organics

coconut oil

The Organic Coconut Oil Production Project builds on an activity that is already normal practice in the villages. Production of coconut oil for export has taken place from as far back as the 1800s, and traditionally was the activity of village women. Although copra has been produced and sold to export markets in the past as a major income earner, its fluctuating world market prices and labour intensive nature of production has discouraged villagers from considering its production as viable. As a result many villages have a surplus of coconuts at their disposal. WIBDI found that organic coconut oil production was a far more economically viable activity which could still be carried out in rural areas, encouraging families to remain in their villages.

(DME) technology is used to produce the oil. It is simple and can be used in rural areas. DME blends the wisdom of age-old techniques with the efficiency of modern technology. Within 60 minutes, mature coconuts are transformed into extremely high grade, pure, cold-pressed, virgin oil which is highly prized in both the local and export markets, Direct Micro-Expelling particularly because of its significant health benefits.

WIBDI provides training in the use of this technology, access to finance for the purchase of the coconut grinders, and weekly visits to collect and test the oil, and provide supervision and support. We purchase oil from the farmers, if they wish to sell it to us, and bottle and market the oil to customers.

Producer families are encouraged to enhance their earnings by the production of value-added products. They learn to scent the oil with fragrant local flowers such as the mosooi and the frangipane. Simple soaps can also be produced at the village level.

The coconut meal by-product can be used in baking and confectionery. It also makes good stock feed.

Virgin coconut oil is available for purchase through WIBDI... read more