Chemical-free Weed Control

This open access book provides insights into the current political and legislative framework within the European Union and in each of its Member States, which may act as drivers or barriers to the implementation of non-chemical management practices and technologies in the production of aromatic and medicinal plants. The book presents the results of research carried out by interdisciplinary teams on non-chemical weed management in medicinal and aromatic plants, as part of the COST CA23123 project, and is of practical interest to students, academics and agroforestry producers. The European Union has a set of strategies for climate and biodiversity, as well as a range of instruments within the Common Agricultural Policy, which are worth analysing in terms of their impact and relationship with the aromatic and medicinal plant sector. Furthermore, it is important to understand the decision-making process at farm level, and this is also addressed in the book. There are a number of factors relating to farmers’ perceptions, technological availability and needs, labour availability, consumer pressures, market functioning and the legislative framework that influence farmers’ decisions. Finally, the book addresses the involvement of stakeholders in the aromatic and medicinal plant sector.