Analysis of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Value Chain in Albania [Analyse der Wertschöpfungskette der Arznei- und Gewürzpflanzen in Albanien]

Albania has rich natural resources and appropriate soil and climatic conditions to produce wild and cultivated Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs). There are more than 300 species of MAPs in the Albanian flora, which are considered important from a natural resource and economic viewpoint. This paper analyzes the MAPs sector in Albania based on expert interviews and desk research. It provides several insights into the importance of the sector from socioeconomic prospective. It also analyzes the value chain structure, describing various categories of actors in the value chain. The exports, mainly to the EU and US, have increased over the years. However, we can observe a reduced supply of wild plants due to damaged resources and a reduced labor force in mountainous areas. This has been partly compensated by the growing importance of some plants’ cultivation. Despite growth and potential, this sector is facing several challenges. Some of these challenges are related to the production and post-harvest technology and practices on the farm, safety and quality standards and traceability. Addressing these issues should be a priority for policy-makers and private sector actors, in order to improve the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. © 2015, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.