Aromatic and medicinal plants from biological material to business ideas

Abstract

There is an increasing evidence for the significant value and potential of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) worldwide. These plants have always been employed in domestic preparations as natural remedies, beverages, confectionery and foods. MAPs can be either wild or cultivated. Economic feasibility is the main interest to bring a species in cultivation. Cultivation provides a more stable production base and greater control over quality, but requires investment in management, training, equipment and labour, which makes financing an issue. The aim of this work is to examine the present situation of the MAPs sector in Romania.