Lavender is one of the most famous flora in the world and its special and tender scent has been applied in many areas. The plant grows best in sandy or dry soil with a warm climate. Mediterranean coastal areas with mild and humid winters and hot and dry summers fulfill these requirements. Bulgaria therefore becomes one of the major producing areas thanks to its location. However, climate change is gradually influencing the lavender growing industry.

Bulgaria is the world's largest producer and exporter of lavender essential oil. However, the reduction in production brought both by climate change and the decreasing global demand has resulted in unprecedented challenges to the lavender industry in the country. According to the Bulgarian National Association of Essential Oils, Perfumery and Cosmetics (BNAEOPC), the heat waves of 2021 reduced half of the lavender production in the country. A third of lavender plantations have also disappeared since, according to a market analyst.

Unlike in Bulgaria, farmers in southern Germany are just planning to start their lavender growing business as the heat waves this summer have made the soil gradually turn drier and therefore meet the natural conditions of growing lavender. Local farmers say they are gradually introducing new crops to adapt to continued climate change.

However, compared with the Mediterranean coast, Germany's summer is still somewhat humid, therefore local farmers are at risk that rainfall could lead to a decline in lavender quality.

(Cover image via CFP, designed by CGTN's Yin Yating)

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