What's the Future of Sage?

Continued from Yesterday

Future Outlook

There is little specific information concerning the current market statistics for sustainable harvesting of sage. There are certified operators marketing organic wild-collected sage from European countries which requires implementation and inspection of sustainable wild-resource management plans. The European Herb Growers Association (EUROPAM) 2010 update on production of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Europe, although not specific, indicates that commercial cultivation increased in Bulgaria while wild collection decreased; that sage remains one of the main medicinal herbs produced in Germany; and that it is still cultivated in Romania and in Greece in cooperatives.31

According to one source, Albania has traditionally been one of the world’s leading sage producers.32 It is one of Albania’s most important MAPS exports and, in 2001, 1500 tons were exported with a market value of about $2.5 million (USD).

The US imports sage leaf tracked under the 10-digit Harmonized System Tariff Code (HS Code: 1211.9091.50). In 2009, the US imported 2,294.5 metric tons (MT), down 21% from 2008 imports of 2,909.1 MT, over 55% of which is exported by Albania.33 After Albania, the second-largest supplier of sage leaf to the US is Germany. Although Germany is a producer of sage leaf, much of the German exports are likely re-exports of sage leaf originally from southeastern European countries (J. Brinckmann, e-mail, January 17, 2011).

Previous records indicate that worldwide production equaled 35 tons of sage essential oil in 1993, which was valued at $1,800,000.00.34 Morocco produced 124.5 tons of dried leaves for export in 1993, but only 81.4 tons in 1996.35

Turkey is one of the most important sage-producing countries of the world. Due to overcollection of the herb in the wild that was posing a risk to native populations, a 2-year field study was undertaken to determine which of a number of methods would produce the best seedling quality for commercial cultivation of the plant.36 The greenhouse seedbed method proved best because it resulted in the most vigorous seedling development and highest total fresh- and dry-weight herb production. A modified float system produced superior root development and less lateral root damage during transplantation. The authors stated that this was only preliminary data and that further studies were required to elucidate cultural requirements of S. officinalis.

References

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