About weedingMAPs

WeedingMAPs focuses on strengthening cooperation, expanding knowledge sharing and promoting innovation in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) sector. By providing farmers with accessible training, information and opportunities to exchange experiences on new technologies and non-chemical methods, the initiative supports sustainable development. With a strong interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach, it integrates agricultural, technological and socio-economic perspectives to drive progress throughout the value chain.

The context

Weed management is generally one of the most challenging aspects of crop production. If not managed properly, weeds can be a serious competitor for nutrients, water or light, often leading to lower yields and higher levels of pests and diseases. The medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) sector is particularly affected by weeds because herbal raw materials are strictly standardised according to pharmacopoeia requirements, for example in terms of the level of organic contaminants, pesticides or other toxic residues. This creates many challenges at the cultivation level, but also further down the value chain. There is a strong need to develop an appropriate sustainable weed management strategy for these crop groups, particularly in light of the EU Green Deal, which aims to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030.

The objective

WeedingMAPs aims to promote research and capacity building in the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) sector by fostering collaboration and innovation. Key objectives include developing a common understanding of non-chemical weed management, establishing an international network for knowledge exchange, and facilitating the co-creation of solutions with stakeholders across the value chain. The project also aims to improve knowledge dissemination through farmer associations, training programmes and policy recommendations. By bridging disciplines, supporting early career researchers and strengthening links between knowledge producers and users, the initiative will promote a sustainable, environmentally and economically viable MAP sector across Europe.