THE ARGAN TREE AND TARGANINE CO-OPERATIVE
The Argan tree — the symbol of Morocco — is indigenous to southern region of the country, living on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The Argan forest extends over approximately 800,000 hectares and contains more that 20-million trees which can live up to 200 years. The trees are resistant to the climatic conditions of this region due to the highly spread root system; they can draw water from a depth of more than 30 meters and are the last barrier against the advancing desert.
For centuries the local Berber population has depended on Argan oil for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes. The oil is rich in linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant.
The Berber women of Morocco have initiated a collective called the Targanine Cooperative to bring the Argan tree (Argania spinosa) and its derivatives to the international market. Only the women are involved with the preparation of the oil which is derived from the seed of fruit sustainably harvested by the women gathering the fallen fruit from the ground. The seeds are separated from the pulp, cracked open by hand, and through the mechanical extraction of cold-pressing, produce an oil that meets the criteria of “extra-virgin”. Every part of the Argan fruit is used; what is not produced for sale is used as animal feed, and the shells are used as a heat source.
Changes have been significant in the lives of the Moroccan women. This project has improved their lives, the community, and the socio-economics of the region. The women now have access to education programs and the responsibilities of operating the cooperative business. Not traditionally educated or able to work outside of the home, the women now have money to help educate their children, and purchase necessities for their families. As part of the cooperative, they are themselves required to attend training classes on reading, writing, family planning, health care, and finances.
The Cooperatives have initiated an ecosystem reforestation project to help preserve the Argan forest. The cooperatives are working in partnership with the Moroccan Water and Forests Authorities to allow optimal tree growth, plant Argan nurseries, and create education programs. The community realizes the value of the Argan tree and they are involved with its protection.
Aveda uses Argan oil in the Green Science™ skincare products, and is proud to support the women's cooperatives through a $20,000 grant over 2 years to purchase equipment to help automate the labor intensive Argan processing. This purchase will further enable the women to provide for their families and communities through increased sustainable production. As well as equipment the Aveda grant money will be used in the cooperatives for literacy programs.
A message from the women of the Targanine cooperative, “When people do good things, good things come back to them. We are all looking for happiness and peace. When you plant something and take care of it…you are planting to the earth and bring good things from the earth. Thank you for coming to see the coop, we wish happiness and peace to all.” Fatouma Daelesh, President of the Targanine Cooperative.
The Argan tree — the symbol of Morocco — is indigenous to southern region of the country, living on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The Argan forest extends over approximately 800,000 hectares and contains more that 20-million trees which can live up to 200 years. The trees are resistant to the climatic conditions of this region due to the highly spread root system; they can draw water from a depth of more than 30 meters and are the last barrier against the advancing desert.
For centuries the local Berber population has depended on Argan oil for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes. The oil is rich in linoleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant.
The Berber women of Morocco have initiated a collective called the Targanine Cooperative to bring the Argan tree (Argania spinosa) and its derivatives to the international market. Only the women are involved with the preparation of the oil which is derived from the seed of fruit sustainably harvested by the women gathering the fallen fruit from the ground. The seeds are separated from the pulp, cracked open by hand, and through the mechanical extraction of cold-pressing, produce an oil that meets the criteria of “extra-virgin”. Every part of the Argan fruit is used; what is not produced for sale is used as animal feed, and the shells are used as a heat source.
Changes have been significant in the lives of the Moroccan women. This project has improved their lives, the community, and the socio-economics of the region. The women now have access to education programs and the responsibilities of operating the cooperative business. Not traditionally educated or able to work outside of the home, the women now have money to help educate their children, and purchase necessities for their families. As part of the cooperative, they are themselves required to attend training classes on reading, writing, family planning, health care, and finances.
The Cooperatives have initiated an ecosystem reforestation project to help preserve the Argan forest. The cooperatives are working in partnership with the Moroccan Water and Forests Authorities to allow optimal tree growth, plant Argan nurseries, and create education programs. The community realizes the value of the Argan tree and they are involved with its protection.
Aveda uses Argan oil in the Green Science™ skincare products, and is proud to support the women's cooperatives through a $20,000 grant over 2 years to purchase equipment to help automate the labor intensive Argan processing. This purchase will further enable the women to provide for their families and communities through increased sustainable production. As well as equipment the Aveda grant money will be used in the cooperatives for literacy programs.
A message from the women of the Targanine cooperative, “When people do good things, good things come back to them. We are all looking for happiness and peace. When you plant something and take care of it…you are planting to the earth and bring good things from the earth. Thank you for coming to see the coop, we wish happiness and peace to all.” Fatouma Daelesh, President of the Targanine Cooperative.