Potentials and Constraints for Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils

Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)
Project CFC/FIGSTF/30
International Workshop on
Potentials and Constraints for Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils Production and
Marketing in Africa
Mercure Sheherazade - Rabat, Morocco
03 - 05 May 2012
Workshop Report
BERCI International
28 July 2012
1
Contents
page
Introduction
3
Workshop Results
Conclusions and Recommendations
6
Annexes
Annex 1: Background
12
Annex 2: Workshop Agenda
15
Annex 1: Participant List
18
2
I.
Introduction
From 03 to 05 May 2012, with funding from the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) as Project
CFC/FIGSTF/30, and support from the FAO Intergovernmental sub-Group on Tropical Fruits, the Haut
Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification of the Kingdom of Morocco hosted an
international workshop which brought together key stakeholders of aromatic plants and essential oils value
chains from across Africa.
The International Workshop on Potentials and Constraints for Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils
Production and Marketing in Africa (Project CFC/FIGSTF/30) brought together a range of key actors along
a number of aromatic plants and essential oils value chains including smallholder farmers, producer
associations, national research institutions and the private sector at the national, regional and international
levels. The workshop served to raise the profile of aromatic plants and essential oils at the regional and
international levels, thus promoting further research and development of the commodities by national and
international institutions, and contributing to the development of an enabling policy environment for
aromatic plants and essential oils development in Africa.
The main objectives of the workshop were to:
• Review information on past experiences in addressing productivity constraints and market potentials for
a selected number of aromatic plants and essential oils of importance to the selected participating
countries;
• Analyze the key constraints and opportunities in the production, processing and marketing of aromatic
plants and essential oils at the national, regional and international levels;
• Formulate practical strategies to enhance the production, processing, marketing and utilization of
aromatic plants and essential oils in a sustainable manner;
• Determine the most effective potential interventions in order to initiate and develop formulation of
project proposals on aromatic plants and essential oils development; and
• Disseminate widely the information collected through the proceedings of the workshop in English and
French (to be comprised of technical papers presented at the workshop, main points covered in the
discussions, and recommendations); to all stakeholders, including producer associations, support
organizations, national extension agencies, research institutions and policy makers.
II.
Workshop Results
The workshop was implemented from 03 to 05 May 2012 at the Mercure Sheherazade hotel, Rabat, where
the participants were accommodated.
A total of twenty seven (27) individuals from eight countries participated in the workshop, including fifteen
Moroccan representatives, three from Kenya, three from Somalia, two from Mali and representatives of
Cameroon, Ethiopia, Mauritius and Algeria. Sixteen presentations addressed the technical objectives of the
workshop, divided into themed sessions of Production Aspects (Plenary Session 1); Processing, Value
Addition and Product Quality (Plenary Session 2); Market Trends and Perspectives (Plenary Session 3) and
Case Studies (Plenary Session 4). Simultaneous translation was provided in both French and English to
facilitate clear comprehension in ‘real time’ as a basis for reaction, discussion and exchange.
Following the presentations made in the course of each plenary session, questions were taken from all
participants and responses obtained from presenters as a basis for lively discussion and exchange, as
reflected in the Conclusions and Recommendations provided in this report. The great motivation and
interest of participants is reflected in the fact that the afternoon sessions went late with full participation.
3
Plenary Sessions
The workshop was opened at the headquarters of the Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte
Contre la Désertification with a welcome address by Secrétaire Général Abderrahim Houmy.
An introductory presentation on ‘Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils: Overview and Current Status of the
Commodity in Africa’ was made by Eliot Masters, Regional Coordinator of the NaturallyAfrican platform of
the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) on behalf of BERCI International. This presentation described the
range and of aromatic plants, the essential oils derived from them by various methods ancient and modern,
and described the market trends over time, which indicate a rapidly increasing demand for these high-value
natural products.
Following the introductory presentation, the case of Morocco was well illustrated in a presentation of the
National Strategy for the Development of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in Morocco, made by Ahmed
Azeroual, Chef de division de l'économie forestière. With some measure of donor support from the US
Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Agriculture et Agrobusiness Intégrés (AAI)
pr, Morocco has taken important steps to consolidate its resource base in aromatic plants and to facilitate
commercial development of essential oils in a long-term sustainable manner for the benefit of rural
populations. The lessons learned from this process make Morocco an ideal venue for the exchange of
learning outcomes desired by the CFC in implementation of the workshop.
From the example of Morocco, Professor Mohamed Hmamouchi of the Fédération Arabe des Plantes
Médicinales et Aromatiques made a presentation on ‘The Role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and essential
oils in Improving Livelihoods of the Rural Poor in the African Region: Challenges, Constraints, Prospects
and Strategic Directions’. This presentation was very effective at bringing a scientific perspective to the
ecological and socioeconomic sustainability of essential oils production and trade.
