AGRICULTURAL
Niche market
Blue Gold , a hidden treasure
Lavender can be a profitable crop for your farm . This beautiful herb is new to the South African agricultural landscape and is fast gaining momentum in South Africa because of its cosmetic and medicinal uses .
� By Kefiloe Manthata
Senwes sponsored the 15th annual conference of the South African Agricultural Teachers Association , held from 31 January to 3 February , and uncovered several hidden gems . One of them was when the SAATA delegation visited a farm nestled along the N12 between Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad , where Trudy Kasselman and her mother-in-law Rina Kasselman , farm fields of “ blue gold ” as lavender has come to be known , on a 0,5-hectare portion of the 1 hectare land . Trudy tells us that the product line , Ruah , birthed from this lavender farming as “ a passion project that turned into a full time sustainable business ”. This discovery led us to take a closer look at existing niche farming markets in South Africa and the profitability thereof , which we will explore in a series spanning the next few editions of Senwes Scenario .
Lavender farming is relatively new to the South African agricultural landscape , but it is fast gaining momentum - more so because aromatherapy , which comprises largely of the use of essential oils including lavender oil , is enjoying renewed popularity for its medicinal purposes . Over ten years ago there were no lavender exports from South Africa . Today , the export of essential oils distilled from lavender plants , is on the rise .
Of the fourteen types of lavender found in the world , three are found to be the most common amongst South African farmers . English Lavender ( True Lavender , Lavendula ), Lavandin and Spika ( broad leaf lavender ) are believed to be the most suited for the South African climate . Lavender is generally not a fussy plant and grows in frosty and dry conditions quite easily . In order to thrive , lavender plants require full sun , loose free-draining soil and a little protection from the elements to grow well .
Valued for centuries as a ‘ cure all ’ plant , the use of lavender is as versatile as it is vast . Lavender oil is believed to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and is credited with the ability to cure anything from digestive problems to nausea and headaches . Some research also suggests that lavender may be useful for treating anxiety , insomnia , depression and restlessness due to its calming properties .
To add to the profitability of lavender farming , Trudy suggests that farmers also add value to their lavender production . This is why she opted for a beauty range consisting of body butters , bath oils and several other lavender-based luxury beauty products that form part of the Ruah inventory .
The distillation process may seem complicated or intimidating , but it is in fact quite simple . Distilling lavender is quite similar to the process of making mampoer . Steam distillation or wet steam distillation is a process through which essential oils are carried by steam through a cooler ( the coil ) of a steam pot or kettle , where it condenses into a liquid . This liquid , made up of plant oils and water , is collected . The essential oils float on top of the water in a thin film and must be separated .
The harvesting of lavender for essential oil should be undertaken when the flowers are well developed and the lower half starts to open , usually at the end of December and early January , depending on the season . Planning the harvest during a time of fine weather , especially with big plantations , is crucial , because free water coming in contact with the oil during the preheating stage of distillation reduces the oil quality and extraction efficiency . The quality and grade of the extracted essential oil from a lavender plant will be determined by the intensity of the fragrance it omits .
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SENWES SCENARIO | AUTUMN 2018