Commericalization of aromatic and medicinal plants in Catalonia

摘要

The production of aromatic and medicinal plants opens opportunities for the cultivation of marginal lands. A marketing study was done to know which plant species provide higher returns. The commercialization of these plants as dried matter or as a source of essential oils was considered. Data about the production, commercial use, trade, and markets of aromatic and medicinal plants were collected for Spain and at an international scale. In addition, a market study was done in Catalonia, including surveys of the production, transformation, and consuming industries. The results obtained give a clear global vision of the needs of the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and perfume industry, emphasizing the existing supply and quality conditions. Finally, the performance standards required for the development of this sector in Catalonia, where a deficit of production was found to exist, are listed.