Following the opening session at the Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la
Désertification, participants were transported back to the Mercure Sheherazade for the second plenary
session on Production Aspects of aromatic plants.
Professor Zahia Houmani of Algeria opened the session with a presentation on the mint species indigenous
to the Maghreb, ‘Les plantes aromatiques du genre Mentha : potentialités productives en huiles essentielles’.
Guelleh Osman Guelle of Somalia followed, with a presentation on the Aromatic Gums of Somaliland
including a historical perspective on this ancient resource. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim of Mauritius finished the
session, with a presentation on ‘Lesser-known African flora: A source of novel essential oils’.
Plenary Session 2, Processing, Value Addition and Product Quality, began on the afternoon of the first day,
with a presentation from Ebenezar K. Asaah of Cameroon on ‘Bringing Ocimum gartissimum L. to
cultivation through rooting of leafy stem cuttings,’ which described the market-based domestication work
undertaken by ICRAF in Central Africa to reduce pressures on the resource base of wild aromatic basils –
an example with application to a range of aromatic plant species.
Albert Luvanda Makee of Kenya followed with a presentation of ‘Opportunities and challenges facing trade
in gum myrrh and gum oppoponax (Hagar) in Kenya,’ bringing focus to the initial steps of commercialization
of aromatic gums and resins.
Plenary Session 3, Market Trends and Perspectives, began the second day of the workshop, opening with a
presentation by Professor Ermias Dagne of Ethiopia on the ‘Four Pillars in the Development of Aromatic
Plants and Essential Oils Business in Africa: Processing, Value Addition, Quality Control and Marketing’.
Abdullah Ali of Somalia followed, with a presentation on ‘Frankincense and Myrrh in Somaliland,’ addressing
the resource perspective as well as the logistical challenges of building an essential oils trade under
4
challenging environmental, socio-economic and political conditions, and the dichotomy and trade-offs
involved in choosing a market niche for quality raw materials and finished products.
Dr. Susie Wren of Kenya followed with a presentation concerning ‘Development of the Essential Oil
Standards’ which covered the work of AAMPS in this area, touching also on the Fair Wild certification
system of relevance to Morocco (where UNDP and GEF are supportive of such certification) and other
countries represented at the workshop.
The fourth plenary session (Case Studies) began on the afternoon of Day 2 with a presentation by Dr.
Wren on the ‘Aromatic Plants of East Africa,’ wide-ranging in its practical applications from the resource
level to the highest levels of the perfumery trade which provides the apex market niche for essential oils.
For the Sahelian countries, the case of Mali was presented in two parts, beginning with Brahima Coulibaly
on his ‘Unité de production et de commercialisation des huiles essentielles : Stratégie de mise sur le marché et
commercialisation des huiles essentielles et produits dérivés à U.PRO. CO.H.E’ followed by Souadou Diabaté on
‘Les différentes plantes aromatiques / huiles essentielles au Mali et l’organisation et structuration du secteur au
Mali’.
Malika Benmahi of Morocco presented a case study on the ‘Relation entre la femme rurale et les plantes
aromatiques et médicinales,’ following on to some extent from the presentation made by Professor
Hmamouchi on Day 1, with further attention to the role of women in particular as primary producers, and
the scope of production and trade in aromatic plants and essential oils for improving living standards and
educational attainments in a context of rural development.
The final case study was presented by Professor Ermias Dagne of Ethiopia on his ‘Ariti Herbal: The first
modern Herbal Business in Addis Ababa,’ which provided participants with a case study reflecting the many
challenges of standardization and trade in natural products which may vary chemically according to
environmental factors, greatly challenging consistency and necessitating regular analytical testing preshipment for verification.
Following the fourth plenary session, a discussion session was conducted by Baba Driss of the Haut
Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification and Eliot Masters of ICRAF and BERCI
International, in order to synthesize the results, conclusions and recommendations of the workshop in
both French and English (see following section, Conclusions and Recommendations’) which concluded the
second day of the workshop.
5
Field Visit
Day 3 of the workshop consisted of a field visit to Noha Fleur International in Casablanca, a farm producing
medicinal and aromatic plants – a pilot farm based on naturally cultivated plots covering an area of 16
square kilometres and a ‘well-being centre’ which provides phytotherapeutic medicinal preparations and
treatments as developed by Mr Marzouk. A wonderful lunch was provided, and participants continued to
discuss points raised during the workshop in the amenable (and aromatic) conditions of the field.
