Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Europe (UPDATED)

Since May 2002 European Herb Growers Association (Europam) collects from time to time through its country representative members data on the production of herbs in the European Union (EU).

Status 2010

Austria

Year (2009       2008       2007        2006        2005)
Pumpkin seed oil (Cucurbita pepo) partly used for medicinal purposes)    19,000    14,600    17,560    17,000    14,100
Mustard (Sinapis alba)    3,250    1,180    800    630    420
Caraway (Carum carvi)    650    680    1,000    1,100    920
Poppy (Papaver somniferum, seeds, no alkaloid production)    1,920    2,030    2,660    3,750    2,840
Other MAPs    2,191    2,944    2,817    2,716    2,682

Other MAPs encompass parsley (Petroselinum crispum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum).
Main production areas are in the provinces Styria, Lower Austria and Upper Austria.
Wild collection: only small scale collection, e.g. mountain pine (Pinus mugo) for essential oils.
National contact point(s): Österreichischer Arznei- und Gewürzpflanzenverband (AGV), DI Josef Wasner, c/o Landwirtschaftskammer Niederösterreich, 3100 St. Pölten, Wiener Straße 64, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Tel.: 0043 2742 259

Bulgaria

The growing area of main cultivated medicinal and aromatic plants in Bulgaria 2004 is 86,419 ha with a volume of  produced 94,506 tons, where coriander (Coriandrum sativum) with 73,960 ha represents the highest area followed by lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 3,959 ha, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)  3,530 ha and Damask rose (Rosa damascena) 1,750 ha. The most important crops were lavender and Damask rose for the perfume industry, coriander and fennel as culinary herbs for domestic and international markets. Most important cultivated medicinal herbs in 2004 were lime (Tilia spp.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita). Wild collection for domestic herbal tea and phytopharma production  and  for exports has a long tradition in Bulgaria with highest volumes in 2004 of dog-rose (Rosa canina), elder (Sambucus nigra and S. ebulus), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and different species of wild berries.
The main geographic areas of cultivation are near Karnobat-Yambol (South-East Bulgaria), Shoumen-Dobrich (North-East Bulgaria) and Rose valley-Plovdiv-Stara Zagora region (Central South Bulgaria). Main areas for wild collection are the Balkan- and Rhodopes mountains and East Bulgaria.
Changes: There has been a reduction of cultivated coriander, lavender, fennel, mint and valerian and an increase in Damask rose areas plus increase of other crops like milk-thistle (Silybum marianum), garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and other organic certified plant species. Wild collection is also nearly reduced by half because of changing unstable prices and reduction of human labour for wild crafting. 
National contact point(s): The “Bulgarian Association of Herb and Mushroom Gatherers” ( www.babg.bg) represents a part of mostly wild collectors and exporters, most conventional and organic agricultural producers are organized in other associations. Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Agricultural Academy are consulting interested producers.
www.babg.bg , Dr. Rumyana This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
France

The main MAPs in France are lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) on 15000 ha and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on 4500 ha. Almost 21000 hectares of perfume plants are produced in France if we include clary sage (Salvia sclarea) on 1000 ha.
Other MAPs are produced on about 12000 ha, the most important being the poppy (Papaver somniferum) on 5 000 ha, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) on 500 ha, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on 300 ha, parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on 400 ha. Over 1,200 hectares are cultivated for the production of frozen herbs the main product for this market is basil (Ocimum basilicum). The activity of wild collection is important, main products here are daffodil flowers (Narcissus spp.) and oak moss (Evernia prunastri). Many plants are harvested for medicinal market.
The biggest region of production is in the south east of France (perfume plants and dried aromatic herbs).
Plants for the frozen market are produced in the departments of Drôme and Finistère, near Paris (Milly la Forêt) and in Aquitaine.
Medicinal plants are produced all over France with a zone of traditional production in the department of Maine et Loire.
Changes: There has been a reduction in production of Lavender because some problems of diseases.
National contact point(s): The Economic Committee of Perfume, Aromatics and Medicinal plants is the French trade association representing growers. Contact www.cepparm.com, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , FNPAPAM e-mail : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 
Germany

A statistical study done in 2003-2004 on the herb growing area in Germany showed a total of 10149 ha under cultivation. The most important crops were culinary herbs like parsley (Petroselinum crispum), chives (Allium schoenoprasum), marjoram (Origanum majorana), dill (Anethum graveolens), chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum), celery (Apium graveolens), mustard (Sinapis alba), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and caraway (Carum carvi). These herbs are supplied mostly dried, just a small amount fresh, to the food industry or market.
The main medicinal herbs produced in Germany are chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), mint (Mentha x piperita), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), St. John´s wort (Hypericum perforatum), purple coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata), sage (Salvia officinalis), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).
A very small wild collection business exists but this is mainly for special purposes. The main geographical areas of cultivation are Thuringia, Bavaria, Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, Low Saxony, Rhineland Palatinate and North Rhine Westphalia.
National contact point(s): Saluplanta e.V (www.saluplanta.de) is the German Herb Growers Association representing growers of culinary and medicinal herbs in Germany.
 

 
Greece
 

The most important plants cultivated in Greece are: garlic (Allium sativum) on 2071 ha at N. Byssa Evros , saffron (Crocus sativus) on 625 ha, from which 172 ha are organic, at the region of Kozanis - West Macedonia, oregano (Origanum vulgare spp. hirtum) on 550 ha at East Macedonia and Thrace, clary sage (Salvia sclarea) on 0.1 ha , gum mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus var. chia) on 2000 ha from which 2 ha at Chios island are organic production, and mountain tea (Sideritis spp.) on 0.8 ha at Pelion Magnesias. The total cultivated area is about 3383 ha.
Wild collection: oregano (Origanum spp.), thyme (Thymus spp.), camomile (Matricaria chamomilla), mint species (Mentha spp.), mountain tea (Sideritis spp.), sage (Salvia fruticosa) are collected from almost the whole mainland and island Greek regions by the purpose to use them as condiments and/or decoctions and for limited trade by local people.
Changes: Concerning the above plants/products there has been a reduction to the cultivation of saffron (Crocus sativus). Generally, due to the generation of new Agricultural Cooperatives (for example at Aitoloakarnania, Karditsa, Kilkis) many herbs are cultivated by these Cooperatives as: rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), chamomile (Matricaria  chamomilla), sweetleaf (Stevia rebaudiana), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea),  milk thistle (Silybum marianum), clover (Trifolium pratense), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), basil (Ocimum basilicum).
National contact point(s): There is no national organisation. 

Italy
 

The last general survey about MAPs production dates back to 2001. According this survey Italy's growing areas showed a total of about 3,300 ha under cultivation, parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) excluded. The most important crops in this total were bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita), both grown for essential oil production. Bergamot, produced mainly for perfume industry in France, obtained a DOP certification in 2005. Peppermint is added in different kinds of beverages/sweets. Other important cultivated MAPs are: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla syn. Chamomilla recutita), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia), and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Lavender, lavandin and liquorice are cultivated as well as wild harvested in the Southern part of Italy. The main geographic areas of cultivation are Piedmont (peppermint and other herbs utilised by the liqueur industry) and Tuscany (company Aboca).
Changes: The cultivation of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) dropped, while the surface cropped with lavender and lavandin increased with about 70-80 ha (Piedmont, Tuscany, Lazio and Emilia Romagna). Furthermore, the area in Sardinia dedicated to the cultivation of myrtle (Myrtus communis for liqueurs industry), curry plant (Helichrysum italicum), immortelle (Helichrysum stoechas, 15 ha) is now around 100 ha.
National contact point(s): The Federazione Italiania Produttori Piante Officinali (FIPPO) is the Italian Herb Association representing growers of medicinal and aromatic herbs in Italy.
F.I.P.P.O. c/o C.R.A. – MPF, Piazza Nicolini, 6 - 38123 Villazzano – TN, Tel: 0039 (0)461.381141 - Fax 0039 (0)461.381131, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.pianteofficinali.org

