ECONOMIC OUTLOOKS for HERBS AND SPICES Year 2000
By Richard Alan Miller, ©2000
Page Updated: 05-12-03(This a rough draft of an article for AMERICAN VEGETABLE GROWER Magazine,
by Richard Alan Miller)
The actual monitoring of herb and spice imports into the United States is quite limited. While the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has published data, other monitoring systems (like Chemical Marketing Reporter) show import figures into the Port of New York to be twice those reported by FAS for the entire nation.
Other major Ports of Entry, like San Antonio, TX, do not even formally monitor the amount of crops brought in from Mexico, Central and South America. Why are there not more detailed studies on the actual dollars involved? One reason is because most herbs and spices are treated as "non-storable" commodities. Their individual total gross sales are usually quite small and uninteresting as trade.
Some, however, have such significant gross volumes in sales that they are often grouped for stock and trade on some of the Exchanges. One export example from the United States are the red peppers (including paprika, used to color hot dogs). Another would be garlics and onions. The next question that arises is what constitutes an herb or spice? These examples seem like they are foods.
The herb and spice trade has several distinct markets. For simplicity, they are often referred to as foods, drugs, cosmetics, and dried florals. As food, most herbs and spices are not the primary ingredient, but used to enhance. To monitor the amount of basil, for example, used in the manufacture of pesto is almost impossible. The oregano used on pizza is another example.
The USDA FAS has published data to indicate that the United States now imports more than ten times the spices that they export. For example, the United States imports of just selected dried condiments, seasonings, and flavoring materials in 1987 were valued at nearly $439 million. Meanwhile, exports of specific spices and seasonings (including dehydrated onion and garlic) were valued at $62.7 mil- lion.
The important point to remember is that these figure are often in conflict with other reported import figures, and they only reflect those markets where herbs and spices are sold as foods. These figures to not reflect those crops which might be marketed as pharmaceuticals (drugs), cosmetics, or even the growing decorative floral markets.
In an important study made last year by this author, it was shown that products imported (in this category of markets) which could be grown, manufactured, or otherwise processed on the West Coast of the United States was in excess of $20 billion, more than 40 times what might be indicated by current available studies. Why are we importing with such large figures when our economy needs to export?
The primary reason is that most spices and herbs require special handling and are labor-intensive. Third World countries, with very cheap labor, can afford to subsidize these types of crops as their market niche in world economy. However, as world economic standards become more uniform, the ability to compete becomes possible.
The markets are large for these types of crops, and is growing at an annual rate of more than 20 percent in some cases. A typical example is psyllium hulls, now used as a major source for dietary fiber. Last year the industry imported more than $100 million from India, while this year a major cereal manufacturer has announced that they plan to spend more than $40 million in advertising it's use in their cereals in 1990.
Other new crops with good market futures include comfrey for cattle feed and pyrethrum as an organic insecticide. While the market potentials for these types crops are staggering, new farm methods are needed to make them feasible and in volumes sufficient to meet world demand. Most of the mechanized machinery or technology to farm these types of crops competitively in the United States already exists. The problem is how to get access to the markets.
Despite these obvious potentials for rural economic development and growth in small farm agriculture, almost all herbs are imported. Many come from Mexico and South America, but others arrived from as far away as Rumania, Yugoslavia and Poland. Much of the peppermint and spearmint leaf comes from Egypt and Bulgaria, whereas orange peel is imported from Haiti and Spain. As shipping costs go up and demand increases, prices also increase.
Many herbs bring prices that are far higher than could be expected from the cost of production. Farm prices, in general, range from $600 to $2,500 per ton. One to three tons per acre is the average harvest. This kind of return rivals that of the most lucrative farm crops; yet, once established, herbs will continually produce this high return with lower continuing cash requirements. The primary investment is labor.
Proximity to the market is also less important than with other commodities. Partly, this is true because once they are dried, herbs are relatively easy and light-weight to store and transport. Also, these higher prices make it feasible to ship over long distances. A 10-ton load of herbs is often worth $10,000, whereas a similar load of wheat is generally worth $2,000 (or less).
If present trends continue, the herb and spice markets should continue to grow for many years. Herbs should have greater potential as cash crops in areas that are not suited to the more familiar farm crops. Areas with limited water and poorer soil can produce as much income per acre with herbs as the most fertile areas with abundant water-producing traditional farm crops.
In addition, the investment requirements are lower when growing herbs. The primary investment is labor. And since the total volumes used by specific end users is less than the major crops, smaller farm ventures are favored. These markets are well suited to the need for diversification in agriculture. Machinery costs are less and chemical costs are almost nonexistent in their production.
Since recorded history, the country which controlled spice trade has also con- trolled world trade. This is true even today. With only slight modification in farm practices and technology, the United States has an opportunity to compete in these commodities. They will also strengthen rural economic development by favoring the small farm and agricultural diversification.
The following table is a partial list of alternative crops (herbs and spices) with good market potentials for the small farmer. The yields per acre are estimates based on information from the USDA, trade magazines, and the author's background in marketing. The yields are for dehydrated products, not produce.
CROP RECOMMENDATIONS
ACORN - This product grows in wild abundance throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon as an unrecognized natural resource. The primary buyer is Korea, using more than 1,000,000 lb. each year as a primary food supplement in their diet. Price range from $3.25/lb. to more than $4.50/lb. The product can be harvested by using tarps and a tree knocker or tractor. Newer marketing directions include capped acorns as an ingredient for potpourri.
ANGELICA - This root crop should grow really well in deep, rich soils, with primary markets to the liqueur industries. GOLDEN EAGLE HERBAL CHEW uses significant quantities of this as an ingredient. Other markets include high-grade perfumes.
ANISE - As a major spice import, this crop can be easily cultivated and harvested with a combine. There are incorrect cultivars which grow wild in most parts of the U.S., so the correct species should take easily to your soils. Often used as a candy ingredient.
