The world market appears to run short of supply by March when the northern hemisphere crops are being planted for harvest in June. The essential oil and chamomile water market is difficult to ascertain. There appears to be an excess supply on the world market at present and only a small number of Australian buyers who are not sure of the quality their clients require. The market for chamomile water is variable. The primary product, dried flower, is generally sold as a dried whole flower-head.
Harvesting is by hand or special machinery with sorting and stem cutting equipment.
The drying process is simple and done on the farm with low technology if you are prepared to rely on the weather. This may be supplemented by using gas, solar air heating or a heat pump system. The flower can undergo further processing on the farm beyond drying. As evidenced from the range of products available in the supermarket, most chamomile in Australia is consumed in tea bags. This milling is a relatively simple process not requiring complex or expensive machinery.