Market Trends of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Italy: Future Scenarios Based on the Delphi Method

Abstract

The medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) sector in Italy is a niche sector that is growing in terms of both primary production and consumption. These products seem to be important to address several global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, drought solutions, product diversification, product innovations, and the development of rural areas (rural tourism in primis). This study utilised the Delphi method to identify key factors and possible strategies that could be adopted for the future (the next 3–5 years) of the national MAP supply chain. The research involved the collaboration of 26 experts. Individual interviews, based on a semi-structured questionnaire, were carried out during the first round of the study. The information and the collected data were then analysed and depicted in a mental map. The Italian MAP sector suffers from competition from lower-cost imported products. Despite this, the experts predicted an expansion of the MAP sector regarding aromatic herbs and certain derivative products, such as dietary supplements, biocides, and essential oils. The experts anticipated the need to increase the adoption of digital innovations, of developing agreements among the actors of the supply chain, and of investing in the training of supply chain actors.

Linking farmers’ perceptions and management decision toward sustainable agroecological transition: evidence from rural Tunisia

“…These selection criteria are summarized in Table 2 . The research by Di Vita et al ( 24 ) and Spina et al ( 25 ) underscores the importance of employing value chain methodologies. Through a holistic approach that involves establishing a focus group with thematic nodes and topics, involving national-level actors and experts, collecting data via interviews, and rigorously processing the gathered information, a comprehensive framework is developed to enhance understanding and decision-making in the field.…”

Association between Dynamic Agrivoltaic System and Cultivation: Viability, Yields and Qualitative Assessment of Medical Plants

“…The cultivation of medicinal aromatic plants and condiments is of substantial interest in Italy, yielding over 25 million kilograms across 6000 participating companies and over 24,000 cultivated hectares. Notably, this reflects a growth of 110% within three years, covering only 70% of the entire national demand [31].…”

Insights into the Belowground Biodiversity and Soil Nutrient Status of an Organic Apple Orchard as Affected by Living Mulches

“…However, recently, they have also been evaluated for their possible exploitation as providers of other ecosystem services related to plant protection and their positive effect on the overall aboveground insect community [13,14]. To foster the adoption of living mulches, which require high technical knowledge for their correct implementation [15], solutions with multifunctional species, including medicinal and aromatic plants, could represent an interesting perspective as providers of additional income to farmers [16] and support biological control of soil-borne pathogens [17].…”