ARNICA - A traditional medicinal used in most liniments. Volumes have been limited to availability. This can be easily cultivated and harvested using traditional hay equipment.
BABY'S BRE - Baby's Breath is another weed with excellent dried floral markets. The Japanese have waited more than ten years for surplus to export. There has never been enough to even consider these markets. It grows best on poor, rocky hillsides. (HMR 1:5).
BASIL - This annual requires low water and makes excellent cottage industry projects for the winter months. It can be used to make vinegar and pestos (frozen) for mass-markets. (HMR 2:2).
BAY LEAF - The primary uses is for the whole leaf as a spice. One major California spice company sells the dried leaves on the retail market. The 1,8-cineole is by far the most important aroma component of California bay oil. The concentration of this in West Indian Bay is much smaller than the other oils at only 10%. California bay is 95% of the odor units. Perfume is made from Oregon Myrtle wood for the tourist trade.
The leaf is now sold by Shilling Spice Company (a division of McCormick). The price varies from $0.75/# for the currently imported Mediterranean Laurus nobilis in 2-ton quantities to more than $1.70/# from most of the smaller spice companies in 100# quantities. The oil markets have good potential, with current herbage markets in the U.S. using well over 2,000 tons annually.
BEAR GRASS - This is a standard in the floral trade, with annual sales in excess of $10,000,000. One Pacific Northwest Company alone exported in excess of 1,000,000 lb. to Holland. The product can be easily hot-dip dyed and sold as a value-added forest product, using left-over dyes from evergreen production. It can be grown in open forests and be easily harvested with machinery.
BERGAMOT - Another crop which grows well in very cold regions. While primarily markets have used this as a source of some oils, I recommend you grow this one for the potpourri markets. (HMR 1:6).
BLACK CARA - (Nigella) - This caraway seed is used exclusively in the German communities as a substitute for poppy. It grows wild in most western regions of the U.S. and can be easily cultivated for combine harvesting.
BLACK COHOSH - Previously wildcrafted, this crop is well-suited as a forest-farming venture. Typical rotations for the small woodlot owner is from three to five years. It’s primary markets are as a treatment for rheumatism. While native to the Eastern part of North America, it will grow in most Western States and throughout Canada.
BLESSED TH - A nice annual thistle with good local markets in the region. Used to make certain alcoholic beverages, and other food markets. Put it up like a hay crop.
BLOODROOT - This grows well in northern woods of the Midwestern states, especially as a forest farming project. It takes about three years before full production is achieved, and requires full shade for best growth. It can be harvested with rototiller-like root harvesters.
BURDOCK - A noxious weed which likes to grow in cornfields. Its root is worth 3x the yield from corn in the same field. It usually takes two years before full production is achieved. (HMR 2:11, 3:1).
CARAWAY - The advantages of this crop cannot be overstated. It builds dry land soils back into production, especially those tending toward clay. The seed can be taken with a combine, or as an oil using steam distillation. Primary markets are those oriented toward the use of the seed in baked goods.
CASCARA SEGRADA- A regional forest-farming venture, specific to Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. The tree is taken (chopped down) every 8 to 12 years as a small woodlot thinning and rotation programs. The bark is used as a primary ingredient to most laxative formulas, and typical volumes are in excess of 800 ton per year to European markets alone. Brazil and most other countries also use it. Cascarin is used to “tone the colon.”
CATNIP - A typical mint-type crop which requires limited irrigation. It can be put up as a hay-type crop, or combined like peppermint for the leaf. Limited markets include the pet toy industry.
CHAPARRAL - This high desert plant contains nor-hidydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) and the related lignans. It is theorized that any anticancer effect of chaparral tea is due to the ability of NDGA to block cellular respiration. There is some difficulty in harvesting this plant because what the market wants is a leaf. The leaf is removed from the stem when both are dry.
CHAMOMILE (GERMAN) - This annual variety requires a special flowerhead harvester. There is now a working prototype available for limited studies. It is critical that no stem is harvested with the flowerhead. Stems have a bitter agent not acceptable with this crop.
CHAMOMILE (ROMAN) - This variety is used almost extensively as an oil extraction from steam distillation. This means that the precision requirements for flowerhead harvesting is not as critical. You should harvest this crop approximately two times on unirrigated fields and more than five times on those with moderate irrigation (14-day sets).
CHIA - This will grow in semi-arid lands with warmer climates. It is harvested with a combine and then recleaned with seed sifters. The seed is often used in numerous health food products as a source of "energy," including herbal coffee formulas.
CHICORY - Often classified as a noxious weed, this crop is now cultivated for coffee substitute markets. It is harvested with potato harvesting machinery, or plows designed to harvest root crops. The root can be sun-cured.
CHINA POPPY - This is now grown extensively in the U.S. for the floral trade. The poppy stalks have to be picked by hand, but current floral demands reach more than 2,000,000 heads last year. It is often dyed and sleeved.
CHIVE - While the garlic and onion markets are well surplused, this type of dehydrated onion green has extensive demand in most gourmet restaurants and other cottage industries, like prepared foods. It is very easily grown and harvested. The problem lies in cutting and dehydrating it for appearance. This may need some form of dicing/slicing machine used for carrots and celery.
COMFREY - While the market for the leaf in the food industry is quite limited, the markets as a cattle-food supplement are quite extensive, especially in the dairy business. The problem comes in attempting to handle this product green. While profit margins are potentially available, there are some machinery requirements.
CORIANDER - This is a major spice which is currently imported from Mexico and Soviet Bloc countries. Its primary use and markets for this country are as a pickling agent. It should market very well to the same buyers as dill. Cilantro is the fresh produce, and is marketed in most supermarket stores.
CHIA - This will grow in semi-arid lands with warmer climates. It is harvested with a combine and then recleaned with seed sifters. The seed is often used in numerous health food products as a source of "energy," including herbal coffee formulas.