6
III.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions
1. A key issue in many production systems is a need for preservation of (genetic) resource base, in
particular wild harvested (e.g. frankincense) & (assisted) regeneration / renewal
2. There is a risk of over-harvesting of naturally-occurring species; producers may not be aware of
optimal tapping or harvesting methods
3. Producers may also be uncertain as to the taxonomy of naturally-occurring species, leading to
admixture and adulteration, sometimes with toxic implications
4. Provisions of the International Convention on Biodiversity may not be fully actualised
5. Domestication of wild-occurring species may be possible in some cases
6. The impacts of climate change on resource base and (its conservation) are uncertain
7. Intensification of cultivated production for increased yield (versus extensification) may buffer
impacts on the natural resource base
8. Inclusion / integration of MAP development into national development strategies (plantation of
cultivated species, re-greening and assisted regeneration) should be seen as a priority
9. Elaboration of regional projects for sustainable production and commercialisation of naturallyoccurring aromatic plants (e.g. those yielding aromatic resins) should be seen as an urgent priority
Recommendations
A. Production Aspects and Sustainability of Resources
1. Actions should be taken to ensure preservation of (genetic) resource base, in particular
wild harvested (e.g. frankincense) & (assisted) regeneration / renewal, with attention to
prior informed consent – equitable benefit sharing;
2. Attention to management of regeneration / management plans (complete with impact
assessment, multi-resource inventory with attention to system-level biodiversity)
3. Attention to impacts of climate change on resource base and its conservation
4. Sustainable harvesting protocols should be defined for naturally-occurring species (e.g.
defining optimal number of harvests over time); these should consider seasonality and the
build-up of essential oil (active components)
5. Training of producers (graphic) on best practices for sustainable management (fiches
techniques) should be undertaken
6. This training should also include aspects of taxonomy of naturally-occurring species, to
avoid admixture and adulteration with wrong species
7. Inventory / assessment of local germplasm in vivo (mother plants) should be undertaken
8. Seed banks may also be important means of preserving intra-species biodiversity
9. Alternative sources of income (e.g. bee-keeping) – livelihood systems diversification should
be promoted in some systems (to facilitate ‘resting’ period for naturally-occurring species)
10. Intensification of cultivated production for increased yield (versus extensification) should be
a focus of activities on cultivated (or semi-cultivated) species;
11. Selection of desired characteristics / develop varieties / cultivars (with attention to
maintaining and not narrowing the genetic resource base)
12. Domestication strategies should be developed for inter-cropped cultivation of MAPs
integrated with other crops (pollination trap)
13. Lobbying for compliance with International Convention on Biodiversity
14. Inclusion / integration of MAP development into national development strategies
(plantation of cultivated species, re-greening and assisted regeneration)
15. Engagement with existing institutions and initiatives of relevance (e.g. ASARECA?)
16. Elaboration of regional projects for sustainable production and commercialisation of
naturally-occurring aromatic plants (e.g. those yielding aromatic resins) should be seen as
an urgent priority
7
B. Technical Aspects and Product Development
1. Inventory of accredited African laboratories on natural products
2. Compliance to EU honey monitoring schemes – invite laboratories / with rates (competitive)
3. Interactive website as outcome of workshop (the existing ICRAF NaturallyAfrican website www.naturallyafricanplatform.org - should be exploited)
4. Quarterly newsletter (example of Clive Dubuys in South Africa; pricing and supply information;
means of technical and commercial exchange and also sourcing planting material
5. Dissemination of scientific results on natural products (chemical / processing aspects and their
biodiversity)
6. Listing of suppliers of equipment (distillation etc.) and service providers
7. Importance of standards (obligatory and voluntary) and grading systems; definition of Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) / Codes of Best Practice to primary producer levels
8. Systems of labeling should be put in place to protect denomination of origin and qualities by specific
provenance of indigenous plant products ;
9. Engagement of national and local universities (as in Morocco), HC (Morocco); technical, chemical
and quality aspects (inventory and ‘capitalisation’ of existing institutions, networks, activities and
resources)
10. Online database (Prof. Hmamouchi) – publications, resources, (Fédération Arabe des Plantes
Médicinales et Aromatiques : http://fapam.um5s.ac.ma)
11. Another example is the interactive website established by Twin Trading (Susie) – including regular
2-hour online Q&A sessions per week
12. Strategy of local markets first, then looking further along value chain (to possible exports etc.)
13. Use of solar energy in extraction and processing?
14. Establishment of community-based processing centres (Unites de Transformation Communautaire)
mobile lambic distilleries – linkage between collection and processing (extraction)
15. Possibility to encourage African researchers to facilitate scaling up to industrial operationstechnical aspects such as filtering, for improved product quality
C. Product Quality and Marketing
1. Develop (or locate?) recognised reference standards for GCMS laboratory analysis of essential
oils
2. Calibration of laboratory equipment (Susie: CDE/ITC training course of quality-led analysis
related to production issues)
3. Quality advice (interactive website? Annual training courses?)
4. Pro-activity in setting of quality standards (by producers / enterprises) – ‘African standards’?
5. Bring out existing studies / data >> raise profile and build consumer understanding
6. Export-level may/will require more advanced technologies to respond to industry standards
7. Information / sensitisation on ‘forbidden molecules’ (EU)
8. Terroir (Ameenah) : versus INCI / laboratory protocols (calibration) and accreditation for
credible lab results
9. Increased participation in trade fair(s) on African MAPs and other fora for exchange / purchase
of African natural products
10. Prof. Hmamouchi: Encourage national policy-level adherence to 2010 Convention International
APA – benefit sharing / PIC (question – Ebenezar – do these funds (‘like a tax’) ‘trickle down’
to producer level (or researcher level, to investigate sustainability issues)?
