Spain strengthens its medicinal and essential oil crops sector

Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has officially recognized the Interprofessional Organization for Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (Interpam), which will now represent the sector’s interests before the Spanish government and European Union institutions. The decision is expected to strengthen one of Europe’s leading essential oil and medicinal plant industries, which has faced growing competition and increasingly stringent regulations in recent years.

Along with France and Bulgaria, Spain is one of Europe’s leading producers of essential oils. The country cultivates lavender, lavandin, rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, mint, and chamomile. Spain is also the world’s largest producer of spike lavender essential oil. Annual exports of Spanish essential oils exceed €200 million, with France, the Netherlands, Italy, and the United States remaining the country’s main export markets.

One of Interpam’s primary objectives will be to defend producers’ interests as EU legislation on chemicals and crop protection products becomes more stringent. The sector aims to safeguard the status of natural essential oils, as naturally occurring compounds such as linalool could become subject to stricter regulatory requirements. The organization will also coordinate the industry’s position during discussions of new EU legislation in Brussels.

In addition to representing the sector, Interpam will work to improve market transparency, strengthen product traceability systems, and promote sustainable cultivation and harvesting practices for medicinal plants. The organization is also expected to participate in European research programs focused on developing drought-tolerant varieties, advancing biological crop protection, and improving energy-efficient essential oil extraction technologies.

The Spanish government expects that Interpam’s official recognition will enhance the global competitiveness of Spanish products at a time when lower-priced synthetic alternatives and imports from Asia are gaining market share. The organization also plans to develop national quality standards, protect the origin of Spanish products, and promote them across markets in the Americas and Asia.

Tags: Spain, essential oils