CUMIN - This is a small annual herb of the parsley family, and is grown for the seed. It is an important ingredient in both curry powder and chili powder. Now in short supply, there is an opportunity to cultivate this for domestic markets. It is widely used in Latin American cooking, including "Tex-Mex" varieties of food.
DANDELION L - There are some extensive markets for the leaf, now estimated at more than 10,000 acres (as an herbal chewing tobacco substitute). It is almost impossible not to grow this crop well. Since the leaf is considered a by-product, the production tables do not include overhead, as they are covered in root production.
DANDELION R - After the second year, roots can be taken as a by-product for the coffee-substitute/additive and other cottage industry markets. This should be a fairly easy crop to cultivate.
DILL - This annual requires low water and makes excellent cottage industry projects for the winter months. Dill flowerheads (Dill Weed) often makes excellent florals, and during the canning season many larger mass-market stores can sell more than one acre of fresh produce.
ECHINACEA - A traditional medicinal which likes drier forests and rangeland in Northwestern States. While it has been traditionally foraged for the botanical markets, it is a perfect candidate for forest farming techniques. Requires partial shade and cold winters.
EUCALYPTUS - This is a fast-growing floral, especially if it has been preserved with glycerin. One farm in California actually moves more than 6 truckloads per week, during harvest season. It is extremely frost sensitive, but grows so quickly, it is an excellent alternative. Preferred varieties include the dwarf- and spiral-types. Larger bulk markets use it as a pharmaceutical, but most now comes from Portugal.
FENNEL - Similar to anise seed, unwanted species variations grow wild in many regions. It is easy to cultivate and the markets are quite extensive, especially if a domestic source of supply can be established. It needs a combine and further seed cleaning for current markets.
FENUGREEK - This is a perfect crop for stickier soils, those which have begun to claypan. The seed is combined for the maple syrup markets, while the herb is often marketed as a produce. It is used as a perfect crop to rotate a field with that which was previously used for roots. It grows like an alfalfa.
FEVERFEW - This is a new market, and growing, as an aspirin substitute. One way to orient this crop is via harvesting the flowerheads for the potpourri markets, then putting the rest of it up as a hay-type crop for the pharmaceutical uses. It is also sold as a dried floral in large quantities, and there is also a growing seed market for this crop. (HMR 3:11).
FLORAL - This is a new way to get started. When beginning feasibility studies, smaller acreage can be put up as dried florals, and sold to the mass market outlets (Vons, Safeway, Food Giant, etc.) While the markets are limited, this offers an alternative to the produce trade. (Same buyer, most supermarkets).
GINGER ROOT - This crops grows well throughout Hawaii, limited regions of southern California, and parts of Florida. Its primary markets are for food and cosmetic fragrance. The "yellow" ginger tend to be more flavorful, while there is a tradition in the use of "white" ginger for the cosmetic industry.
GOLDEN SEAL ROOT - Now a popular forest-floor project, it is used as an agent for cleaning the liver for those concerned with drug testing in the workplace. Like Ginseng Root, it has been over-harvested from the wild in recent years, bring the price up toward $60/lbs., and making it quite attractive for lathe-house cultivation and/or the small woodlot owner. A three to seven year rotation.
HOREHOUND - This is a hay-type crop which has primarily been marketed as a flavoring ingredient. It also holds great futures as a cottage industry for such items as candy and soap. Now foraged in great quantities.
LEMON GRA - This is a semi-tropical grass which can be grown in most regions of the Southwest like alfalfa. Hawaii has the problem of wilt and other fungus which often prohibits it's export from the Islands. Current domestic markets are more than 400 ton just for the tea industry, with citrol and other volatile oils being commercially important.
LEMON VER - This frost-sensitive shrub needs to be cultivated in semi-tropical regions. Used primarily as an important potpourri ingredient, it also finds use in salads and prepared foods. The leaf can be separated with a combine under special conditions.
LICOR MINT - Somewhat fragile, licorice mint is often grown as an annual rather than perennial. It is an excellent dried floral, and the leaf is also now marketed as anew tea ingredient. This requires a combine, similar to peppermint and spearmint. The oil is rarely extracted.
LICORICE - More than 34,000 ton of licorice root was imported into the U.S. last year, primarily marketed as a sugar substitute for most cocoa mixes. It also has large use in alcoholic beverages and other food items. It can be harvested with the second year and can increase yields with each year, using a potato plow.
LOVAGE - This is a primary fragrance material, used in cosmetics and as a food additive. It is currently cultivated in France, Belgium, and most Soviet Bloc countries. It is usually cut for an essential oil from steam distillation. Watch for wilt, it should be rotated every third year.
LUPIN - This crop has become very popular with seed companies as an ornamental. There are also some potential growing markets for this as a seed in Europe, the primary buyer: Dutch. It is very easy to grow.
MANDRAKE - Traditional medicinal to cross over into pharmaceutical use. This grows well in northern woods of the Midwestern states, especially as a forest farming project. It takes about three years before full production is achieved, and requires full shade for best growth. It can be harvested with rototiller-like root harvesters.
MARIGOLD - The Tagetes variety is grown as a poultry feed supplement. Its dye colors the meat and make the yoke orange. Marigold flowerheads need a yet-to-be developed "flowerhead harvester." It can be picked for profit by hand for potpourri, but this market is limited, and competition comes from Mexico.
MARJORAM - A major spice, cultivated primarily in France and Greece, this crop is used extensively as oregano. Since it is not hardy, it is best treated as an annual (except Arizona). Weed control will be the primary problem with its cultivation because it is a slow grower. 3 harvests are available per year.
MATSUTAKI MUSHROOMS - Matsutaki is the premier mushroom sought by Japanese markets. Local harvests in Southern Oregon are in excess of $5,000,000 annually. While it is not possible to cultivate this as a crop, natural stands can be enhanced for continued year-to-year increases in harvest. A special book is now being written on the technique of forest farming this crop.
