Strategic agricultural advisory for Project Aroma | Expert Farmer

Strategic agricultural advisory for Project Aroma

Expert Farmer was commissioned by Ezdehar to conduct a technical due diligence of a key production site for essential oils and herbs in Egypt. The mission aimed to assess the feasibility of the business plan and provide strategic recommendations for sustainable agricultural development.

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Egypt - Ezdehar

Strategic agricultural advisory for Project Aroma

Location
Egypt
Production
Aromatic and medicinal plants
Delivery
2019
Area
1 300 ha
Client
Ezdehar
Sector
Private
Service(s)
Technical due diligence
The challenge

Remote location, aging equipment, limited weather data, and weak maintenance protocols posed significant challenges to efficient farm operations and strategic planning.

The result

The study enabled the client to refine its investment strategy by identifying operational gaps and prioritizing improvements in management, infrastructure, and crop profitability.

Brief of the project

Expert Farmer mobilized a multidisciplinary team to conduct a comprehensive review of Bahareya Farm. The activities were structured into key areas as described below.

Technical and agronomic assessment

Our experts conducted field inspections and reviewed crop management practices, irrigation systems, and soil quality. We identified opportunities to improve yields by 25% through better agronomic practices and input management.

Infrastructure and equipment review

We evaluated the condition and adequacy of farm infrastructure, including workshops, irrigation systems, and equipment fleets. Recommendations were made for critical CapEx investments to ensure operational continuity and efficiency.

Economic and strategic analysis

A detailed review of crop profitability, cost structures, and business planning was performed. We highlighted the need for a crop-focused strategy to enhance EBITDA and long-term profitability.

Management and HR evaluation

The team assessed organizational structure, staffing, and management practices. We proposed improvements in HR policies and incentive schemes to attract and retain skilled agronomists and operators.

Highlights

Digital transformation of agricultural sector

In addition to addressing climate-related factors, Expert Farmer advocates for a thoughtful and measured integration of digital technologies into farm management practices. Rather than pursuing rapid or large-scale technological change, we recommend a gradual introduction of digital tools that can complement existing workflows and empower farm teams over time. For example, adopting digital platforms for collecting field data can help farmers maintain accurate records of soil health, crop growth, and weather patterns. Similarly, using maintenance tracking software for equipment ensures timely servicing and reduces unexpected downtime, thereby supporting smoother operations throughout the season.

Crop monitoring technologies, such as remote sensors or aerial imagery, provide valuable insights into plant health and resource utilization, enabling farm managers to make evidence-based adjustments as needed. These incremental steps not only improve efficiency and transparency but also make day-to-day decision-making more robust. By embracing digital transformation at a sustainable pace, farms can build operational resilience and better adapt to changes in market demands and environmental conditions. Ultimately, this approach positions the farm to remain competitive and innovative, while maintaining a strong foundation rooted in practical experience and local knowledge.