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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #424805
Research Project: Innovations for Small Farms Pasture and Silvopasture

Location: Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center

Title: Assessment of the medicinal and aromatic plants value chain in Albania: challenges and development potentials

Author
item IBRALIU, ALBAN - Agricultural University Of Tirana, Albania
item IMAMI, DRINI - Agricultural University Of Tirana, Albania
item SIMMONNET, XAVIER - Agroscope
item CARLEN, CHRISTOPH - Agroscope
item PIERONI, ANDREA - Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore
item PRIMAVERA, ANDREA - University Of Perugia
item Libohova, Zamir
item SINAJ, SOKRAT - Agroscope

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/13/2025
Publication Date: 8/18/2025
Citation: Ibraliu, A., Imami, D., Simmonnet, X., Carlen, C., Pieroni, A., Primavera, A., Libohova, Z., Sinaj, S. 2025. Assessment of the medicinal and aromatic plants value chain in Albania: challenges and development potentials. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2025.100653.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmap.2025.100653

Interpretive Summary: The Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) are an important source of income for small farm holdings. However, the current MAP collection is unregulated and unsustainable and is threatening the future of the livelihood of farms in addition to causing environmental damages. Albania MAP is the major exporter of sage by providing more than 2/3 of USA imports. This in-depth analysis of the current status of MAP sector in Albania, the first of its kind, assesses the past, current and future trends of MAP in Albania. The analysis identifies the major challenges and lays out a strategy and specific steps and task to be undertaken for the development of MAP. Due to the complexity of the MAP, a multi faced strategy has been formulated that includes sustainable harvesting practices, product diversification, developing preprocessing to increase the value of the products, and increase access to the national and international markets. An important recommendation is also the development of organic certification process and quality assurance and quality control protocols, both currently lacking in Albania. The adaptation of these recommendations from the governmental institutions and businesses will increase the profitability of the MAP sector in Albania.

Technical Abstract: Albania's rich biodiversity and diverse climatic conditions make it an ideal country for the collection and cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs). With over 400 indigenous MAP species, this sector plays a significant role in the country's economy, generating more than 50 million Euros annually and accounting for about 25% of total agricultural exports. Moreover, the sector provides employment and income for thousands of rural households. This study examines the MAPs sector trends and patterns in Albania, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities. Despite the global rise in demand for MAP products, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer attitudes, the Albanian MAPs sector faces challenges related to standards, processing capabilities and market access. Through a combination of qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and analysis, this study offers a comprehensive overview of the sector's current development, identifies critical issues, and provides recommendations for enhancing the value chain and market competitiveness of Albanian MAPs.