Prioritisation of Key Products
Though it was generally agreed that prioritization of products should be undertaken at the national level, it
was noted that aromatic resins featured heavily in the presentations and discussions, as did herbaceous
annuals (such as oregano and rosemary).
8
Notes from the discussion:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
National level prioritisation
Stakeholder participation (producer, processor, industry, export)
Participant-level prioritisation (consultation at later point) – criteria for product prioritisation
Ebenezar: define generic criteria for prioritisation (e.g. ICRAF indigenous fruit trees of southern
Africa / WCA)
Regional-level prioritisation Eliot: Aromatic Resins
Ameenah: Should consider ‘uniqueness’ and endemism (given realistic / potential market demand)
Also see: African Herbal Pharmacopeia (of AAMPS)
Additional criteria (in support of aromatic resins) – commercial demand very high; rarity
(conservation status threatened)
Morocco / Mediterranean : [Aromatic herbs/annuals] Oreganum compactum [oreganum] (unique to
Maroc) Tanacetum annuum (chamomile bleu)
Salvatore persica – ‘toothbrush tree’?
Lippia chevalierii, Vetiver sp (nigritana?) – ‘emergent’ (Coulibaly)
9
Conclusions et Recommandations
1.
Conclusions
1. Un problème important dans de nombreux systèmes de production est la nécessité pour la
préservation des ressources (génétiques), en particulier des espèces sauvages récoltées (p. ex.
l'encens), & renouvellement / régénération (assisté), à l'attention de procédure de consentement
préalable / partage des avantages équitables ;
2. Il y a un risque de surexploitation des espèces sauvages; des producteurs peuvent ne pas être au
courant des méthodes durables d’incision ou des méthodes de récolte optimale ;
3. Les producteurs peuvent également être incertains quant à la taxinomie des espèces sauvages,
menant au mélange ou la falsification, parfois avec des incidences toxiques
4. Les dispositions de la Convention sur la Diversité Biologique (CDB) peuvent être moins
qu’entièrement actualisée ;
5. La domestication des espèces sauvages est possible dans certains cas ;
6. Les impacts du changement climatique sur les ressources (et leur conservation) sont incertains ;
7. Intensification de la production des espèces cultivées pour un rendement accru (par opposition à
l'extensification) peut améliorer les impacts sur la base des ressources naturelles ;
8. Inclusion et intégration des PAM au sein de développement nationale dans les stratégies nationales
de développement (plantation des espèces cultivées, régénération de reverdissement assistée)
devraient être considérées comme une priorité ; et
9. L’élaboration des projets régionaux pour la production durable et de la commercialisation des
plantes aromatiques d'origine sauvage (p. ex. ceux produisant des résines aromatiques) devraient
être considérée comme une priorité urgente.
10
II. Recommandations
1.
Au niveau de la production et la durabilité des ressources
1. La préservation des ressources de base (génétique), en particulier sauvage récoltée (par exemple
résine) et (assistée) de régénération / renouvellement ;
2. L’attention particulière doit être apportée à la gestion de régénération / gestion des plans (avec
évaluation de l'impact, inventaire multi-ressources avec attention au niveau du système de la
biodiversité) ;
3. L’attention doit être apportée aussi aux impacts du changement climatique sur la ressource de
base et sur sa conservation ;
4. Les protocoles de récolte durable (combien de récoltes possibles dans le temps) en fonction de
l'accumulation d'huile essentielle (composants actifs) doivent être mise en place ;
5. La formation des producteurs aux meilleures pratiques de gestion durable (fiches techniques) ;
6. Cette formation doit inclure des aspects de taxonomie des espèces sauvages, pour éviter le
mélange ou la falsification avec des espèces différentes
7. L’inventaire / évaluation de matériel génétique local in vivo (plantes-mères) ;
8. La mise en place des banques de semences pour protéger de la diversité intra-spécifique ;
9. La recherche des sources alternatives de revenus (par exemple l'apiculture) et des moyens de
subsistance des systèmes de diversification pour laisser la ressource se reposer ;
10. Intensification de la production cultivée pour un rendement accru (par rapport à
l'extensification) devrait être au centre des activités des espèces cultivées (ou semi-cultivées)
11. La sélection des caractéristiques souhaitées en développant des variétés et cultivars (avec une
attention à maintenir et à ne pas réduire la base de ressources génétiques);
12. La stratégie de domestication / culture intégrée avec d'autres cultures (piège pollinisation) ;
13. La conformité avec la Convention sur la Diversité Biologique (CDB) ;
14. L’inclusion / intégration du développement des PAM dans les stratégies nationales de
développement (plantation d'espèces cultivées et régénération assistée)
15. L’engagement avec les institutions existantes et les initiatives en constitution (ex. ASARECA) ; et
16. L’élaboration des projets régionaux pour la production durable et de la commercialisation des
plantes aromatiques sauvages (p. ex. ceux produisant des résines aromatiques) doit être considérée
comme une priorité urgente.
