Vetiver:

A Grass of Economic and Permacultural

Importance in Post-Quake Haiti

Written by: Monica Boyce, Ph.D.

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 1

Table of Contents
Background................................................................................................................................................ 3
Market........................................................................................................................................................ 5
Haitian Owned.......................................................................................................................................5
Frager/Agri Supply........................................................................................................................... 5
continental fragance S.A....................................................................................................................... 7
CERAM CENTER................................................................................................................................ 7
Non-Haitian Owned.............................................................................................................................. 8
Vetiver Development Projects............................................................................................................... 9
The Haiti Sustainable Vetiver Project...............................................................................................9
Permacultural Applications...................................................................................................................... 11
Resources................................................................................................................................................. 14
Vetiver Network International............................................................................................................. 14
Vetiver Network International blog.....................................................................................................14
Vetiver Network Discussion Board..................................................................................................... 14
Vetiver Grass Sales Outlets............................................................................................................14

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 2

Background

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) – is a perennial grass, native to India. An alternative name, in India,
is khus. This grass can grow to 1.5 m (4.5 feet) and it's growth habit is clumping. This species does not
form horizontal surface mat-like root systems but rather sends roots down 2 to 4 m (6 ft to 12 feet) in
depth. This plant is related to other grasses such as: lemongrass, citronella, and palmarosa.
Useful in combating erosion due to the deep rooting structure. The roots have been used in stabilizing
earthen structures such as berms, stream banks, terraces, and rice paddies. As the growth habit is
closely growing clumps, it is useful in controlling surface water as well.
This species is not considered especially invasive as it's method of propagation is not through stolons
(underground runners that establish new growth) but rather via offsets (aboveground asexual clones
formed from meristematic tissues).
Other uses for this species include: as a feedstock for perfumery, medicinal uses, and as a base material
in household items such as mats. 1
There are two types of vetiver: wild type with colonizing root system (invasive) and the domesticated
variety. Vetiver uses a specialized form of photosynthesis – C4 – adapted for dry or drought conditions.
Vetiver is non-photoperiod sensitive and grows and flowers year round. Does best if ESTABLISHED
in full sun and then it can survive in deep shade for decades, tolerating near darkness found under
canopy of tropical forests and rubber tree plantations.
Vetiver is a self-riser, meaning that as silt builds up around the base of the grass clump the crown rises
to match the new soil level. 2

Illustration 1: vetiver roots

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 3

 Illustration 2: Vetiver morphology

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 4

Market

Haiti, Java, and Réunion are leaders in global vetiver oil production. Other smaller producers include
China, Brazil and some small nations. Supposedly, Réunion is considered to produce the best vetiver
oil (called “bourbon vetiver”) with the next more favorable being oil from Haiti and then Java.
World vetiver oil production about 250 tons/year.
Estimated annual consumption:3

United States 100 tons

France 50 tons

Switzerland 30 tons

United Kingdom 20–25 tons

Japan 10 tons

Germany 6 tons

Netherlands 5 tons

Other 30–40 tons

Haitian Owned

Frager/Agri Supply
Frager/Agri Supply is a company owned by Pierre Léger (LinkedIn).
An industry wibesite describes the history of this company as follows:
“AGRI-SUPPLY is the largest producer and exporter of Vetiver oil in the world.
Its Vetiver oil factory, known as FRAGER, is located in Les Cayes, the heart of the principal vetiver
producing region in Southwestern Haiti which extends from Port Salut to Aquin.
The plant was established in 1958 by Franck Léger on the grounds of his father Demetrius Léger's
alcohol distillery.

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 5

Vetiver processing had been introduced in Haiti in the 1940's by the Frenchman Lucien Ganot.
In 1984, the plant was taken over by Franck's son, Pierre Léger, and his company AGRI-SUPPLY CO.
S.A..

Since then, AGRI-SUPPLY has more than doubled the size of the plant to 44 atmospheric stills each
built to handle one metric ton of vetiver roots.

Total production capacity is 80 metric tons of vetiver oil per year. The plant extracts vetiver oil by
steam distillation.” 4

Illustration 4: Frager farmers in field

Illustration 3: Frager
harvest

Illustration 5: Frager oil processing

facility (in Haiti)

Frager employs 27,000 families as contract cultivators of vetiver.