MINT - Various mints can be grown for the herb tea companies. This requires a swather and then combine pick-up, to separate the leaf from the stem. As a market niche, these crops can be quite diverse, since most crops considered as spices are also mints. These are the crops with square stems (like Catnip and Basil).
MORMON TEA - Also known as Desert Tea, or Mormon Tea, this is a frequent substitute for the Chinese Ma Huange. While chemistries are slightly different, this is a frequently used as an ingredient in “over-the-counter” diet pills, and other “legal highs.” It is a stimulant and bronchial dilator, and is used in large quantities in the pharmaceutical trade.
NETTLE - This grows best up against a tree-line or edging a lake or river - partial shade. It can be cultivated and harvest much like a hay-type crop (i.e. catnip). It must be cut in the herbaceous stage so it can be sold as an herb. Perfect forest-farm project.
ORANGE MINT - This mint contains linalool and linalyl acetate (lavender), and is marketed as an oil to the perfume industry. New markets indicate it might be used as a leaf product for the herb tea markets. It is quite fragrant, and could be harvested somewhat like peppermint and spearmint leaf.
OREGANO - This is a primary spice, used extensively in pizza, the fastest growing "fast-food" market in the U.S. It is almost exclusively imported and Turkish sources are recently in shortages. It will need dehydration. (HMR 1:5).
OREGON GRA - A Golden Seal Root substitute, used to mask urine drug tests. Golden Seal is now considered endangered in some regions of North America, and prices have soared to more than $60/lb. Oregon Grape, with approximately 80 percent the action only sells for $1.30/lb. It is also used extensively as an ornamental. It costs more than $2,000/acre to establish, and less than $100/acre per year for maintenance. Yields are estimated at 4,500 lb./acre, with an eight year rotation.
PARSLEY - Last year, more than 10K tons was used just in the restaurant trade as a fresh garnish alone. Used in soup mixes and condiments, the estimated dried import of this crop is more than 4K ton. There will always be local markets for this product (HMR 3:4).
PASSION FL - Currently imported from Brazil, this crop grows well in Hawaii and most part of the eastern seaboard. It grows wild in the Midwest, but has been over harvested in the past, so native plants are somewhat scare for foraging. It is easily cultivated and sold as an herb (including the vine).
PENNYROYAL - Grows wild in many states, including Oregon and New York. While used mostly for the oil, as an insecticide, new markets include the floral trade. It is quite beautiful in full bloom, and the American varieties grow tallest (for these markets). It is poisonous to cattle, so many states consider it a noxious weed.
PODS - This is a new market with excellent futures and diverse options, including cottage industry development. The list of dried pods from wildflowers, wild grasses and weeds is quite extensive. The obvious new direction would be dying and preserving these as a cottage industry.
PYRETHRUM - This is a form of chrysanthemum which is also one of the best natural insecticides known. It is used in almost every household product, including such items as Raid and Black Flag, and is considered to be an "organic insecticide." It is harvested with a yet-to-be discovered "flowerhead harvester." Even picking the flowerheads by hand is profitable.
RED CLOVER - Excellent grower in your area, the market needs a domestic source of red clover flowerheads (for potpourris, pharmaceutical markets, and my GOLDEN EAGLE HERBAL CHEW). A special flowerhead harvester is needed, and we are just now developing a prototype.
ROSE BUDS - This is a new and fast-growing floral product, especially with freeze-dried products. Farming rootstock is also profitable for the horticultural trade, the rose by-products make this a very lucrative, and labor-intensive alternative. It requires good irrigation and hot climates, for best productions.
ROSEMARY - This is a major spice, with side markets in such items as potpourris. It can be harvested with a forage chopper, but will need to be kiln dried for the best oil and color. The needles want to be separated (usually by air) from the stalk-like stems. Once the needles are dry, they separate quite easily.
SAGE - This is a major meat packing spice, used to keep meats from rotting. It grows well in poor soils and little or no water. The best situations, however, include irrigation. The plant can be taken as a leaf in the 3rd year, once the initial wood stock has been trimmed to produce leaf.
SALAL - There is a history of use for green, undid Salal, especially in the funeral home markets. Since it is now often dipped into paint, a dyed and preserved Salal has uncharted potential. At present, it is a stationary trade.
American Oak could use up to three truckloads (6,800 lb./1-2-truck) of dyed and preserved Salal. Golden Bough estimates 400 pounds per month. Coast Wholesale could use 2,500 pounds. "Florist Review" has listed more than 1,700 similar buyers in their annual "Buyer's Directory".
It is obvious that dyed and preserved Salal is not a price driven business, but most competitive in it's atheistic qualities. The proposed price of $5.50/lb. in bulk 2,000-pound quantities acceptable to the current markets. A $4.75/lb. should be considered for larger contract sales for year-round delivery. If a specific identification to quality is made, this new market is assured a viable niche in the floral trade.
SAVORY - Summer savory is a tender annual, while winter savor is hardy perennial. Used in many stew preparations, summer savory has a more delicate aroma and fragrance than does winter savory, thus it is also more popular in the marketplace. Summer savory prefers lighter soils than winter savory, and both like irrigation.
SCAR POPPY - This is the primary source for codeine. The entire plant is taken for extraction, requiring minimal harvesting equipment. As a primary import from Turkey, the trade agreements have recently terminated, and the primary pharmaceutical buyers are now looking for domestic sources.
SCULLCAP - A mint (square-stem) which is in short supply in the world. It likes a swampy woods, and can be harvested with a rotary mower. World volumes would increase with availability. Excellent for semi-wooded swampy regions with cold winters.
SESAME SEED - This crop grows well in Texas, and has a history of production throughout the Midwest, especially Illinois and Michigan. China has not produced their usual quotas over the last several years, due to extensive flooding in those regions of cultivation. It requires a combine.
