The advantages of planting argan trees in Mallorca for the commercial production of argan oil

No water? No well permit? Dryness? Rising temperatures? Global warming? No problem: regenerative agriculture! Plant argan trees on your finca to produce argan oil without irrigation!

Increasing drought and low water availability are two key challenges facing agriculture in Mallorca. In this context, planting argan trees proves to be an extremely promising solution. Argan trees, known for their absolute drought resistance and rapid growth, offer not only ecological benefits but also economic opportunities. After just five years of production, these plants can deliver high-quality argan oil, with prices on the market ranging from 200 euros to 250 euros per liter.

Since this tree species originally comes from the Sahara, the argan tree is adapted to extreme drought and sometimes 11 consecutive dry months without rain. The Mediterranean climate, especially in Mallorca, is optimal for this tree, especially since there is usually twice as much rain here as in the Sahara regions, where this tree is originally native!

1. Absolute drought resistance of the argan trees

Argan trees (Argania spinosa) are known for their remarkable adaptability to dry environments. Originally native to the semi-arid regions of Morocco, they have evolved to adapt to extreme drought. This adaptability makes them ideal for growing in Mallorca, where drought is now a serious problem. Argan trees have the ability to use water efficiently and can survive in even the driest conditions, making them a resilient option for agricultural activities in water-limited regions.

2. Rapid growth and early production

Another advantage of argan tree planting is its rapid growth and early production phase. Compared to other tree species, argan trees grow relatively quickly and reach a considerable size in a short time. After just five years, the trees can begin to produce fruit that can be used to produce high-quality argan oil. This early start to production allows farmers to quickly benefit from their investment and achieve a continuous return.

3. High prices for argan oil

Argan oil is highly sought after due to its diverse uses in the cosmetics and food industries. The demand for high quality argan oil is high, resulting in attractive prices in the market. The prices for argan oil are already between 200 euros and 250 euros per liter. These high prices make the production of argan oil a lucrative business opportunity for farmers in Mallorca. By growing argan trees, they can benefit from this profitable market and earn high profits.

4. Low maintenance

Argan trees require little care compared to other crops. Once established, they are relatively easy to care for and require minimal intervention from farmers. This not only reduces labor costs, but also makes growing argan trees a viable option for farmers who may not have sufficient resources or expertise. The low maintenance requirements of argan trees also help reduce the overall cost of production and increase the company’s profitability.

5. Low water consumption

Given the current water shortage in Mallorca, the ability of argan trees to survive with little water is crucial. From the second year after planting, the trees can survive without irrigation. These low water requirements make them an ideal option for growing in regions with limited water supplies. The low dependence on irrigation systems not only reduces the costs of operating the plantations but also contributes to regenerative agriculture.

Conclusion

Planting argan trees in Mallorca for commercial use and production of argan oil offers a variety of benefits. Their absolute drought resistance, rapid growth, early production phase, high prices for argan oil, low maintenance and low water consumption make them an attractive option for farmers and investors. By taking advantage of these advantages, farmers in Mallorca can not only benefit from the ecological benefits, but also build economically successful companies that contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

Current market prices for argan oil

The prices for argan oil have been rising steeply for years due to high demand – and sales are currently expected to increase by around 12.5% per year. Prices of €100 (Spain) to €200 (Italy) per liter of argan oil are currently paid on the market. Due to the immense demand, it can be assumed that these prices will continue to rise sharply. The entire production is usually sold out at top prices shortly after the harvest season.

Even higher prices per kilo can be achieved through organic production and in cosmetic quality or through small quantity sales. Sales packs with just 50 milliliters of argan oil sometimes fetch prices of up to 40 euros, which corresponds to a liter price of over 800 euros (!).

We look forward to your inquiry!