The vanilla is part of the family Orchidaceae.
Among many species of the genus Vanilla, STOI operates V.fragrans case.
Vanilla is a tropical plant and requires a warm humid climate. It calls for more uniform temperatures possible.It fears the cold and hot weather.
Although few weeks of drought are favorable to floral induction and the maturity of the pods, the plant requires abundant and regular rainfall.
A high humidity is very favorable to its growth.
A light shade will provide optimal light conditions for the development of vanilla plants.
By its water needs heavier, vanilla grows well on light soils and good drainage.

In Madagascar, it is in the region SAVA found all the ideal conditions for growing this orchid. It is found from sea level to 700 meters.

The production sites of the STOI-AGRI vanilla fall along the coast east of the island and specificallyin

- North Mananara
- Sambava
- Brickaville
-Vavatenina

The STOI-AGRI uses vanilla growers' associations to ensure
complements its supply of "quality/price". The STOI-AGRI
provides training and supervision of farmers from growing,
preparation, packaging and storage.

The collection starts between June and July, a period called "green campaign".
The "vanilla-prepared campaign" starts from the month of August.