SPEARMINT - Primarily harvested either for the oil or leaf, the best cultivar is "Scotch." It will require a combine to remove the leaf, and then further sifting to grade quality. Best soils for this are loams, but will have serious wilt problems with too much moisture.
TARRAGON - French varieties require cuttings. It prefers higher altitudes for the best oil production, although will grow almost anywhere. After the second year, the stalks can be harvested with the leaf when still in the herbaceous stage. Woody part should be cut back each year, like pruning.
THYME - A major genus of spice species, used in the flavor and food industries. It also has antioxidant properties. The herb is harvested when the plant is in full bloom, usually with two cuttings per season. It will need good drainage to produce well, and may need some mulching to prevent winter-kill. It can also be taken for oil via steam-distillation, and has numerous ornamental markets.
VALERIAN - Valerian root is a major import from India and Soviet Bloc countries, there are current shortages and a need for domestic sources. It can be harvested in three years similar to potatoes, although it does not usually need to be replanted.
WILD CHERRY - Now considered a primary forest farming venture, this small woodlot crop is chopped down in a thinning/rotation program. It has an eight to twelve year rotation, and the bark is used to extract benzaldehyde (black cherry flavinoids).
WILD INDIGO - This root crop is well-suited to the Midwest forests and Oregon. The root is used as a dye (501 blue jeans), and can be grown in forests that small machinery might be used. It is harvested in the seventh year, and seed is collected for new plantings.
WORMWOOD - This is a new crop for the U.S. Government (Army) as a major pharmaceutical, and is now classified as an anti-tumor cancer agent. It should grow very well in most regions, and can be put up as a hay-type crop (sun-cure). Look toward growing extract markets in the future.
XMAS TREES - Plantations are most frequently established on cleared lands. Seedlings are planted systematically in rows and are weeded and cultivated like a farm crop to help them become established. Basal pruning, shearing, and other cultural practices are also applicable to plantations.
YELLOW DOCK - A troublesome weed, it is quite popular in homeopathic markets. Not only used as a red dye for the wool industries, it is also used as an abrasive dentifrice in some manufacturing of toothpaste. It is easily disked from overgrazed soils.
TABLE I: Estimated Crop Yields:
Cost/Acre Yield Price 1 2 3 4
(a) (b) (c) -Year -
ACORN 400/400 4,000 3.25-4.50 2,000 3,000 4,000 4,000
ANGELICA 2,000/200 1,500 1.45-2.50 1,000 1,500 3,000
ANISE 400 1,000 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 1,500 2,000
ARNICA 1,500/400 2,500 0.80-1.40 1,500 2,00 2,500
BABY'S BRE 1,500/200 2,000 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 3,000
BASIL 400 2,000 0.60-2.50 800 1,000 1,500 2,000
BAY LEAF 40/40 1,200 0.80-1.40 800 1,000 1,200 1,200
BEAR GRASS 2,000/800 10,000 0.25-0.90 1,500 3,000 3,500
BERGAMOT 1,000/400 5,000 0.70-1.20 2,000 3,000 3,500
BLACK CARA 400 1,000 0.70-1.20 500 700 900
BLACK CHO 3,000/200 4,000 2.00-3.50 800 2,000
BLACK CHOS
BLESSED T 400 3,000 0.40-1.60 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200
BLOODROOT 2,000/100 1,500 3.50-5.00 1,000 1,500 2,500
BURDOCK 800/400 2,000 0.45-1.20 500 800 1,200
CARAWAY 400 1,000 0.70-1.20 500 700 900
CASCARA 1,500/50 2,000 1.60-2.40
CATNIP 1,000/200 6,000 0.65-1.20 1,000 2,000 3,000
CHAMOMILE 400 500 2.50-3.50 800 1,250 1,250 1,250
CHIA 400 2,000 0.65-1.05 800 1,000 1,200 1,500
CHICKWEED 1,200/1,200 800 1.80-2.20 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500
CHICORY 1,500/200 2,000 0.60-0.95 800 1,200 1,500
CHINA POPPY 4,000/600 10,000 0.50-1.50 2,000 3,000 4,500 6,000
CHIVES 1,500/400 2,000 1.50-2.50 500 1,000 1,500 3,000
COMFREY 1,000/400 16,000 0.25-0.75 600 2,000 4,000
CORRIANDER 400 1,500 0.40-0.90 600 1,000 1,200 1,200
CUMIN 400 1,000 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 1,500 2,000
DANDELION 1,500/500 500R 1.40-2.20 300 500 500 500
1,500L 0.80-1.50 300 800 1,200 1,200
DILL 400 1,000 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 1,500 2,000
ECHINACEA 2,000/200 1,000 5.50-7.00 1,000 1,500 2,000
EUCALYPTUS 1,500/400 8,000 0.35-1.10 1,000 2,000 3,000
FENNEL 1,000/400 1,000 0.60-0.90 500 1,000 1,200 1,500
FENUGREEK 400 2,000 0.45-0.95 500 1,000 1,000 1,200
FEVERFEW 2,000/400 1,500 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 2,000 3,000
FLAX 400/400 1,200 1.00-1.80 800 1,200 1,800 1,800
FLORAL 4,000/2,500 15,000 1.00-1.60 10,000 15,000 20,000
GINGER 4,000/600 3,000 1.20-2.00 2,000 3,000 4,000
GOLDEN SEAL 4,000/400 1,200 28-55.00 6,000 8,000
GRASSES 400/40 800 1.00-1.80 400 500 800 1,000
HOREHOUN 2,000/200 2,000 0.60-1.20 1,000 1,500 1,500
HYDRANGEA 4,000/1,500 600 10-20.00 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000
LAVENDER 2,000/400 800 4.00-6.00 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
LEMON GRA 2,000/200 3,000 0.60-1.20 600 1,200 2,000 2,500