The Netherland
 

The 2004 analysis of the Dutch herb growing area showed a total of 2,884 ha under cultivation. The most important crops in this total were seed crops like caraway (Carum carvi), flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) and poppy (Papaver somniferum). Culinary herbs like chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium), celery leaves (Apium graveolens), lovage (Levisticum officinale) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum) are contracted with farmers for drying- and freezing industries. Medicinal herbs like foxglove (Digitalis lanata), purple cone flower (Echinacea purpurea) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) are grown for their active compounds and are used by extraction companies. All crops are cultivated. There is no serious wild collection for business purposes. The main geographic areas of cultivation are in the area around Ommen in the east part of The Netherlands (on sandy soils), Flevoland (reclaimed Polder land around Lelystad) and in West Brabant (around Moerdijk, south of Rotterdam).
Changes: No serious changes in the cultivations since 2004. Culinary herbs have increased because of larger production capacities in the drying industry. Cultivated acreage of seed crops have decreased as, more and more is grown in Eastern-European countries. Traditionally The Netherland has a strong trading position in this group of products. The acreage of medicinal crops is very stable.
National contact point(s): There is no Dutch Herb Trade Association. Three private parties are members of EUROPAM: Kruidendrogerij Rooykru, Vereniging van Meekraptelers and VNK.

Romania

The 2007 analysis of the Romanian medicinal and aromatic plant growing area showed a total of 10,766 ha under cultivation. The most important crops in this total were coriander (Coriandrum sativum), caraway (Carum carvi), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), hop (Humulus lupulus), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), sage (Salvia officinalis), marigold (Calendula officinalis), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia), globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus), narrowleaf plantain (Plantago lanceolata), milk thistle (Silybum marianum).
Wild collection is still an important business in Romania for export and specialised industries [lime flowers (Tilia spp.) 25-60 tons (dry); rose hip (Rosa spp.) 2,000-5,000 tons (fresh); hawthorn (Crataegus spp.); sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), elder flowers and fruits (Sambucus nigra); St' John's wort (Hypericum perforatum).
Changes: Before 1990 the Romanian herb growing area showed a total of 65,000 ha. After 1990 the herb growing area and the export were on a dramatic decrease. The Romanian herbs processors started to import herbs. After 2000 the herb growing area oscillated between 4,238 ha and 27,689 ha and the import of herbs is still high. The hops area decreased from 2,625 ha to 229 ha. The area cultivated with shrubs for their fruits used in traditional medicine fruits infusions and food, is increasing, especially sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides).
National contact point(s): Asociatia Producatorilor, Procesatorilor si Utilizatorilor de Plante Medicinale si Aromatice din Romania - ROPAM (The Romanian Association of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Growers, Manufacturers and Users) was founded in 1998 representing small growers and processors and users of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants from Romania. Contact:www.ropam.org.ro; Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 
United Kingdom
 

The 2004 analysis of the UK herb growing area showed a total of 6,495 ha under cultivation. The most important crops in this total were hops (Humulus lupulus) and borage (Borago officinalis). The culinary herbs such as parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) are supplied fresh to the food industry.  The medicinal herbs such as chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla syn. Chamomilla recutita), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and mint (Mentha spicata) are grown for their essential oils. All these crops are cultivated. A small wild collection business (elderflower (Sambucus nigra), bog myrtle (Myrica gale)) exists but this is mainly for specialist industries.
The main geographic areas of cultivation are Kent and Herefordshire (Hops) and East Anglia and Kent for the remaining crops.
Changes: There has been a reduction in some of the essential oil crops as a result of the decision by the company Botanix to focus on its hop business.
National contact point(s): The British Herb Trade Association is the UK trade association representing growers of culinary and medicinal herbs in the UK. Contact www.bhta.org

 

Status 2005

It is interesting to know that EHGA-Europam is actually representing a total number of at least 21.000 growers/collectors, who cover a minimum area of some 100.000 hectares of which at least 4.700 hectares are organically cultivated.
Concerning the different countries, represented through EHGA and those that are in the procedure to join EHGA, their total production data are according to the latest information received (total acreage/organic part thereof – grown in):

Elburg, March 1st 2006