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Sustainable Agricultural Practices for the Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Evidence and Recommendations

Author

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  • Sara Marcelino

    (C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Samia Hamdane

    (C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    Laboratory of Mechanical Engineering (LGM), Mohamed Khider University, BP145, Biskra 07000, Algeria)

  • Pedro D. Gaspar

    (C-MAST—Center for Mechanical and Aerospace Science and Technologies, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    Department of Electromechanical Engineering, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

  • Arminda Paço

    (NECE—Center for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
    Department of Management and Economics, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal)

Abstract

As the demand for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) increases, so does the pressure to intensify production, increasing the risk of overexploitation of these natural resources. Therefore, both consumers and companies must commit to sustainable practices. Since sustainable practices in MAP production are scattered in the literature, this study aims to provide a comprehensive compilation of agricultural practices to improve sustainable performance in productive activities. This study collects recommended practices for cultivation, harvesting, drying, extraction of essential oils, and packaging, based on guidelines published by the World Health Organization, the European Herb Growers Association, and the European Medicines Agency, and presents complementary information from scientific papers and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Since the circular economy is considered one of the solutions to foster sustainability, the potential for valorising residues from MAP processing is also highlighted. This study allowed us to identify a set of key parameters that should be monitored in MAP production, which may be a starting point for designing a sustainability assessment tool for the sector. By presenting examples of circular economy approaches, this research can help producers to identify new business opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Marcelino & Samia Hamdane & Pedro D. Gaspar & Arminda Paço, 2023. "Sustainable Agricultural Practices for the Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Evidence and Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14095-:d:1245998
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Georgios Varsamis & Theodora Merou & Ioanna Alexandropoulou & Chrysoula Menti & Eleftherios Karapatzak, 2025. "Seed Germination Ecology and Dormancy Release in Some Native and Underutilized Plant Species with Agronomic Potential," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Dario Macaluso & Francesco Licciardo & Katya Carbone, 2024. "Farming of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Italy: Structural Features and Economic Results," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Nabil Eldesokey Mansour & Edwin Villagran & Jader Rodriguez & Mohammad Akrami & Jorge Flores-Velazquez & Khaled A. Metwally & M. Alhumedi & Atef Fathy Ahmed & Abdallah Elshawadfy Elwakeel, 2025. "Effect of Drying Conditions on Kinetics, Modeling, and Thermodynamic Behavior of Marjoram Leaves in an IoT-Controlled Vacuum Dryer," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-33, June.

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