The common Laurel (Laurus nobilis) grows in abundance in Europe and North Africa.
Its leaves are gathered on a large scale for herbalist applications in Eastern Europe (Croatia, Albania) and in Turkey, accompanied by local production of essential oils.
Laurel also grows in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and this origin produces a special quality of essential oil.

In recent years a serious sourcing problem has arisen due to the rarefaction of Laurel trees, which have been damaged by grazing goat herds and excessive harvesting of the leaves. In response the Moroccan forestry authorities have been limiting drastically the allotment of concessions, since 2004.
Aware of the gravity of the problem, Biolandes has planted 4 ha of laurel at its farm in Khemisset in order to continue the production of this highly prized essential oil without endangering the environment.
This crop is starting to be productive (summer 2009) and will be further developed.
The essential oil is distilled from twigs cut in the autumn and processed locally by Biolandes Maroc.