Top Pyrethrum Producing Countries

Pyrethrum, a group of daisy-like flowers primarily from the species *Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium*, is cultivated for its natural insecticidal properties, with the active compounds known as pyrethrins. The top countries farming pyrethrum today are Kenya and Tanzania, which together account for the majority of the world’s supply, with Australia and Rwanda also being significant producers. Historically, pyrethrum cultivation began in the Dalmatian region of Croatia in the 19th century, where it was first grown commercially for export to Europe. The crop spread to Japan, which became a leading producer in the early 20th century, before production shifted to East Africa in the mid-1900s due to favorable climate and labor conditions. The global demand for natural insecticides, especially as alternatives to synthetic chemicals, has sustained and expanded pyrethrum farming in these regions, making it a vital cash crop for many smallholder farmers.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat