Starting An Essential Oils Enterprise From Scratch
Farmer's Weekly|April 2, 2021
After attending a farmers’ day in 2018, Oniccah and Naledi Nkoe decided to start farming herbal plants to produce essential oils. They have since expanded plantings and launched their own essential oils business. They spoke to Salome Modiselle and Sandile Mahlangu, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council.
Salome Modiselle and Sandile Mahlangu
Starting An Essential Oils Enterprise From Scratch

Mother-and-daughter team Oniccah and Naledi Nkoe, who are based on a 21ha property on the outskirts of Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria in Gauteng, started farming in 2006. Their first enterprise was a piggery, but when the market for pork slumped they switched to broilers and vegetables. This combination offered the quick turnover and cash flow they needed to grow their business.

In 2018, at a farmers’ day workshop in Bronkhorstspruit, they were introduced to essential oils, and specifically the production of rose geranium. Shortly after attending the workshop, they took part in the South African Essential Oils Business Incubator (SEOBI), where they gained extensive knowledge about the production of rose geranium and other essential oil plants.

SEOBI transfers appropriate technologies and training to emerging farmers to help them start or increase commercially viable essential oil production on their farms. The SEOBI essential oil masterclasses enabled Oniccah and Naledi to venture into the production of essential oils, focusing on rose geranium, marjoram and vetiver grass. “We produce about 1ha of rose geranium and 50m2 and 100m2 of marjoram and vetiver respectively. We still use the remaining part of the land for broiler and vegetable production,” says Oniccah.

ADDING VALUE

Oniccah and Naledi have grown in their production and knowledge of essential oils and have also added value by establishing the iKetle skincare product lines. According to Onnicah, iKetle means to be relaxed or tranquil, and is a reference to the aromas and benefits of the plants that she and Naledi want their clients to experience when using their products.

この記事は Farmer's Weekly の April 2, 2021 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Farmer's Weekly の April 2, 2021 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

FARMER'S WEEKLYのその他の記事すべて表示
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
Farmer's Weekly

Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid

A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom

time-read
2 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
IPM requires a completely different mindset
Farmer's Weekly

IPM requires a completely different mindset

You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them

time-read
2 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Farmer's Weekly

Does parrot farming protect wild species?

Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.

time-read
3 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Farmer's Weekly

Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic

Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.

time-read
6 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
Farmer's Weekly

Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming

The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.

time-read
5 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farmer's Weekly

Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms

Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.

time-read
6 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
Farmer's Weekly

The impact of theft on farms in South Africa

A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.

time-read
5 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
Farmer's Weekly

Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze

John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.

time-read
8 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Farmer's Weekly

Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month

Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.

time-read
1 min  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
Farmer's Weekly

SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'

The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.

time-read
2 分  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024