The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) has, since 1997, conducted quantitative surveys to estimate annual harvests of certain native North American herbs in commerce. A new paper reporting survey data on both cultivated and wild harvests of over 41 commodities for the years 2011-2013, and 45 commodities for 2014-2017, is the focus of an upcoming webinar featuring AHPA staff scientists and the chair of its Botanical Raw Materials Committee.
Plant species were selected for inclusion in the surveys based on their use in herbal products and their status as wild harvested commodities, for at least some part of their market. The survey has expanded over the years to include additional species and commodities, and the format continues to evolve with the incorporation of new elements. For example, for the years 2014-2017, data was solicited on certified organic quantities of each for the 45 surveyed raw material commodities.
Data reported represents aggregate harvest quantities for specific commodities provided to AHPA by primary raw material producers who are collectors, aggregators, distributors, or suppliers of botanical raw materials.
Product manufacturers, ingredient companies, and primary suppliers of raw materials have a vested interest in continuing the harvest of plants in a sustainable manner that assures their use by generations to come. According to the Fish and Wildlife Service of the U.S. Department of the Interior, AHPA’s Tonnage Survey is “a vital index of native U.S. botanical consumption."
Presenters
- Holly Chittum, Project Scientist, AHPA
- Edward Fletcher, President, Native Botanicals, Inc. & Chair, AHPA Botanical Raw Materials Committee
- Holly Johnson, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, AHPA
Materials/Handouts
- Presenter slides
- Presenter biographies
Cost
- Members: $0
- Non-Members: $199