Alternative crops, with special reference to medicinal and aromatic plants, for a competitive Maltese agriculture

Abstract

The exploitation of alternative crops is a complex issue. As a matter of fact, in this context, the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, as alternative crops, shall be discussed. Medicinal and aromatic plants link the fields of agriculture and health. As a matter of fact, up to a few years ago, one looked at these plants in this way. Today, there is an array of products that have different degrees of medicinal and food implications. Although within the European Union, there are directives and regulations for medicinals, food and even cosmetics, different countries have a different perspective regarding these three areas.

The main highlights of the following article are: 1. the situation of the fruit and vegetable production on the Maltese Islands, 2. the importance of the herbs in the agricultural and industrial sectors, and 3. the commercial exploitation of herbs as alternative crops.