LEMON VER 1,500/400 1,000 1.50-2.50 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
LICOR MINT 2,000/400 3,000 1.00-1.80 1,800 2,200 3,000
LICORICE 2,000/400 8,000 0.45-1.05 1,000 2,000 3,000
LOVAGE 1,500/400 1,500 0.80-1.90 500 1,000 1,500 2,000
LUPIN 400 1,000 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 1,500 2,000
MANDRAKE 2,000/100 1,500 0.80-2.00 1,000 2,000 2,000
MARIGOLD 1,000/400 1,500 0.45-1.45 500 700 700 700
MARJORAM 1,500/400 1,500 0.80-1.45 500 1,000 1,500
MINTS 1,000/400 5,000 0.70-1.20 2,000 3,000 3,500
MATSUTAKI 200/200 150 12-22.00 2,000 2,500 3,000 4,000
MORMON TEA 400/20 80 1.80-2.40 400 800 1,200 1,800
MULLEIN 400/20 600 0.80-1.40 800 1,200 1,600 1,800
NETTLE 1,000/200 5,000 0.65-1.20 1,000 2,000 3,000
ORANGE M 2,000/400 3,200 0.80-2.20 1,500 2,500 3,000
OREGANO 2,000/400 2,500 0.90-1.45 600 1,200 2,250
OREGON GRA 3,000/200 4,000 1.10-1.60 800 2,000
PARSLEY 1,500 1,200 0.75-2.50 2,000 2,500 2,800 3,000
PASSION FLO 1,600/400 5,000 0.45-1.05 800 1,500 2,000
PENNYROYAL 1,000/400 1,000 0.65-1.50 500 1,000 1,500 1,500
PODS 4,000/600 10,000 0.50-1.50 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
PURSLANE 2,000/400 650 4.00-8.00 1,200 2,000 3,000 4,200
PYRETHRUM 3,000/600 800 2.80-3.50 1,500 2,500 3,000
RED CLOVE 200 800 0.85-1.20 500 500 500 500
ROSE BUDS 3K/1,000 1,500 2.50-4.00 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
ROSEMARY 1,500/400 3,000 0.40-1.20 500 1,000 1,000 1,500
SAGE 2,000/400 2,000 0.80-1.20 1,000 1,500 2,000
SALAL 4,000/400 8,000 0.50-1.20 2,000 3,000 4,000
SAVORY 400 1,500 0.80-1.50 800 1,000 1,200 1,500
SCAR POPPY 3,000/400 10,000 0.50-1.50 1,000 2,000 3,500 5,000
SCULLCAP 1,500/400 1,500 1.60-2.40 1,500 2,500 3,000
SESAME 800/400 2,5000 0.48-0.78 1,400 1,600 2,000 2,500
SORREL 1,400/2,500 1,200 2.00-2.80 2,000 2,200 2,500 2,800
SPEARMINT 1,200/400 4,500 0.35-0.75 400 1,000 1,500 2,000
TARRAGON 4,000/600 1,000 5.50-9.50 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
THYME 1,500/400 1,500 1.10-2.00 1,000 1,500 2,000
VALERIAN 2,000/200 2,000 0.60-1.10 600 900 1,200
WILD CHERR 1,500/50 2,000 1.60-2.40 1,000
WILD INDIGO 2,000/100 1,500 2.50-3.50 1,000 1,500 2,500
WILD LETTUC 400/40 800 1.20-1.80 600 800 1,500 1,500
WORMWOOD 1,500/400 2,000 0.45-1.10 500 1,000 1,500
X-MASS TREE 200/200 2,000 1.50-4.50 2,500 3,000
YARROW 400/100 500 1.80-2.50 500 1,00 1,400 1,800
YERBA SANTA 400/20 1,200 1.20-1.80 600 1,200 1,800 2,000
(a) Cost/Acre a/b = establishment/maintenance and harvest costs.
(b) Yields are total dry-weight yields from all harvests/year/acre.
(c) Prices are bulk wholesale from the farm - does not include processing.(These crop yields are only estimates, based on average conditions and weather.)
INDEX TO THE TOP 53 HERBS AND SPICES FOR THE YEAR 2000
1. Balm, Lemon
2. Basil (all varieties)
3. Chamomile (all varieties)
4. Chive (all varieties)
5. Mexican Coriander
6. Echinacea (all varieties)
7. Feverfew (all varieties)
8. Scented Geraniums (all varieties)
9. Lavender (all varieties)
10. Mint (all varieties)
11. Oregano (all varieties)
12. Parsley (all varieties)
13. Rosemary (all varieties)
14. Sage (all varieties)
15. St. John's Wort (all varieties)
16. Savory (all varieties)
17 Skullcap
18. Sorrel (all varieties)
19. Tarragon (all varieties)
20. Thyme (all varieties)
21. Valerian (all varieties)
22. Alfalfa
23. Arnica (all varieties)
24. Bay Laurel
25. Borage
26. Burdock (all varieties)
27. Calendula (all varieties)
28. Caraway (all varieties)
29. Catnip (all varieties)
30. Comfrey
31. Coriander (all varieties)
32. Dandelion
33. Dill (all varieties)
34. Elecampane (all varieties)
35. Fennel (all varieties)
36. Fenugreek (all varieties)
37. Ginko
38. Ginseng (all varieties)
39. Goldenseal
40. Lemon Grass (East Indian)
41. Licorice (all varieties)
42. Lobelia
43. Sweet Marjoram
44. Milkvetch, Chinese
45. Motherwort
46. Nettle, Stinging
47. Oregano, Greek
48. Pepper, Chili (all varieties)
49. Rosemary (all varieties)
50. Thistle, Milk
51. Verbena, Blue
52. Wormwood
53. Yarrow
1- LEMON BLAM
Crop: Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.)World Market: 2,000 acres for oil production, unknown for herb
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 140 acres for oil production, 48 acres for herbage
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $1.85/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Oil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $14.80/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices up
Market Size same
Reason why The oil is very fragile and is easily lost before the drying process. Primary use of this crop is as an anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent. Chemistry used is readily available from cheaper sources. There will always be a limited perfume ingredient market for the oil. The herb oil is too fragile for use as a tea ingredient.2 -BASIL
Crop: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
There are many, many varieties within the “sweet” and “Reunion” varieties of Basil, the only two forms to hold commercial markets. All other Basils are speculative markets and require development.World Market: 20,000 acres, all varieties.
