Essential Oils Production in Jamaica and Haiti

Clare Licher, owner of the Arizona-based family-run business PhiBee Aromatics, not only possesses thirty years of experience in aromatherapy and essential oils, but is also a frequent Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer. In the past, Clare traveled to Jamaica in both 2016 and 2017 to consult with the Yerba Buena Farm regarding the establishment of a commercial essential oils distillery and market growth potential. Most recently, she traveled to Haiti to again utilize her highly-specialized knowledge of essential oils to assist the non-profit, Prosperity Catalyst, and their Haitian affiliate Fanm Limye.

[Left] Clare during a workshop in Jamaica in 2016. [Right] Clare during her assignment in 2017.

Fanm Limye has operated in Haiti since 2012, working directly with over 400 beekeepers in Western Haiti. Most recently, the organization has assisted beekeepers in cultivating essential oil-yielding plants to provide nectar for their bees and scent candles made from their beeswax. Clare helped Fanm Limye with these goals by first purchasing a portable distillation system for use in beekeeping communities. She then traveled to Haiti to recommend herbaceous plants, grasses, trees, and wild nectar plants that were suited for tropical weather and would best suit the needs of local beekeepers.

In addition to issuing recommendations, Clare also worked directly with community members, giving six presentations on essential oils, performing five distillations, and training 128 people in distillation. These interactive trainings and presentations took place throughout the Haitian countryside, and involved distilling lemongrass, basil, and other plants nurtured by small farmers. Upon the completion of her assignment, Clare was confident that the men and women she trained would be able to train other beekeepers in the future.

Clare with workshop participants in Haiti in 2018

Clare’s knowledge of essential oils and distilling practices proved beneficial in this assignment, and as a result of her hard work, more than one hundred small farmers and beekeepers in rural Haiti have improved their capacities to simultaneously support their bees and supplement their income. At the same time, Clare expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with and learn from the Haitian people, especially Thony Querette, Prosperity Catalyst Program Manager in Haiti, who not only translated during her trainings, but also welcomed Clare into his family’s home during her stay.