Long term thinking

It is imperative to Earthoil that all of its grower projects are sustainable - likewise for any supply source of organic product - pressed seed oils or essential oils. Earthoil understands that:

1. Continuity of supply and a reliable and consitent product are key for clients.

2. Consumers are demanding that more and more raw ingredients come from fairly-traded projects.

So Earthoil aims to ensure it does both.  Before establishing any grower project, Earthoil studies the demand and the marketplace for product.  the project has to be able to work under organic status and it must be the right fit and benefit and be a welcome addition for the relevant grower community.

As a unique supplier in the organic pressed oil and essential oil industry, Earthoil manages its own grower projects - having a direct input into all aspects from the employment of field officers to ensuring farmers are educated about organic fertiliser methods. Many of these projects will commence fair trade inspection for certification in 2007.

India

Over the last few years, Earthoil has established a pioneer organic mint oils project incorporating many small-scale farmers into a managed community project in Uttar Pradesh, India. This project is now well developed and, as a result of Earthoil's 'on-the-ground' approach in India, Earthoil has become a major supplier of organic peppermint, corn mint and spearmint.

MOOF Kenya

This project was started initially with 90 growers in the Mount Kenya region to grow organic oil seeds and has since expanded to over 200 farmers. Because of this expansion and the enthusiasm with which the farmers have embraced the program, Earthoil has also helped these farmers grow selected organic essential oil crops. These crops enjoy high market demand and Earthoil has passed on valuable farming skills that enable them to achieve optimum yields using best organic farming practises. The farmers can call on Earthoil-employed agronomists and field officers for help and guidance as they learn the required skills.

SEOBI South Africa

SEOBI (South African Essential Oil Business Incubator) and Earthoil are working together under an initiative set up by SEDA (the South African government's Small Enterprise Development Agency) to provide small-scale farmers in the Northern Province as well as the Eastern Cape with access to land, farming expertise, equipment and plantings to farm a number of organic essential oil crops including geranium, lemon balm and peppermint. Earthoil is sharing its experience and offering guidance on farming and processing practices for the various essential oil crops, as well as providing access to vital international markets. Earthoil and SEOBI plan to expand this project to include more and more organic essential oil crops in the future.

To find out more about our sustainable policy please contact us or follow the links on the right.