The GOGO4IT project, a collaboration between growers, processors, and buyers, has investigated the possibilities for scaling up calendula cultivation and processing. The results show that the extraction of high-quality oil from calendula seeds remains a significant bottleneck. Furthermore, variety trials at Praktijkpunt indicate that new varieties currently do not achieve higher yields than the existing reference variety.
These factors currently place an economically viable, large-scale Flemish value chain for calendula seed out of reach. Nevertheless, calendula continues to offer interesting opportunities, particularly through new applications for its flowers in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Thanks to pioneering growers, short-chain initiatives, and collaborations with innovative buyers, both calendula flowers and cold-pressed calendula oil are increasingly finding their way to specialized niche markets. However, further innovation is necessary to overcome the challenges related to seed processing and yield, and to fully realize the potential of calendula.