2.
Aspects Techniques / Développement des produits
1. L’inventaire des laboratoires accrédités par l'Afrique sur les produits naturels ;
2. La conformité aux régimes de l'UE de surveillance de miel – invitation des laboratoires ;
3. La création d’un site Web interactif en tant que résultat de l'atelier (ICRAF NaturallyAfricanwww.naturallyafricanplatform.org) ;
4. L’édition d’un bulletin trimestriel (exemple de Clive Debuys en Afrique du Sud), la tarification et de
fournir des informations, des moyens d'échange technique et commerciaux et aussi
l'approvisionnement du matériel de plantation ;
5. La diffusion des résultats scientifiques sur les produits naturels (produits chimiques / de traitement
des aspects et de leur biodiversité)
6. Le listage des fournisseurs d'équipements de distillation (etc.) et les fournisseurs de services ;
7. L’importance des normes (obligatoire ou volontaire) et les systèmes de classement; définition de
procédures d'utilisation normalisées (SOP) et codes de bonnes pratiques aux niveaux des
producteurs primaires ;
8. La mise en place des systèmes d’étiquetage et de protection des signes distinctifs d’origine et de
qualité par provenance des produits des plantes indigènes ;
9. L'effort technique de pré-laboratoire / rôle des universités (par exemple Maroc), les aspects
techniques, chimiques et de la qualité (capitalisation) ;
10. Les bases de données en ligne - publications des ressources (voir Fédération Arabe des Plantes
Médicinales et Aromatiques : http://fapam.um5s.ac.ma) ;
11. Un autre exemplaire est le site Web interactif de Twin Trading – y compris des sessions questions
et réponses en ligne chaque semaine;
12. Stratégie de cibler marchés locaux primairement, et par la suite, à travers la chaîne de valeur, vers
11
une exportation potentielle ;
13. L’utilisation de l'énergie solaire dans l'extraction et le traitement ? ;
14. La mise en place de centres de traitement à base communautaire (Unités de Transformation
Communautaires) distilleries mobiles lambic - rapprochement entre ramassage et transformation ;
15. Le Commerce équitable sur les PAM d'Afrique ;
16. La possibilité d'encourager les chercheurs africains à grande échelle pour des opérations
industrielles et techniques – aspects techniques incluant le filtrage pur l’amélioration de qualité des
produits
3.
Qualité de Produit et la Commercialisation
1. Développer (ou trouver?) des matériaux de référence reconnue pour l’analyse GCMS en
laboratoire des huiles essentielles
2. Formation en étalonnage de l'équipement de laboratoire (Dr. Wren : cours de formation du
CDE/CCI sur analyse de la qualité liées aux questions de la production) ; protocoles de laboratoire
(étalonnage) et de l'accréditation pour les résultats de laboratoire crédible
3. Conseils de qualité (site Web interactif ? Cours annuel de formation?)
4. Pro-activité dans l'établissement de normes de qualité (par les producteurs / entreprises) – «
Normes africaines » ?
5. Mettre en évidence des études / données existantes ciblés aux consommateurs pour une meilleure
connaissance et compréhension du valeur des produits naturels
6. Le niveau de l'exportation peut nécessiter des technologies plus avancées pour répondre aux
normes et exigences de l'industrie
7. Information / sensibilisation sur « molécules interdites » (par UE)
8. Terroir (Ameenah): Versus INCI. Une participation accrue dans les expositions commerciales
africaines et d’autres forums pour l'échange / achat de produits naturels africains ?
9. Prof. Hmamouchi : Plaidoyer pour encourager le respect des politiques au niveau national 2010
Convention internationale APA (procédures de consentement préalable / partage des avantages
équitables) (Ebenezar – est-ce que ces fonds («comme un impôt ») peuvent atteindre les
producteurs (mais aussi les chercheurs, pour appuyer et enquêter sur les questions de
développement durable) ?
4. Priorisation de 4 produits clés :
Bien que nous devons réfléchir aux niveaux nationaux, les premières conclusions ont permis d’opter pour
les résines aromatiques, et les herbes annuelles (ex.. l’origan et le romarin).
