Essential and vegetable oils produced from indigenous species and destined for the cosmetic, food and health sectors are experiencing growing demand by health-conscious consumers and can contribute to South Africa realising value-added industrial growth, says Global Quality and Standards Programme South Africa (GQSP-SA) project chief technical adviser Dr Elsie Meintjies.

The GQSP-SA project is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

With over 21 000 plant species, South Africa has an “enviable national treasure” and is the third-most biologically diverse country globally, the organisation reports.

Meintjies highlights that the increase in demand for natural products is an attractive proposition to producers as an option when intercropping is done, thereby ensuring that food security and existing crops can be maintained.

However, she highlights that it is imperative that local oil producers improve the quality of indigenous essential and vegetable oils and ensure a measure of product consistency.

The challenges related to meeting this imperative include attracting financial investment, with producers having had little success in raising sufficient capital to scale up from pilot to commercial level. Even producers that can scale to commercial level and expand production may eventually require investment into extraction tech- nology, which they struggle to secure.

There is also a lack of funding into research to understand the optimal cultivation, extraction and processing methods for indigenous plants, which hinders quality improvement.

She adds that many local producers may lack the technical expertise needed for advanced oil extraction and refinement techniques, which can affect the consistency and quality of the oils produced.

Further, for many producers the introduction of a quality management system to support their production of a consistent quality and quantity of oil is seen as a cost rather than an investment, the organisation adds.

In addition to impacting on producers’ credibility, this inconsistency can potentially result in health risks, given the potential side-effects of some of the oils.

Local producers may also struggle to compete with established international brands, making it difficult to establish a market for high-quality indigenous oils.

Further, disruptions in the supply chain, such as inconsistent availability of raw materials and fluctuation in quality owing to climate change, can hinder efforts to produce a high-quality and consistent supply of essential and vegetable oils.

“Navigating complex regulatory frameworks can be difficult for small-scale farmers and producers, which may prevent them from meeting quality standards required for local or international markets. However, addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among producers, government and research institutions to enhance capacity, improve practices, and create supportive policies,” Meintjies elaborates.

Innovation, Export and Human Potential

New technologies, smart farming practices, and the development of a national quality policy are crucial for ensuring premium standards in the industry.

Smart farming and precision agriculture allow producers to optimise the use of resources, such as water and fertilisers, and improve crop yields, leading to higher quality raw materials for oil extraction.

Additionally, the use of sensors and data analytics enable real-time monitoring of crop health and quality, ensuring that harvesting results in the best produce being used in oil production, in turn contributing to maintaining high standards throughout the supply chain.

“The adoption of innovative agricultural methods and technologies could lead to more sustainable practices, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting long-term viability of essential and vegetable oil production. Together, these elements can drive the growth of sector, ensuring that it meets both consumer demands and regulatory requirements while promoting innovation and sustainability.”

Regarding the need to unlock the export potential of essential and vegetable oils from South Africa, she notes the significance of the GQSP-SA Phase Two project, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and implemented by UNIDO in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

This programme sets out to improve framework conditions to contribute to greater international competitiveness and increased South African exports of essential and vegetable oils produced from indigenous plant species, stimulating trade and contributing to improved livelihoods and job creation, ultimately aiding the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Meintjies also highlights that the country’s essential and vegetable oils sector has made significant progress in promoting the involvement of women in key production processes through empowerment programmes aimed at training women in sustainable farming and extraction techniques, as well as business management and marketing skills.

Efforts have also been made to improve women’s access to essential resources, such as land, financing and technology, enabling them to start and manage their own oil production enterprises and cooperatives.

There has also been a gradual increase in the representation of women in leadership roles within both small-scale and large-scale enterprises in this sector, contributing to more inclusive decision-making processes.

“These efforts not only empower women economically but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the sector, enhancing the socioeconomic fabric of communities involved in oil production,” she concludes.