Organic rosemary essential oil
Origin
The Baviaanskloof is home to a number of species that occur nowhere else on Earth, but the landscape of this biodiversity hotspot has been degraded by decades of poor agricultural policies. Previous governments incentivised the unsustainable grazing of large numbers of goats, as well as channeling the river to open more land for agricultural use. In collaboration with Living Lands, Grounded, and local farmers, a project was developed to drive the large-scale rehabilitation of degraded land through regenerative agriculture. These efforts, ongoing, resulted in the establishment of the Baviaanskloof Devco.
Depending on the seasonal growth of their rosemary crop, farmers belonging to the Devco harvest during the South African summer. The rosemary is then distilled at the Devco's essential oil processing facility. The resulting oil has a gentle, herbaceous aroma and a calming effect when used in diffusions or applied to the skin and hair. Rosemary essential oil is frequently used in cosmetics, alternative therapies and ointments.
Country of origin:
South Africa
Producer:
Baviaanskloof Devco
Harvesting season:
December - February
Production method:
Cultivated
How it’s produced
The Baviaanskloof Devco is an established producer of rosemary essential oil with a track record of environmental and social responsibility.
Cultivation
Farmers affiliated with the Baviaanskloof Devco use regenerative agricultural methods. They apply compost, compostea and biochar. Cover crops nourish and protect the soil, while animals graze between the rows of rosemary, aerating and adding nutrients to the fields. No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used and the Devco's essential oil is fully traceable and certified organic.
Social impact
In collaboration with Living Lands, Grounded, and local farmers, a project was developed to help farmers transition to sustainable and regenerative farming practices and in turn generate sustainable income. The project resulted in the establishment of the Baviaanskloof Devco, which is now majority owned by the farmers through a trust and co-managed by Living Lands.