Points de discussion :
1. La priorisation des produits doit être faite au niveau national ;
2. La participation des parties prenantes (producteur, transformateur, industrie, export) sera préférable
3. Priorisation des produits au niveau des participants (consultation plus tard) – suivant une définition des
critères de priorisation des produits
4. Ebenezar : définir les critères génériques pour la priorisation des produits (p. ex. les arbres fruitiers
indigènes par ICRAF en Afrique du Sud)
5. Priorisation des produits au niveau régional Eliot: résines aromatiques.
6. Ameenah : Unicité et endémisme comme critères génériques pour la priorisation des produits (compte
tenu de la demande réaliste ou du potentiel de marché)
7. Voir aussi: Pharmacopée à base de plantes africaines de l’AAMPS (Susie et Ameenah)
8. Critères supplémentaires (à l'appui de résines aromatiques) –demande commerciale très élevée ; rareté
(statut de conservation menacée)
9. Maroc / Méditerranée: [aromatiques herbes/plantes annuelles] Oreganum compactum [oreganum]
(unique au Maroc) Tanacetum annuum (camomille bleu)
10. Salvatore persica – « arbre brosse à dents » ?
11. Lippia chevalierii, Vétiver sp (nigritana?) – « émergentes » (Coulibaly)
12
Annex 1: Background
There is a growing international demand for aromatic plants and essential oils, of which trade currently
originates mainly from industrialized countries. Indeed, WHO statistics show an increasing world market
for medicinal plants industries at an average rate of 10% each year, reaching around €45 billion, of which
€10 billion relate to medicinal herbs. This trend is driven by social changes such as food diversification,
desire for new flavours and natural products, importance of “ethical” and processed food and advances in
the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries leading to the use of new condiments and aromatic herbs.
Aromatic plants and essential oils are an integral source of income benefiting the poor and landless in
developing countries and particularly in Africa. The supply chain structure shows that African countries,
benefiting from a number of potential factors, remain weak actors in the world market.
Countries such as Morocco and Senegal have the potential to becoming important producers thanks to the
availability of raw material, good climatic conditions, excellent geographical location (close to Europe), low
cost of labour, availability of simple and accessible production techniques, availability and low cost of land,
free trade agreements with main importing countries (e.g. Europe and the USA) and other important
factors.
Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) include those which are used for medicinal purposes as well as for
other related uses such as nutrition, body care and incense. Aromatic plants are used for their aroma and
flavour. A recent survey in India found that more than 1,200 medicinal plants are used in the manufacturing
and processing sectors and 162 plants were predominantly traded. As for essential oils, these are liquid
products of steam or water distillation of plant parts (leaves, stems, bark, seeds, fruit, roots and plant
exudates). There are more than 2000 recorded species used to produce essential oils but only 20 species
represent 90% of the world production, mainly targeting the industrial sector.
Africa continues to be a significant source of many native medicinal and aromatic plants serving the global
food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and herbal and dietary supplement industries. In recent decades, a number
of indigenous African plant materials have established a strong market presence, including essential oils
distilled from resinous exudates of frankincense (Boswellia species), and myrrh (Commiphora species), flower
oils distilled from cape chamomile (Ericephalus punctulatus) and rose geranium (Pelargonium roseum), and
from medicinal plants such as Helichrysum gymnocephalum and Pelargonium sidoides – to name but a few.
The supply chain structure of aromatic plants and essential oils is characterized by a large number of small
and medium companies with little vertical integration. At the farm level, collectors and producers sell their
products to commission agents and wholesalers. These traders sell their products to larger wholesalers
and manufacturers or directly to retailers. Most manufacturers in Europe and North America buy from
large wholesalers, mainly found in Germany. The products entering the wholesale and manufacturing sector
are often sourced from different places which make it difficult to trace the products. A more direct
sourcing strategy is applied by manufacturers looking for specific products with higher value such as
organic, fair trade, etc. As for essential oils, their trade distribution can have a number of routes to market.
The simplest route is the small oil producer selling to local market or to tourists while the large scale
producers would normally deal through fragrance and flavor house formulators. Most of the oil goes to the
mainstream industries and the number of mainstream uses continues to decrease through mergers and
acquisitions.
13
The production tree for essential oils brings is comprised of four broad sectors, namely the flavor
industries (food and beverages, tobacco and pharmaceutical), personal care (cosmetic and toiletries, dental
and household), pharmaceutical (medicinal and veterinary) and industrial (pesticide, motor, paper and
prints, rubber and plastics, and textile). Global production of essential oils was recorded as 28,200 MT per
year in 2003 (FAO figures) of which citrics (orange, lemon) and mints (including mints and eucalyptus) are
among the most commonly traded species. The food and beverage industry and the cosmetic industry
represent the main target market for essential oils and the global market is estimated at €10 to €15 billion
in 2004. Trade figures for exported essential oils are not readily available due to a lack of recorded
production data in export markets. The EU appears to be the world’s biggest importer (France, Germany
and UK are major importing countries). The USA is the world’s largest importing country followed by
Japan. Forecasts suggest that the market for essential oils will grow rapidly in developing countries
(dominated by China and India), Eastern countries and Russia, and to a lesser extent in developed
countries. On the long term, the demand in these countries is expected to exceed the demand in current
consumption industrialized markets. Greatest demand for essential oils is predicted to be for low value
fragrance oils used in soaps, detergents and related products with smaller growth in the flavor oils, mainly
for non-alcoholic beverages (particularly citrus, resins and spice oils) and oral care products (mint oils).