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 2,500 acres, all varieties
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $1.60/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $4.00.lb., FOB
iii) organic; $2.00/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $46.00/lb., FOB Sweet Basil
$32.00/lb., FOB Reunion Basil
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size up
Reason why Price will remain firm as new growers create surpluses. The market itself will continue to increase, with availability and selected culinary markets.
3 -CHAMOMILE (GERMAN)
Crop: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) - German Chamomile
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis L.) - Roman Chamomile
German Chamomile is used primarily for the flowerhead, while the Roman Chamomile is use for the oil in cosmetics and foods. Both have been interchanged in the marketplace, usually on availability and price. Cultivars are used for higher yields.World Market: 50,000 acres, each form
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: No serious cultivation yet. 6,000 acres, each form
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
iii) organic;Flowers: i) dried; $4.50/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Oil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $465.00/lb., FOB Roman Chamomile
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size up
Reason why Prices will drop with the development of a flowerhead harvester. Until then, labor intensive field stripping will remain constant. More interest in the its use in cosmetics will increase demand.4 -CHIVE
Crop: Chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.)
No distinction made on cultivars. Some limited gourmet markets, especially on the cut and flavor.World Market: 60,000 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 8,000 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $1.80/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $4.00/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $2.00/lb., FOBFlowers: i) dried; $2.85/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $6.00/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $3.20/lb., FOBFuture prospects: Prices same
Market Size up
Reason why Gourmet and designer foods will increase the markets, while limited surpluses hold prices firm.5- CORIANDER (MEXICAN)
Crop: Mexican Coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.)
No significant markets in the herb and spice trade, and may be used when marketing is not as discerning on genus and species. Grown mostly in Egypt and Asia for European markets. Not imported for use in North America, so is a unknown product.World Market: Unknown horticultural uses
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: Unknown horticultural use
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)6-ECHINACEA
Crop: Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia DC)
Secondary markets include Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida.World Market: 40,000 acres, to include all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 4,000 acres. 20,000 acres wildcrafted
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Roots: i) dried; $18.00/lb., FOB E. angustifolia
$12.00/lb., FOB E. pallida
$ 5.50/lb., FOB E. purpurea
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $20.00/lb., FOB E. angustifolia
$16.00/lb., FOB E. pallida
$ 7.50/lb., FOB E. purpureaHerb: i) dried; $1.25/lb., FOB E. purpurea
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $1.75/lb., FOB E. purpureaFlowers: i) dried; $6.00/lb., FOB E. purpurea
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices down
Market Size up
Reason why Price is down because of surpluses of E. purpurea. Market continues to grow and show demand, and there are still shortages of E. angustifolia. There is no chemical justification for the marketing of herb.7-FEVERFEW
Crop: Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium [L.] Bernh.)
No market distinction made on cultivars. Leaf material is most important, with stem lowering parthenolide content. Yields also diminish with age of rootstock.World Market: 3,200 acres for herb
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 240 acres in US, 160 acres in Canada
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $1.80/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $2.20/lb., FOB
Herb: i) dried; $1.60/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $1.80/lb., FOBFuture prospects: Prices same
Market Size down
Reason why Surplus inventories will balance productions from older (tired) fields. New fields will overstock availability, and cause prices to remain fixed.8-GERANIUM
Crop: Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Most all of the scented Geranium species are marketed.World Market: 10,000 acres, total
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 1,000 acres, total
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $6.50/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Oil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $52.00/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices up
Market Size up
Reason why An interesting new direction for flavors, cosmetics, and potpourri (scents items). Shortages this next year.9 -LAVENDER
Crop: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) - True Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula latifolia Vill.) - Spike Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula hybrida Reverchon) - Lavandin, or grosse LavenderWorld Market: 22,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 2,600 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Flowers: i) dried; $4.50/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $4.85/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $20.50/lb., FOB French
$14.50/lb., FOB Spike
$10.50/lb., FOB Lavandin
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size same
Reason why Cheaper sources create surpluses, so markets remain fixed.10 -MINTS
Crop: Mints (Mentha X pipererita L.) - Peppermint
Mints (Mentha spicata L.) - Spearmint
Mints (Mentha arvensis L.) - Cornmint
Limited niche markets for other species and flavorsWorld Market: 600,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 40,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $1.20/lb., FOB Peppermint
$0.90/lb., FOB Spearmint
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $1.80/lb., FOB Peppermint
$1.40/lb., FOB SpearmintOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $15.00/lb., FOB Peppermint
$14.50/lb., FOB Spearmint
$ 6.50/lb., FOB Cornmint
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices up
Market Size up
Reason why Both prices and market demand have increase this last year, and appear to continue throughout this year. Quality and alternative uses have increased demand over natural growth.11 -OREGANO
Crop: Oregano (Oreganum vulgare L.) - European Oregano
Oregana (Oreganum hirtum L.) - Greek Oregano
Oregano (Lippia graveolins H.B.K.) - Mexican Oregano
Marjoram (Lippa palmeri L.) - MarjoramWorld Market: 20,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 6,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $0.90/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $2.50/lb., delivered
iii) organic; $1.20/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $26.00/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size up
Reason why Demand for a higher content of carvacrol for the “better” pizza manufacturer. Surplus of Mexican hold prices downward.12 -PARSLEY
Crop: Parsley (Petroselinnum crispum [Mill.] Nym. ex A.W. Hill)
No distinction is made on cultivars when sold as a dried herb product. Per acre, curled varieties often yield more essential oil, while the flat-leaf varieties a better suited for herbage.World Market: 600,000 acres, all cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 60,000 acres, all cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $2.20/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $2.00/lb., FOB Flat-Leaf
$2.50/lb., FOB Curled
iii) organic; $2.50/lb., FOB
Oil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $112.00/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size up
Reason why While market use and demand continues to increase with more restaurants, the prices remains competitive with new growers entering production.13 -ROSEMARY
Crop: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)
No distinction in cultivars is made, but specific regions (like Dalmatian) offer a finer oils for use in cosmetics.World Market: 200,000 acres, all cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 12,000 acres, all cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $0.60/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $2.50/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $0.80/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $8.50/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size up
Reason why Surpluses hold pricing competitive, while new demands in cosmetics increase demand slightly.14 -SAGE
Crop: Sage (Salvia officinalis L.)
