Growing esparto grass for fibre

Esparto grass Stipa tanacissima grows in southern Spain and northern Africa, where it is used for book papers and by specialty paper makers. Esparto paper has premium formation, smoothness and ink gloss.

Groups of nomadic Bedouin women harvest esparto grass, while the men bundle the grassy stalks. The rootstock remains. The grass could be harvested yearly but is not because the tribes are nomadic and there is so much of it. Camels transport the grass across the desert to a collection area. It is left to dry in the intense sun for six months. This labour-intensive process provides much-needed jobs, supplemental income and high retail prices.