SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION OF MEDICINAL HERBS

The concept of development pursued by a modern man must be aligned and balanced with the capacity of the environment, that is, it must be sustainable. Sustainable development is commonly defined as development that meets the needs of the present, and without prejudice to the possibility of future generations to meet their own needs. Failure to comply with the concept of sustainability leads to increasing consumption and waste of natural resources. When all is spent, the development ceases and comes to a major economic crisis. Serbia, thanks to the favourable climate, soil and unpolluted environment, is suitable for intensive cultivation of medicinal plants, and this type of production makes higher profits faster and easier than other agricultural production and as such represents a great opportunity for development, primarily in rural areas in Serbia. In Serbia, there are about 700 species of medicinal and aromatic plants, of which 420 officially registered, and about 270 species in trade. Sustainable development of natural resources of medicinal and aromatic plants is directly dependent on the implementation and improvement of legislation and standards to be harmonized with EU legislation and standards. Regardless of the great opportunities that herbal sector has in the economic system of the country, many resources, especially when it comes to exports, the higher stages of processing and cultivation of medicinal plants (especially the principles of organic agriculture) are not utilized.