Diagnosis of the aromatic and medicinal plant sector in Morocco: Case of the cooperatives and associations of the Meknès-Tafilalt area

Fadil, M., Farah, A., Haloui, T., Rachiq, S. Diagnosis of the aromatic and medicinal plant sector in Morocco: Case of the cooperatives and associations of the Meknès-Tafilalt area. Lazaroa 35: 155-165 (2014). The cooperatives and associations in the medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) sector are completely dependent on the pressure of market demand, and their products need to comply with required quality criteria and delivery time constraints. We conducted a survey of the activities of the cooperatives and associations involved in the production of genetic plant resources and their socioeconomic impact in order to identify the problems affecting this sector, and to improve the MAP’s production conditions and the income of the marginalized rural population. This survey looked at 11 associations and cooperatives operating in the Meknès-Tafilalt area in Morocco. The results of the botanical survey identified 30 species from 12 families, exploited in their natural state for commercial use. The total annual production is 494 tons of dried plants. Rosemary is the most widely used, with 23% of the total production, 19% of which is produced by the Ajaâbou Cooperative. However, the exploitation of these species in their natural state is haphazard, and presents a threat to the sustainability of resources. The products are not properly identified, and few producers use good technical harvesting practices. To improve sustainable commercial potential and the competitiveness of the products, MAP cooperatives and associations should incorporate practical standards of quality, traceability, good collection and cultivation of the species.