Trade figures of aromatic plants and essential oils show a value of US$ 1.8 billion in 2008. According to
international trade data there are three trade centers for aromatic plants and essential oils, namely USA,
Hong Kong and Germany. The leading exporting country is China with an export volume in 2008 of
188,248 MT valued at US$449 million. India has emerged as a major exporter, exporting in 2008 50,545 MT
to the world valued at US$130 million. Among the importing countries, the USA is a leading player with
67,387 MT worth US$247 million in 2007, followed by Hong Kong with 50,324 MT worth US$179 million,
Germany with 47,176 MT worth US$154 million, and Japan with 28,431 MT worth US$117 million. In
Europe alone, the value of traded aromatic plants and essential oils is estimated at US$334 million and
accounts for accounts for 21% of world trade.
The COMTRADE database shows that Egypt is the main African export country of pharmaceutical plants to
the world market. Between 1991 and 2003, Egypt exported on average 11,800 MT annually, of a value of
US$13.5 million. By 2007 these annual exports had risen to 22,572 MT at a value of US$ 32 million. There
are at least 66 countries acting as trading partners for Egypt of which Germany and the USA had
respectively 26% and 20% share in 2003. A second African country, Morocco, exported 12,133 MT at a
value of US$25 million of pharmaceutical plants and its exports increased from 5,510 MT in 1993 to 12,133
MT in 2007.
At the West African sub-regional level, Ivory Coast and Guinea are the main exporters of essential oils to
the world market with a production of respectively 210 MT and 110 MT per year (2003, FAO figures).
The overall sub-regional (UEMOA zone) market is estimated at FCFA 300 million for 120 to 150 MT. In
Senegal there is no local production of essential oil and therefore imports represent the total market (15.6
MT in 2005). On the other hand, Ivory Coast acts as an importer and exporter of essential oils and
represents FCFA 120 million for 120 to 150 MT. Ghana and Nigeria also act as important players in the
region and trade essentially with food and beverage and cosmetic industries. The Nigerian market is
estimated at US$3 to 5 million for 1,000 MT. Morocco alone exports more than €26 million of MAPs and
14
at least €14 million worth of essential oils with an important production potential (i.e. a potential of 1
million ha of Rosmarinus officinalis producing an annual yield of 60 MT of its essential oil of rosemary).
Comparison of the world’s export prices provides strong indications of inequalities within the MAP sector.
Indeed the worldwide prices of most important supply countries are much lower than the world average
export prices. For example, China sells at an average of US$1,770 / MT, Egypt at US$1,150 / MT as
compared to US$4,980 / MT in France and US$7,790 / MT in Switzerland. Prices can reach a lower level in
Mexico (US$380 / MT), Belize and Niger (around US$ 300 / MT). As for essential oils, prices vary from
US$2 to 10 per kg and can reach US$ 200 to 600 per kg for specialized production used in the food,
cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is important to note that developing countries supply 85% of the
world production. These differences reflect the fact that the price is proportional to the processing level of
the commodity traded which is determined; therefore, farmers and collectors living generally in poor
socioeconomic conditions do not benefit from the high prices.
Natural resource degradation is an issue of major concern in African countries. The Africa region is an
important treasure chest of valuable MAPs and essential oils mostly found in fragile ecosystems. These
plants have significant medicinal and commercial value, but are threatened today due to a lack of concerted
conservation strategy efforts and uncontrolled, exploitative trade practices. For example the rosemary
sector of Morocco has experienced this problem since the late 1960s due to two main factors, namely the
use of natural resources for heating, construction or other related activities and inappropriate harvesting
techniques where producers cut the plant at a very low level which does not allow for its regeneration.
Sustainable harvest and management of these resources can help conserve plant biodiversity and sustain
critical rural resources upon which rural livelihoods may be sustained over time.
Conclusions
Current global trade flows of aromatic plants and essential oils are heavily skewed, with most value added
in (and profits accrued to) in the developed countries, while the bulk of these botanicals are exported from
developing countries. The source countries export mainly raw plant material, little processed and often of
wild origin and highly variable quality; thus the benefit for rural poor producers and less developed
countries of origin is relatively low, as most processing, (and value addition) takes place mainly place in just
a few consumer countries and global trade centres.
