Greek Oregano—A Niche Crop for Iowa?

Abstract

<p>The project was the result of a discussion with an Iowa-based company specializing in allnatural health care products for livestock and companion animals. They are interested in finding local sources of oregano oil because they currently import more than 8,000 lb annually from a European supplier. Greek oregano oil is used in animal care products and other pharmaceuticalsfor its carvacrol content, which has shown to have antimicrobial properties. Their product specifications require oil that contains a minimum of 65% carvacrol and 3% thymol.</p>