With a kilogram of vetiver selling for US$ 69, Frager has a healthy turnover of US$ 4 million.
After completing studies in agronomy in the Netherlands, Mr. Léger approached one of the most
important perfume companies, based in Switzerland. The company gave him a contract, which paid for
the replacement of a charcoal-fired boiler, dating from 1880, with an oil-fired boiler and for the
installation of other sophisticated technology. A satellite phone was purchased for the express purpose
of maintaining close contact with European clients.
The combination of direct distribution, new technology and low operating costs helped Frager attain an
advantage over competitors in Brazil, China, Indonesia and Reunion (which has now withdrawn from
the market).
Pierre Léger believes strongly in direct contacts with his local community, too, to maintain the success

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 6

of his business. Employees are given a chance to participate in the running of the enterprise. Mr. Léger
takes part in harvesting and in the celebratory community get-togethers to sing traditional songs. He is
also initiating his son into the business. 5
“Pierre Leger from the southern city of Les Cayes addressed Haiti's lack of infrastructure. He claimed
to be Haiti's largest vetiver exporter, with operations based in the southern department. He castigated
Haitian President René Préval's "lack of entrepreneurial vision" and the Haitian government's perennial
begging. The current government and those of the past have contented themselves with pursuing
international aid without really trying to promote national production, he said. Leger recounted the
troubles he had in getting fuel to his operations over Haiti's sole artery to the south which was damaged
after the 2008 storms. Building shipping ports and airports could resolve such problems, he argued.
"You need to have infrastructure before inviting people to invest in your country, even if it is
entrepreneurs from the Haitian diaspora," Leger said.” 6
Contact info:
Pierre Léger
Frager
172 rue du Centre
Port-au-Prince, Haiti HP-6110
E-mail: agrisupply@acn2.net

continental fragance S.A.

Contact Person: Mr. Gael Perpignand (Executive Management)
Company: continental fragance S.A.
Address: 17 rue Pinchinat, Petion ville, Port au Prince, Haiti
Zip/Postal: ha0000 T
elephone: 509-3-7035943
Fax: 509-2-2563511
Mobile: 954-7194232

CERAM CENTER
Contact Person: Mr. Gilbert Dominique (Owner/Entrepreneur)
Company: CERAM CENTER
Address: #1Rue Rigaud, Petion-Ville, HAITI, Haiti
Telephone: 509-3-4431447
Fax: 509-2-2571633
Mobile: 509-36838480

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 7

SIFA - International Trade Agency & Import-Export Agency
Port-Au-Prince, Haiti (W. I)
Mr. Moise Smith Jacques

Non-Haitian Owned

GR Associates
Manufacturer, Trading Company
Gore Chambers
GK Avenue
Cochin
Kochi, Kerala
India 682002 Telephone: 91-484-2226081 Mobile Phone: 919388471125 Fax: 91-484-2212271

US Based importer
Contact Person: Mr. Hans Laguerre (Owner/Entrepreneur) Company: ***** Address: 25 Third,
Brockton, Mass, USA Zip/Postal: 02301 Telephone: 1-617-6406372

Contact Person: Mr. Michael Scott (Sales) Company: K-Meck Group Import- Export Address: #44
Rte. De Tabbrre, Cazeau, Port-Au-Prince, Haiti Zip/Postal: W.I Telephone: 509-509-2518-0256 Fax:
509-954-7190548 Mobile: 954-7190548

Contact Person: Mr. Satardekar Laxmi (Sales) Company: IGG Address: Dabhar St,1st Floor,,
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Zip/Postal: 400001 Telephone: 91-22-23455355 Fax: 91-22-23476556

Contact Person: Mr. darrel kurtz (Sales) Company: Benassai Imports Inc Address: 13800 HIghway 9
North, Suite D120, Alpharetta, ga, USA Zip/Postal: 30004 Telephone: 1-678-2409102 Fax: 1-770-
7836590

Contact Person: Ms. guiyi zeng (Sales) Company: Vetiver Smart Lock Ltd. Company Address:
daozhaohoudeshangliangzhougongyeyuan, dongguan, guangdong, China Zip/Postal: 523000
Telephone: 86-020-87031446 Fax: 86-020-87031446

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 8

Vetiver Development Projects

The Haiti Sustainable Vetiver Project

Joint venture between EcoVentures International (EVI) & Estee Lauder

“market-based approach to identify market-driven solutions that link the value of existing
and potential environmental and social benefits into the commercial supply chain. By doing
so, Vetiver grasses will be properly valued for both its environmental, social, and commercial
value However, whereas many environmental management and social development projects
rely on public sector transfers to land-users, the Haiti Sustainable Vetiver Project will rely on
the private sector to reward land users.”

“The aim of the project is to develop and adopt a Sustainability Standard, with value in the
marketplace, and thus to formalize purchasing agreements with significant international
buyers.