Spanish Sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia Vahl.)
No distinction made on cultivars with either species, except in the meat packing industry. They prefer a Dalmatian White Sage (Salvia officinalis var. Dalmatia L.), high in thujone (antioxidant).Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea L.)
No distinction made on cultivars, primarily used to flavor tobaccos.World Market: 400,000 acres, all species and cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 6,000 acres, all species and cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $1.10/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $2.50/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $1.40/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $46.00/lb., FOB Clary Sage
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size same
Reason why Clary Sage production is down, due in part to the decline of tobacco productions. Albanian Sages are dirty, and good future lies in domestic productions for sausage manufacturers and new cosmetics.15 -ST. JOHN'S WORT
Crop: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
No distinction is made on variety cultivated. Cultivar of choice is Topaz variety, although it shows slower growth in establishment.World Market: 6,000 acres for herb tops.
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 2,000 acres cultivated, unknown acres wildcrafted (or Forest Farmed).
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $ 2.40/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $ 1.75/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $ 2.80/lb., FOBHerb: i) dried; $ 0.80/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Flowers: i) dried; $12.00/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Seeds: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $24.00/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices down
Market Size down
Reason why The market next year will be only 40% of 1998 market demand (record year). Too many manufacturers put poor products on the shelf, and the chemistry did not deliver to the consumer. Also, many new sources developed competitive drying techniques to retain chemistry in the dried product. Surpluses of poor chemistry.16 -SAVORY
Crop: Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) - Summer Savory
Savory (Satureja montana L.) - Winter Savory
Distinction on type, but not on cultivars of either species.World Market: 2,000 acres, both species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 800 acres, primarily Summer varieties
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $1.30/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $1.20/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $1.60/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $120/lb., FOB
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices up
Market Size up
Reason why? Old Canadian formula grows in popularity in US, and COG tags become more important to manufacturers.17 -SKULLCAP
Crop: Skullcap (Scutelaria lateriflora L.)
There are other species harvested from the wild, but the S. lateriflora is the only one that is in market demand.World Market: 12,000 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 1,000 acres, and unknown acres wildcrafted.
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $4.00/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $4.50/lb., FOBFuture prospects: Prices up
Market Size same
Reason why This crop is primarily wildcrafted, and limited harvests are expected from the previous drought. The market remains unknown, as it is not yet in the public’s eye as a sedative.18 -SORREL
Crop: Sorrel (Rumex acetosa L.)
No distinction on sub-species and related flavoring agentsWorld Market: 1,000 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 350 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $2.80/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $2.50/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $3.20/lb., FOBFuture prospects: Prices same
Market Size same
Reason why Light demands and lower yields per acre hold this crop to little change this next year. COG is almost a “must.”19 -TARRAGON
Crop: Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)
No distinction made on cultivarsWorld Market: 7,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 500 acres, including floral trade
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $5.50/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $5.80/lb., FOB
Oil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; Oil of Estragon
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size same
Reason why Very strong flavoring agent, total usage limited to foods. Very little is stilled in cosmetics because of price.20 -THYME
Crop: Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.)
No distinction is made on either cultivars or species is made in the trade. Some limited oil is also taken from Thymus zygis L., and its var. gracilis Boiss.World Market: 82,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 6,000 acres, all species
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Herb: i) dried; $1.65/lb., FOB
ii) fresh; $2.50/lb., FOB
iii) organic; $1.90/lb., FOBOil: i) dried;
ii) fresh; $62.00/lb., FOB Red Thyme
$30.00/lb., FOB White Thyme
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices same
Market Size same
Reason why Very predictable growth and demand, stabilizing both prices and volumes. May become more significant in growth next year.21 -VALERIAN
Crop: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)
Indian Valerian (Valeriana jatamansii Jones)
Anthos cultivar preferred for North America, no distinction is made in marketing. The Indian variety also contains limited marketable chemistry in the herbage.World Market: 12,000 acres, all cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 4,000 acres, all cultivars
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Roots: i) dried; $1.40/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $1.65/lb., FOBFuture prospects: Prices down
Market Size up
Reason why Prices drop because of overproduction in Canada last year. Market increases because of poor harvests in India, and new uses in pharmaceutical trade.22 -ALFALFA
Crop: Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Dairy grade (100%) only is used in herb and pharmaceutical tradeWorld Market: 29,000 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)North American Market: 1,200 acres
(total acreage and farmgate revenues for all plant parts and derivatives)Prices ($/lb.);
Leaves: i) dried; $0.85/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Herb: i) dried; $0.08/lb., FOB
ii) fresh;
iii) organic; $0.22/lb., FOBSeeds: i) dried; $0.85/lb., FOB high germ/sprouting
ii) fresh;
iii) organic;Future prospects: Prices up
&nb