Flora Aromatica Santaluce testing a model for the promotion of a territory

Summary

Based on a detailed scoping process this cooperation project set up a new value chain centred on aromatic herbs (lavender). The project activities contributed to the creation of new sources of income in the area both from agriculture and agritourism.

Results

Local farms now collectively produce approximately 800 litres of essential lavender oil annually with an average gross margin of EUR 1 000 per ha.

Lavender cultivation has created a new agritourism dynamic with some 1 000 tourists a day visiting the area during the six-week flowering period of the lavender crops. 

Two of the farms which are part of the project partnership have converted to organic farming.