Serbia Emerges as a Leading Producer of Organic Immortelle Oil
Novica Šutić's Innovative Practices Push Serbian Immortelle to Global Markets
Serbia is rapidly establishing itself as one of the world's leading producers of organic immortelle (Helichrysum italicum), with significant strides made by farmers like Novica Šutić from Gornja Mutnica, near Paraćin.
Approximately fifteen years ago, Šutić planted his first immortelle fields, facing skepticism from locals accustomed to associating the plant primarily with Mediterranean regions, particularly the renowned varietals from Hvar, Croatia.
Immortelle is predominantly used in the cosmetics industry, prized for its essential oil, which can fetch between €400 to €1,400 per liter on the global market.
Šutić has developed a fully integrated production cycle, transforming biowaste into pellets used for fuel, contributing to a circular economy with zero waste.
He indicates that while he is still assessing the long-term viability of immortelle cultivation in Serbia, the plant is estimated to have a productive lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Initial investment costs for planting immortelle range between €3,000 to €5,000 per hectare.
Šutić reports that farmers can cover their basic expenses within the first year and start generating profits by the third year, contingent on proper agricultural practices.
Immortelle thrives in dry, non-acidic soil and requires careful management to prevent waterlogging, which can adversely affect yield, similar to the cultivation of lavender.
Šutić's operations employ between 300 to 500 seasonal workers throughout the harvesting and distillation process, as the organic nature of the product necessitates manual collection.
His dedicated team, currently comprising 12 permanent employees skilled in distillation, has garnered attention for producing some of the highest quality immortelle in Serbia and beyond.
The changing climatic conditions and soil composition in the Rtnje area are believed to contribute to this superior quality.
As the market for organic products grows, Serbia's position in this niche agricultural sector appears poised for expansion, driven by the expertise and commitment of its farming community.
Approximately fifteen years ago, Šutić planted his first immortelle fields, facing skepticism from locals accustomed to associating the plant primarily with Mediterranean regions, particularly the renowned varietals from Hvar, Croatia.
Immortelle is predominantly used in the cosmetics industry, prized for its essential oil, which can fetch between €400 to €1,400 per liter on the global market.
Šutić has developed a fully integrated production cycle, transforming biowaste into pellets used for fuel, contributing to a circular economy with zero waste.
He indicates that while he is still assessing the long-term viability of immortelle cultivation in Serbia, the plant is estimated to have a productive lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Initial investment costs for planting immortelle range between €3,000 to €5,000 per hectare.
Šutić reports that farmers can cover their basic expenses within the first year and start generating profits by the third year, contingent on proper agricultural practices.
Immortelle thrives in dry, non-acidic soil and requires careful management to prevent waterlogging, which can adversely affect yield, similar to the cultivation of lavender.
Šutić's operations employ between 300 to 500 seasonal workers throughout the harvesting and distillation process, as the organic nature of the product necessitates manual collection.
His dedicated team, currently comprising 12 permanent employees skilled in distillation, has garnered attention for producing some of the highest quality immortelle in Serbia and beyond.
The changing climatic conditions and soil composition in the Rtnje area are believed to contribute to this superior quality.
As the market for organic products grows, Serbia's position in this niche agricultural sector appears poised for expansion, driven by the expertise and commitment of its farming community.
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