Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Guidelines for Estimating Seabuckthorn Production Costs
The projected seabuckthorn berry production costs in this publication have been prepared to assist you in developing your own production costs. The capital and cash input costs associated with growing seabuckthorn berries in Manitoba are substantial. Detailed planning is necessary when budgeting for capital expenditures and also for the annual operating costs. The importance of good financial planning is evident by noting the capital required for 5 acres of seabuckthorn berries may be in the vicinity of $65,000. Cash costs of establishing the crop run about $16,000 in the four years prior to picking before income begins to flow.
The budget should be used as a guide only as each situation may have higher or lower costs than those listed. Costs and yields on each farm differ due to soil type, climatic conditions and agronomic practices. Therefore, producers are encouraged to substitute their own figures in the attached budget to develop their own cost of production for saskatoon berry production.
DOWNLOAD COST OF PRODUCTION
Industry Overview
The sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) belongs to the family Elaeagnceae. Sea buckthorn is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to Canada some time ago. Introduced to Canada as ornamental and shelterbelt shrub. Recently planted in orchards for commercial production across Canada, but mostly on the prairies. The sea buckthorn is a medium deciduous shrub six to 13 feet (2 to 4 m) in height. The trees are dioecious meaning there are male and female plants. Sea buckthorn plants are very hardy and can withstand temperatures of -43 to 40 °C.
Used for centuries in Eurasia for food and medicinal uses. In ancient Greece, sea-buckthorn was known as a remedy for horses, using leaves and young branches in the fodder. Seabuckthorn products were utilized in the diet of Soviet cosmonauts to reduce stresses of extended space missions (skin cream and juice). Seabuckthorn juice is claimed to be the first fruit juice in space.
There are two main challenges for the Manitoba Seabuckthorn
industry: marketing and harvesting. The early varieties of
Seabuckthorn planted on the prairies (Sinesis, Indian Summer)
are very difficult to harvest due to the presence of thorns and
the tight attachment of the fruit to the stem. A cut-branch
harvest method similar to methods used in Quebec and Germany has
been tested in Manitoba with success, however a working field
model has not been developed to date. Marketing of seabuckthorn
has been difficult due to lack of quality buyers, limited
domestic market development and lack of processing facilities on
the prairies for seabuckthorn. The functional food aspects of
this fruit crop are becoming more well known in North America
and are increasing consumer knowledge of this fruit.
Many Uses of Seabuckthorn Plant
| Berry Fruit | Juice | Health and Sport Drinks | |
| Pulp | Cosmetics/ Pharmaceuticals and Mixed into other food products. | ||
| Pulp Oil | Cosmetics/ Pharmaceuticals and Mixed into other food products. | ||
| Seed | Seed Oil | Cosmetics/ Pharmaceuticals | |
| Seed Meal | Animal Feeds | ||
| Leaves | Tea | ||
| Cosmetics/ Pharmaceuticals | |||
| Animal Feeds | |||
| Bark/ Twigs | Cosmetics/ Pharmaceuticals | ||
| Animal Feeds |
Health Benefits
Fruit- high in vitamin C (100 g serving provides 450% daily
requirement), antioxidants, minerals.
Seed/Pulp Oil- high in omega-3, 6, 7, 9, treats skin disorders,
burns, sunscreen.
Leaves- high protein (15%), nutrients and oil content for animal
feed (horses, pet food).
For more information on seabuckthorn: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/fruit
Anthony Mintenko
Fruit Crops Business Development Specialist
Crops Knowledge Centre
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Carman, MB
