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Made in Albania medicinal plants occupy an important place in Albanian exports to foreign markets, but they dominate mostly in the American market.
Experts from this sector say that the Albanian medical plants continue to be among the most wanted in foreign markets since several years. About 70% of the sage entering the US is branded "Made in Albania".Albania has special potentials and natural resources and has diverse and safe flora, so medicinal plants are not only wanted on the market, but are also an important source of employment and income security.
According to them, the market continues to challenge the collection and packaging standards of plants, for which the business community of this sector is making efforts also supported by government grants to improve their collection and processing technology by expanding export markets.
Medicinal herbs exports have been steadily increasing over the years, maintaining an average weight of 24-28% of total agri-food exports. According to Ministry of Agriculture data, last year the sales of medicinal plants abroad amounted to ALL 3.1 billion or 11% more than a year ago.
The medical plant sector has been developed due to a wide network spread all over the country.
For many areas the plants are the only income opportunity, which is secured on specific seasons of the year. Working with medicinal herbs provides about 35% of income to a family. Meanwhile, in Albania 15% of the 360 plant species are medicinal, aromatic and spicy.