In the period from the 3rd to 15th of July, an expert from Corsica for growing and processing of immortelle will visit 15 leading growers and processors of immortelle in Herzegovina (Trebinje, Ljubinje, Bileca, Stolac, Mostar, Ljubuski, Siroki Brijeg and Capljina).
This activity was organized by the USAID / Sweden FARMA II project, and in the implementation of field activities was included REDAH as well. The aim of this visit is to share the experience of growing and processing of immortelle from Corsica with producers from Herzegovina, given that the region of Corsica is a pioneer in the cultivation of immortelle in the world.
In the past 10 years, the demand for immortelle on the world market is continuously increasing, which led to his vulnerability on the natural habitats in BiH and the region, and thus it was started with the promotion of its cultivation. From the estimated 80 hectares of immortelle in 2014, it is estimated that there is over 1,000 hectares of immortelle in Herzegovina.
Essential oil and products based on immortelle are mainly intended for export markets, and according to the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH and analysis of USAID / Sweden FARMA II project, the value of exports of these products exceeded 2 million BAM in 2015.
Exports of essential oils amounted to over 3.2 million BAM in 2015, with the largest share of immortelle oil.
Having in mind the increase in production of immortelle in BiH, this visit is aimed to create the conditions for the establishment of a single quality standard for immortelle essential oil that is originating from Herzegovina, which will allow its branding and will increase its recognizability and competitiveness on the world market.
(Source: akta.ba)