As wild MAP resources are not evenly distributed across the world, their exploitation is confined to only
few regions, which may easily lead to localised overexploitation by resource-poor primary producers. The
most effective (and technically feasible) solution to these commodity problems is to increase the value of
the plant material exported by establishing at least primary processing stages in the country of origin and
value added at the primary stages of production, thereby increasing the income of rural producers
(collectors, cultivators and processors) on a long-term sustainable basis.
15
Annex 2 : Workshop Agenda
Day 1: Thursday 03 May 2012
08:00-09:00:
09:00-09 :45:
Registration
Welcome address, Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification
(Morocco)
Opening Remarks, BERCI on behalf of CFC & FAO
09:45- 10:30
Coffee break and Group photo
10:30-12:30:
Introductions
Presentation of the Workshop objectives and expectations, BERCI International
Aromatic plants and essential oils: Overview and Current Status of the commodity
in Africa, Eliot Masters, World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
The National Strategy for the Development of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in
Morocco, M. Ahmed Azeroual (HCEFLCD)
The Role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and essential oils in Improving
Livelihoods of the Rural Poor in the African Region: Challenges, Constraints,
Prospects and Strategic Directions, Prof. Mohamed Hmamouchi, Fédération
Arabe des Plantes Médicinales et Aromatiques
Discussion
12:30-14:00:
Lunch
14:00-15:30:
PLENARY SESSION I: Production Aspects
Professeur Zahia Houmani (Algérie): Les plantes aromatiques du genre
Mentha : potentialités productives en huiles essentielles
- Guelleh Osman Guelle (Somalia) : Aromatic Gums of Somaliland
- Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius) : Lesser-known African flora: A source of
novel essential oils
- General discussion
-
15:30 –16:00:
16:00 – 17:30
Coffee Break
PLENARY SESSION II: Processing, Value Addition, Quality
Ebenezar K. Asaah (Cameroon) : Bringing Ocimum gartissimum L. to cultivation
through rooting of leafy stem cuttings
- Albert Luvanda Makee (Kenya) : Opportunities and challenges facing trade in
gum-myrrh and gum oppoponax (Hagar) in Kenya
- General discussion
- Summary of Day 1 results
-
Day 2: Friday 04 May 2012
09:00-10:30:
PLENARY SESSION III: Market Trends and Perspectives
- Ermias Dagne (Ethiopia) : Four Pillars in the Development of Aromatic Plants
and Essential Oils Business in Africa: Processing, Value Addition, Quality Control
and Marketing
- Abdillahi Ali (Somalia) : Frankincense and Myrrh in Somaliland
16
10:30 – 11:00
Susie Wren (Kenya) : Development of the Essential Oil Standards
General discussion
Coffee Break
11:00-12:30
PLENARY SESSION IV: Case Studies
- Susie Wren (Kenya) : Aromatic Plants of East Africa
- Brahima Coulibaly (Mali) : Unité de production et de commercialisation des
huiles essentielles : Stratégie de mise sur le marché et commercialisation des
huiles essentielles et produits dérivés à U.PRO. CO.H.E
- Souadou Diabaté (Mali) : Les différentes plantes aromatiques / huiles
éssentielles au Mali et l’organisation et structuration du secteur au Mali
- Malika Benmahi (Morocco) : Relation entre la femme rurale et les plantes
aromatiques et médicinales
- Ermias Dagne (Ethiopia) : Ariti Herbal: The first modern Herbal Business in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- General Discussion
12:30-14:00:
14:00-15:30:
Lunch Break
Working Group on Key Technical and Market Aspects
Conclusions and Recommendations
1. Conclusions
a. Questions Clés : Durabilité ressource / Technique / Développement des Produits /
Commercialisation
b. Produits Cibles (4)
2. Recommandations :
a. Etapes prochaines sur développement des produits et assurance qualité
b. Etapes prochaines sur commercialisation et développement du marché
15:30- 16:00
Coffee Break
16:00-17:30:
PLENARY SESSION V: Closing of the Workshop
Reports by Working Groups
Summary discussions and recommendations
- Closing remarks, BERCI
- Closing remarks, Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la
Désertification
17
Day 3: Saturday 05 May 2012
Field Trip to Noha Fleur International, Casablanca
8h30: Depart Rabat
10h30: Arrive at Casablanca ; visit to medicinal plant markets
12h: Depart to farm producing medicinal and aromatic plants – a pilot farm based on naturally cultivated
plots covering an area of 16 square kilometers
13h: Lunch
15h – 16h: Visit to the ‘well-being centre’ which provides phytotherapeutic medicinal preparations and
treatments as developed by Mr Marzouk.
17h: Visit to Hassan II Mosque: A notable attraction, one of the largest mosques in the Arab world, with
spectacular architecture.
18h: Return to Rabat
19h 30 -20h: Arrival at Hotel
18
Annex 3: Workshop Participants
19