This project will create immediate and long-term gains for Haiti’s Vetiver Industry in the
following ways:
• Access to new markets
• Secure long-term supply of Vetiver by reducing risk of erosion and other landscape
changes
• Increased quality and quantity of Vetiver”

“EVI will work with key partners to perform the research and development required to
formalize this standard and facilitate the adoption of the standard by Vetiver grass growers
and Vetiver Oil distillers in Haiti.
• Sustainable Harvesting: Implement sustainable Vetiver harvesting scheme to ensure
soil erosion, soil retention, flood mitigation and management, and water quality
benefits of the Vetiver root. The Vetiver Network, an international organization, has
tremendous resources to help develop this scheme.
• Organic: Certifying Organic practices of Vetiver growers and distillers
• Energy and Water Efficiency: Upgrading and technical assistance provided Vetiver
distillery facilities for energy efficiency, water management, and renewable fuel
utilization (particularly looking at the use of Vetiver waste from the distillation process
as a sustainable fuel source)
• Alternative, Renewable Fuel Proliferation: Explore utilization of the Vetiver Grass to
develop a commercially viable fuel alternative to charcoal as an additional income
source for Vetiver farmers.
• Increased Income for Farmers of Vetiver: Develop a payment mechanism that
financially rewards farmers for adoption of sustainable practices.
• Reforestation and Diversification: Reforest Vetiver Plots through Intercropping to

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 9

 Diversify Farmer Incomes, Enhance Biodiversity, and Sequester Carbon, with the
opportunity for farmers’ reforestation activities to qualify for carbon credits on
voluntary and mandatory carbon markets.”

“EVI is working with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Market Chain
Enhancement Project (MarChE) to leverage further funding of $250,000 to develop the
standards and support the adoption of the standards by Vetiver Growers and Distillers. EVI
has developed a partnership with The Estee Lauder Company to provide technical assistance
and research and development capacity for the development of a market viable Haiti Vetiver
Sustainability standard. EVI is already working with the Organization for the Rehabilitation
of the Environment (ORE), a local organization in the south of Haiti, the Vetiver Network,
and select Vetiver Oil distillers, who have demonstrated willingness to adopt the
sustainability standards.”

Contact info:
Kate Davenport
Project Director
kate@ecoventures.org
202-203-8110

1519 Connecticut Ave NW

Suite 200
Washington DC 20036
202 667 0802
www.eco-ventures.org

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 10

Permacultural Applications

The Vetiver Network International blo g (by Dick Grimshaw LinkedIn) wrote, from experience with
vetiver cultivation, the following regarding how one would need to approach the regeneration of the
Haitian landscape post-earthquake.

• Area of Haiti = 2,775,000 ha (we can discount what does not need protection later)
• Average of 10 rows of vetiver per ha = 1km per ha or 2.8 million linear km of hedge
• Number of vetiver slips required = 27.8 billion
• Area of nurseries each producing 0.5 million slips/ha/annum = 55,000 ha
• Area if 15 year program envisaged = approx 3,700 ha nursery per annum.
• Number of nurseries at 0.1 ha/nursery= 37,000 (One nursery for every 75 ha of treated land) 7
The Grimshaw goes on to say:

“Revenue per nursery (bare rooted plants) would be in the order of $500 to $1500 per nursery (using
farm gate price per slip of 1 to 3 cents per slip - higher price when sold to public infrastructure
contractors) - Quite attractive return for a small farmer + bi-products that include forage, fuel and other
products. PLUS crop yield increases of up to 50% as farm risks reduced and farmers use more inputs.
A 0.1 ha nursery (2,000 meters of plants) would be manageable using family labor. 37,000 families
involved. Increased income could come from producing containerized vetiver plants for infrastructure
projects.

Off farm use of vetiver for infrastructure stabilization, rehabilitating degraded lands would be publicly
funded and would involve large amounts of labor for land preparation and planting. Say $1.0 per meter
or $1,000 per km of linear hedge. 1.8 million kilometers of publicly funded hedgerows would cost
$1,800 million or $120 million per year.”

Grimshaw, in another blog post (Haiti - Agriculture - Production and Disaster Mitigation ) states:
“Vetiver has a positive impact on insects - providing habitat for beneficial insects, such as parasitic
wasps, and as a host plant for stem borer - significantly reducing the pest damage to maize without
harming the vetiver.” and refers this link (PDF).
and
“Vetiver can also be grown for its oil, IF its is planted as a "crop" and protected by permanent vetiver
hedgerows.”8

Grimshaw blogs with images on the use of vetiver for erosion control on very steep hillsides in this
post (Vetiver System - for Slope Stabilization in Haiti)

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 11

Philippines vetiver work on steep hillsides:

Illustration 6: Prepared for split planting

Illustration 7: Splits are planted out

Illustration 8: 1 year later

In China:

Illustration 10: Very steep slope in Illustration 9: Same slope in 2006

China, newly planted in 2000 showing native species regenerating
naturally amongst the vetiver

Who is Dick Grimshaw?

