Determinants of growing herbs in polish agriculture

Abstract

Abstract The paper describes basic determinants of the medical plant cultivation in Polish agriculture. The author discussed economic background of the introduction of these plants indicating the role of pharmaceutical industry in herb usage. Then, there is a presentation of results of the survey study carried out among farmers from the Wielkopolska region. Approximately 10% of the farms cultivate medicinal plants but more than 50% declare some interest in this kind of production, what indicates a big potential. Farmers think that herbs are economically attractive crops if the sale is guaranteed and the price is satisfactory. The demand for medicinal plants is developing and expanding for e.g. dietary supplements and other health-promoting products. Therefore, it can be concluded that cultivation of medicinal plants is the prospective direction of agricultural production and an important element of additional income of Polish farmers.