More than 100 species of aromatic and medicinal plants are grown in Switzerland for a variety of different applications. They are marketed as aromatic and medicinal plants per se, as well as for preparing herbal remedies, herbal teas, sweets, cosmetic products and various wellness products. The most widely grown aromatic and medicinal plants in Switzerland are mint, sage, thyme and lemon balm.
As domestic production does not cover the total market volume of aromatic and medicinal plants, a large proportion is imported.
Swiss production is generally characterised by the following points:
contract-based
compliant with organic farming principles
grown in mountain areas
grown on small family farms grouped into regional cooperatives
Figures
Area under cultivation
300 - 400 ha
Number of producers
100
Annual production volume
>350 t
Research
Agroscope’s current research in this field focusses on:
Varietal aspects
domestication
variety selection
comparison of provenance (seed production test)
Cultivation aspects
propagation methods
optimal planting and sowing dates
optimal fertilisation with natural nutrients
tillage
management of water demand
protection from pests and diseases
optimal harvesting times and techniques
drying and conditioning
Priorities
At the interface between producers and buyers, Agroscope plays a pivotal role in aligning the expectations of the sector as a whole and safeguarding Swiss production of aromatic and medicinal plants in terms of quantity, quality and costs.
Focus on quality
Among other things, the research is concerned with determining the best time for harvesting, interactions between plants and the environment and drying conditions, with the aim of producing plants containing high-quality aromatic compounds and secondary metabolites.
Varietal innovation
Agroscope’s work also aims to breed productive varieties of aromatic and medicinal plants which are adapted to Swiss climate conditions and tolerant of pathogens.
Agroscope is also involved in the domestication of new botanical species, mainly alpines, to address the needs of the sector as they seek to develop new products.
Respect for the environment
Cultivation methods are studied and developed with the focus on durability and respect for the environment, with particular emphasis on organic farming principles. This involves limiting the use of inputs, optimising the management of water and developing integrated control strategies.
Plants studied
Agroscope carries out research on the following species:
Mountain yarrow (Achillea collina)
Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora)
Swiss wormwood (Artemisia vallesiaca)
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Wood avens (Geum urbanum)
Southern burnet saxifrage (Pimpinella peregrina)
Wood calamint (Clinopodium menthifolium)
Lesser calamint (Calamintha nepeta)
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and cowberry/lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idae)