Independent Environmental Services Professional, previously agriculturist at World Bank, attended
University of London.
His email = dickgrimshaw@vetiver.org

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 12

Richard Webb, writing for PRI-AU, in the post Vetiver Grass – A Hedge Against Erosion, January 19,
2009, on vetiver as a permacultural tool:

“Ideal for Keyline

Vetiver grows with the land, and so appeals to those who actually use the land, the farmers and
foresters who are more concerned with increased production from crops and trees than stopping erosion
itself. Vetiver is ideal for use in Keyline systems.
Given the vast areas of bare, eroded hillsides in the tropics, or those areas of south east Asia that are
covered with unproductive Imperata grass, in which vetiver grows with no problem, I see great
potential for its use. I am convinced that the combination of vetiver with Acacia mangium or
Peltophorum pterocarpum, which can shade out Imperata, can bring these lands into effective
production and put forests back onto the hills.
Extra Design Notes: If there is the possibility of zero annual rainfall, don’t use vetiver alone on contour
banks as the roots could die and collapse the soil. Vetiver grows better in semi-arid regions if cut
regularly and should be planted in summer, and watered until established, otherwise it will struggle. 9”
In the comments to this post is this by Jesse Johnson:
“Vetiver or khus khus grass does a wonderful job filtering sediment but is not a substitute for swale and
berm, which allow actual water storage and infiltration. Note that it is mycorrhizal, so put some old
root soil in new planting holes to get the fungi established; don’t buy bare, cleaned roots. Only trained
personnel should design plantings on more than a 1:1 (45 degree) slope. In Vietnam, poorly designed
plantings have failed (no duh!). Don’t use it as forage if you have heavy metals, it will uptake them.
Suitable for planting one plant wide on property borders; forms underground hedgerow against moles,
who hate it.”
Then Dick Grimshaw responds with:
“Ref: vetiver and infiltration. The standard practice in Ethiopia for soil and water conservation has
generally been through the use of terraces known as “fanyaju”. This has led to many problems not least
the habit that they provide for rodents. Over the past 20 years Ethiopian wetlands have dried up.
following the introduction of vetiver hedges there has been significant improvement in wetland
restoration dues to vetiver’s capacity to improve rainfall infiltration. These changes are so significant
that the Ethiopian Wetland Association is one of the leading promoters of watershed stabilization using
vetiver. There is an interesting article at:http://www.vetiver.org/ETH_WORKSHOP_09/ETH_A2a.pdf
Other evidence from Ehiopia shows the newal of year round potable spring water in areas where
vetiver has been used extensively for upland soil and water conservation.
The issue of mycorrhiza. Containerised vetiver will usually have mycorrhiza when planted out.
However it is expensive to propagate in this way. Bare rooted plants normally grow very well and will
acquire mycorrhiza in the process. At least 95% of the vetiver planted world wide is bare rooted.
Heavy metals: research indicates that except for lead most of the heavy metals are retained in the roots
of vetiver and that it is safe to use the leaves for forage, mulch etc.
Slope stabilization: whatever slope it is important apply the technology correctly. Failures reportd in
Vietnam were due to (a) some untrained contractors been used for planting and (b) failure due to
inherently difficult slopes and soils where the failure surface is lower than the depth of the vetiver
roots.”

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 13

Resources

Vetiver Network International

Vetiver Network International blog

Vetiver Network Discussion Board

Vetiver Grass Sales Outlets

Puerto Rico – Agriflora – Commercial Vetiver grower
Contact info:
Alberto Rodriguez - agriflora312@gmail.com
Site: Agriflora Tropicals (http://agrifloratropicals.com)
Images at this link :

Illustration 11: Agriflora vetiver splits

Monica Boyce, Ph.D. Vetiver 14

1 Wikipedia contributors, "Vetiver," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?
title=Vetiver&oldid=323527934 (accessed February 8, 2010).
2 Vetiver Grass: A Thin Green Line Against Erosion, Panel on Vetiver, Board on Science and Technology for International
Development, National Research Council, 1993, National Academies Press 978-0-309-04269-7

3 Vetiver Grass: A Thin Green Line Against Erosion, Panel on Vetiver, Board on Science and Technology for International
Development, National Research Council, 1993, National Academies Press 978-0-309-04269-7

4 http://www.aromatics-adl.com/anglais/level_1/four/agri.htm
5 http://www.tradeforum.org/news/fullstory.php/aid/335.html
6 http://wadnerpierre.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
7 http://vetivernetinternational.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-environmental-stabilization-think.html
8 http://vetivernetinternational.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-agriculture-production-and.html
9 http://permaculture.org.au/2009/01/19/vetiver-grass-a-hedge-against-erosion/