Abstract: A process for harvesting yew biomass and a process of making Yew pellets from Yew tree material is disclosed herein. The process for harvesting comprising the steps of (i) harvesting the tops or roots of the Yew tree; (ii) washing the harvested material; (iii) drying the harvested material; and (iv) grinding the harvested material into a fine powder. The process for making Yew pellets comprising the steps of (i) adding from about 1% to about 20% w/w water to the Yew tree material; and (ii) compressing the Yew tree material in a die to form a pellet whereby the resulting pellet has a final moisture content of less than 10% by weight. The yew pellets produced herein are suitable for extracting taxane molecules from the pellets.