Herbaria obtains many of its high-quality raw materials from its own ecological farms in Chile. More than 100 different plants are grown on three farms extending over almost 600 hectares, near Villarrica in Southern Chile.
Chile: Eco-Paradise
In the region surrounding the farmings, there are no agricultural producers using chemical sprays, no industrial areas and no nuclear power stations. The air is free of pollutants, the soils have never been chemically treated and the crystal clear water comes from a glacier visible from the farms. The Mediterranean climate and high rainfall provide ideal conditions for the cultivation and the production of seeds from medicinal herbs rich in active agents. It goes without saying that genetic engineering has no place here.
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| Sowing |
Herbaria – local employer
More than 60 jobs – ranging from that of administrator through to the production managers and the labour force – have been created for local residents on the farms. At harvest and sowing times the permanent staff is supplemented with approximately 100 additional seasonal workers. Horses and modern agricultural machinery are used as well as the prevailing manual labour. The herbs are dried using state-of-the-art equipment, some of which is solar-powered.
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| Trial garden |
Model organic plant
All of the produce complies with EU regulations and is entitled to be certified as organic produce. The products are imported into Germany in the company’s own large sealed containers. The plant is also viewed as a model operation by the Chilean authorities. Independent German eco-inspectors on site provide advisory services to the relevant organic associations in Chile.
