New study published on wild botanicals and the EU market

June 2014 - The Trade for Development Centre (TDC) of the Belgian Development Agency (BTC) has recently published a new study on wild-sourced botanicals and the EU market, anticipating the growing opportunities for these products in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

TDC aims at economic and social empowerment of small producer organisations, by both enhancing business knowledge and improving their access to markets. The study on wild botanicals has been carried out within the framework of TDC’s Producer Support Programme, through which financial and technical assistance is provided to producer organisations.

In this context, the study focuses on wild-collected medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) which have a potential for livelihoods enhancement and conservation action. Moreover, these species are assessed in terms of sustainable trade. The countries covered in the study are Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Tanzania, Mozambique and Vietnam, six of the countries in which BTC focuses its activities.

Authored by consultants ProFound – Advisors in Development, the study provides an overview of the wild botanicals sector in each of the six countries. It reviews legislative and non-legislative requirements for EU market access. In terms of the latter, the report finds that standards and certification schemes such as FairWild are gaining in importance, as companies seek to differentiate themselves in the market and provide assurance to consumers on sustainability and ethical trade issues.

The study also identifies trends and developments, including an overview of recent changes in EU imports of raw materials and extracts, and a summary of the key trading relationships between the focus countries and EU partners.

A priority list of 20 wild-collected botanicals was produced, identifying those with high potential to contribute to improved livelihoods of producers and sustainable trade. A profile is developed for each species, including the regulatory framework in the EU according to the three market segments covered. These profiles provide an analysis of market trends, opportunities, threats and specific recommendations for SME producers in terms of gaining market access and ensuring sustainability.

For more information see the full report and executive summary, available from http://www.befair.be/en/content/wild-collected-botanicals-and-eu-market