Industry: Peppermint
Gross value of production |
$0.63 m |
Number of growers |
13 |
Number employed |
7 |
Seasonal Employment |
16 |
Current annual production |
16 tonnes oil |
Projected 5 year annual production |
100 tonnes oil |
1. Description of Product:
Premium quality peppermint oil (Menthe piperata) to meet international standards. Peppermint is required in the production of oral care products and confectionery, and world demand is increasing particularly with the westernisation of Asian culture.
2. Location of the Industry:
The industry is located in the Ovens (8 growers), King (3 growers) and Murray (2 growers) Valleys.
3. Employment and Labour Requirements:
Of the thirteen peppermint growers, 9 have alternative principal income, 4 are involved in mint production as principal income.
Skilled machinery operators are required on a year round basis and in particular at harvest time. There is a need for unskilled labour for weeding.
a. Number of Producers:
13
b. Number Regularly Employed:
7
c. Harvest Requirements:
Two teams for harvesting and still operations of 6-8 people for two months.
4. Annual Production:
From approximately 200 - 250 ha, 16 tonnes of oil is produced with yield of 68 kg ha. Total production in N.E. Victoria is now twice annual Tasmanian production.
5. Value of Product:
The selling price for the oil varies between $38 - $52 / kg with an average of $42 / kg. Hence the gross value of the 1995 crop of 14 tonnes was $630,000. Farm gate is $30/kg with an addition of $6/kg for blending, bulking and storing.
6. Production Trends Over the Next Five Years:
a. Projected:
It is anticipated that with increased yields (goal is 75 kg / ha) and larger scale acreage, the production of oil will rise to 100 tonnes within the next 5 years, a conservative estimate for growth.
b. Potential:
On current prices, the value of this production would be $4.5 m, an increase of over 700% in this period.
Extracted from the Bright Report
