Vanilla – the world’s second-most expensive spice after saffron – has emerged as a lifeline for communities long gripped by hardship. Farmers say one kilogram of dried vanilla pods can sell for up to 2,500,000 Colombian pesos (about £450) – more than 100 times the standard price for a kilogram of tuna in El Valle. The global vanilla market was estimated to be worth about $292bn in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around $441bn by 2032. Vanilla also offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional, often environmentally harmful practices, such as cattle grazing, illegal mining and coca plantation, which drive deforestation. For the vanilla farmers of Chocó, the fragrant crop is more than just a spice – it is a lifeline. They hope the growing industry will transform their region into a model for sustainable development, interweaving prosperity and preservation. https://www.theguardian.com/global-...boom-transforms-fortunes-of-colombias-farmers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla
