Now, however, we find ourselves in a world that has separated most of the population from nature through the use of synthetic ingredients, rather than natural ones. There have been serious consequences for the world that have resulted from this separation, including the losses of many flower growers, the losses of jobs related to those growers, the disappearance of the flowers they once grew, and substantial threats to all the bees who depended on those flowers.
It is time we make the case to re-connect with nature and reverse this separation by focusing on the value of sustainable flower and plant growers and processors, fulfilling consumer demands for sustainable Natural Essences, and returning the flowers that are necessary for bees and other pollinators to survive and thrive.
As Director of IPF’s World Heritage Program (WHP), my responsibility is developing the overall strategy for the preservation and protection of the culture and heritage of plants, flowers and seeds, and the natural essences created from plants and flowers worldwide.
To achieve our objectives, I formed and chaired an International Committee of essential oil experts in early 2019. The Committee’s goal of sustainable standards for flower growers and processors was completed in June of 2020: Sustainable Essential Oil Standards (SEOS).
IPF can now certify flower and plant growers and processors using SEOS and we encourage everyone to support those essential oil providers who follow IPF’s SEOS standards whenever IPF/SEOS products are available.
This support will not only enhance your business opportunities but will also be a key factor in supporting our bees, without which Natural Essences would not exist.