European ginger cultivation on the rise: fresh ginger from Bosnia

For the past three years, Eosta has been involved in cultivation trials in Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish European ginger production. Together with local partner Agrolink, we are working towards a stable, sustainable supply of fresh organic ginger closer to home.

For the past three years, Eosta has been involved in cultivation trials in Bosnia and Herzegovina to establish European ginger production. Together with local partner Agrolink, we are working towards a stable, sustainable supply of fresh organic ginger closer to home. 

Agrolink coordinates production planning and export, as Bosnia is not yet an EU Member State. This year’s harvest will take place in mid-November, and the outlook is positive. In cooperation with BC Life, seed material (rhizomes) imported from China serves as the starting material for the crop. 

Purpose of the trials 

With these trials, Eosta aims to determine whether ginger can be grown at scale in Europe. In addition to Bosnia, trials have also started in Bulgaria, in collaboration with seed supplier Mostagro. 

Initially, the focus was on open-field cultivation to keep costs as low as possible. In practice, however, this is challenging due to the climate and the sensitivity of the ginger plant. Protected cultivation in tunnels in Bosnia is currently delivering the best results: a healthy crop with an expected yield of around 5 kg per m², i.e. approximately 50 tonnes per hectare. 

Fresh ginger from Europe 

This year’s crop will be marketed as fresh ginger. With this European pilot, Eosta and its partners are taking a step towards shorter supply chains and reduced dependence on overseas growing regions – an important theme for the future of organic trade. 

For more information or if you’re interested in this fresh ginger, please contact your Eosta account manager or gertjan.lieffering@eosta.com.