There is a continuing and expanding international demand for herbs, spices and essential oils. Social changes, including food diversification, desire for new flavours, increasing importance of "ethnic" and processed foods which require condiments and aromatic herbs for their preparation are driving this demand. Many of these species are found only in the tropics and developing countries have a significant opportunity to benefit from this increasing demand. Many of these products can be sold in a dried form or as extracts, which gives them a high value per unit weight. These products could be a profitable source of diversification for small farmers in developing countries.

However, good post-harvest operations are often the limiting factor in the establishment of a profitable production enterprise based around herbs, spices and essential oils in developing countries. In view of the increasing importance of this sector, FAO in collaboration with UNIDO has prepared a guide for extension services and small producers on post-harvest handling and processing of herbs and spices to improve the quality and marketability of these products.

Spices and medicinal plants can also be used as grain storage protectants. This is particularly important for small farmers in developing countries who often cannot afford or don't have access to conventional chemical insecticides and need alternative methods of pest control for grain storage. FAO has published a guide on the types of plants that have efficacy as grain protectants and their mode of application.

Publications

Herbs, spices and essential oils: post-harvest operations in developing countries (2005), FAO and UNIDO. This guide explains the post-harvest operations required for the development of efficient supply chains and profitable enterprises based around herbs, spices and essential oils in developing countries. The target group are small producers - both individuals and groups. For the publication click here.

The use of spices and medicinal plants as bioactive protectants for grains. This bulletin is designed to serve as a comprehensive reference source for plant materials that have application in stored grain application. To request a copy e-mail AGS-registry@fao.org or order e-mail Publications-sales@fao.org