Vetiver Vetiver (Haiti)

Why Haiti?

In the sun-drenched hills of southern Haiti, where the air is thick with the scent of earth and salt from the nearby sea, a remarkable grass takes root. Vetiver, with its tall, emerald-green blades and deep, fragrant roots, thrives in the island’s tropical climate—flourishing through both torrential rains and long dry spells. Its resilience is legendary. Even if the land is parched or flooded, vetiver stands tall, its roots plunging straight down into the soil like anchors, holding the land together and feeding it with nutrients.

Walk through a vetiver field, and you’ll hear the rustle of grass in the breeze, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, and catch the faint, smoky-sweet aroma rising from the earth—a hint of the essential oil hidden deep below. This oil, distilled from the roots after more than a year of careful cultivation, is one of Haiti’s most valuable exports. In fact, the country produces nearly half of the world’s vetiver oil, prized by perfumers for its rich, woody scent and grounding qualities.

But vetiver is more than a crop. It’s a lifeline. For generations, Haitian farmers have planted, tended, and harvested this grass not only for its economic value, but also for the way it protects their land and sustains their communities. It is a symbol of silent strength and persistent patience.an.

How Does It Work?

In the lush mountainous terrain of southwest Haiti, vetiver grass thrives as both a botanical marvel and a vital economic resource. With its tall, slender green blades and dense, fibrous root system, vetiver is uniquely suited to the region’s steep hillsides. Its roots grow vertically—reaching depths of up to 13 feet—anchoring the soil and making it an essential tool for erosion control and land restoration. This natural resilience mirrors the strength and perseverance of the Haitian farmers who have cultivated vetiver for generations.

The true value of vetiver lies beneath the surface. Its roots, rich in aromatic compounds, are the source of a prized oil used in high-end perfumery around the world. The longer these roots remain in the ground, the more complex and refined the essential oil becomes. To support optimal harvest timing, our sourcing model includes premium payments for farmers who allow the roots to mature for 12 to 18 months. This approach encourages quality-focused practices and helps sustain long-term agricultural health.

Harvesting vetiver is a labor-intensive process that demands both skill and endurance. After more than a year of growth, teams of farmers carefully dig up the mature plants, shaking and beating the roots to remove excess soil. It takes approximately 500 bales of vetiver—harvested and prepared over two weeks by five farmers—to produce just one gallon of Vetiver essential oil. The roots are then transported to distillation facilities, where they are steam-distilled to extract the golden, smoky-scented oil that has made Haitian vetiver world-renowned.

Economic pressures, however, can lead some farmers to harvest early, resulting in lower-quality oil and reduced earnings. By offering fair and timely compensation, the sourcing model helps reduce this risk and provides farmers with a more stable income. This approach benefits families and contributes to the overall sustainability and integrity of the vetiver supply chain.

From planting to distillation, vetiver production in Haiti is a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and ethical partnership. It is a story of how a humble grass, when nurtured with care and collaboration, can transform landscapes and lives alike.

Co-Impact Sourcing® Story Promoting Cooperatives

doTERRA is deeply invested in strengthening the economic resilience of Haitian farming communities through the promotion and development of agricultural cooperatives. These cooperatives empower farmers by providing them with collective bargaining power, access to fair pricing, and secure long-term contracts. By joining a cooperative, farmers gain a more stable and predictable income, along with a voice in shaping the future of their work and communities.

Through our partnerships, cooperative members receive regular training on sustainable and effective growing and harvesting practices, promoting both environmental stewardship and improved crop quality. To further support their operations, we have contributed to the construction of storage warehouses that serve as vital infrastructure for the vetiver supply chain. These facilities allow farmers to safely store harvested roots before distillation and provide a dry space during the rainy season, helping preserve product quality and reduce post-harvest losses. This holistic approach to cooperative development reinforces our shared goals of long-term, community-led growth and sustainability.

Social Impact

doTERRA has supported the efforts of our sourcing partner to empower children with education through a scholarship program that has been running for four years. This last round supported 62 children of vetiver farmers and distillery employees. Scholarships were distributed before the school year began in early October, ensuring that students could start their academic journey with confidence and the resources they need to succeed.

This initiative not only supports individual students, but it also uplifts entire families and reinforces the sustainability of the vetiver supply chain. Our sourcing partner in Haiti played a crucial role in this process, dedicating significant time to identify deserving candidates through interviews and close collaboration with local schools.

One particularly inspiring story is that of a scholarship recipient who graduated from College Le Louverturien de Torbeck and has since taken a bold step toward his future. In October 2023, he enrolled at Université Intégrée de la Caraïbe to pursue a degree in agronomy. His journey from secondary school to university exemplifies the long-term impact of educational support and the potential for these students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities. His ambition to become an agronomist reflects personal growth and aligns with the agricultural roots of his community, promising a future where knowledge and tradition work hand in hand.

This scholarship program is part of a broader effort to support the well-being of sourcing communities in Haiti. Over the years, doTERRA has funded transformative infrastructure projects, including the installation of clean water systems that improved water access for over 1,530 families and the construction of a new school campus, complete with 10 classrooms, sanitation facilities, a retaining wall,

a basketball court, and utilities. Furniture and school supplies were also provided for all 132 students, creating a safe and inspiring learning environment. Additionally, the establishment of a vetiver warehouse has strengthened the local economy by improving the efficiency of harvest collection and delivery, while also serving as a hub for cooperative members.

Together, these efforts illustrate how targeted educational support combined with infrastructure development and economic empowerment can create a ripple effect of positive change.

doTERRA Co-Impact Sourcing: Vetiver

Partnering with Rapha International, the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation helped fund the construction and opening of a state-of-the-art aftercare center in Haiti that provides rehabilitation for children rescued from sex trafficking. The aftercare includes basic care, counseling, medical attention, education, and vocational training for rescued children.