indigenous species have been investigated, and Earthoil keenly anticipates the development of a vigorous natural products industry in Zambia.
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