O projektu

The main objective of the QDPAM project (GO QDPAM) is to promote the aromatic and medicinal plant sector at national level by ensuring the quality of its products, whether extracts, essential oils, fresh or frozen plants, or dried leaves. This sector encompasses a wide variety of species and different types of agricultural holdings, giving rise to numerous end products that are processed and transformed in multiple ways. These products are used in a broad range of sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, animal nutrition, perfumery, decoration, plant protection products, dyes, adhesives and glues. As a result, the sector is strongly influenced by technological developments and consumer trends. Aromatic and medicinal plants are particularly important in the food industry, as they provide key components for product formulation and are increasingly used as flavourings, colourings and preservatives, as well as for their antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are attributed, among others, to phenols and phenolic acids. Furthermore, the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants is highly attractive for tourism and offers numerous environmental benefits. However, this considerable diversity can hinder specialisation within the sector, creating competitive barriers at European level despite Spain’s favourable climate and the extensive genetic diversity available in national germplasm banks, including those of leading Spanish research centres, seed suppliers, nurseries and farmers themselves. Many of these genetic resources have already been evaluated and characterised and, in many cases, offer high profitability. Nevertheless, there are no comparative studies between them, nor is there an accessible inventory available to producers. It is important to highlight that active compounds are substances found in different parts of plants. Scientific research has identified a wide range of active compounds, the most important of which include essential oils, alkaloids, glycosides or heterosides, mucilages and gums, and tannins. Plants also contain other relevant active compounds known as essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, carbohydrates and fibres, various sugars, organic acids, lipids and antibiotics. The main phytochemical compounds are responsible for a plant’s properties, but their concentration in the final product—whether oil, extract, dried plant material or fresh plant material—may be influenced by the genetic material used, soil and climatic conditions, and cultivation techniques. For this reason, the project considers these three factors essential to achieving more homogeneous production. The final step in ensuring production quality is to differentiate pure natural plant-based products from lower-cost synthetic alternatives competing on the market. Current labelling does not include specifications indicating their origin, which can lead to consumer confusion and mistrust, as consumers may be unaware of these differences. At the same time, this situation directly reduces the profitability of agricultural production by increasing stocks that cannot find a commercial outlet. Ultimately, the QDPAM project seeks to differentiate and add value to Spanish products derived from the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, while demonstrating their profitability and environmental benefits compared with conventional crops.