Economic evaluation (efficiency) of investment in organically grown immortelle [Helichrysum italicum ssp. italicum] in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first report from Mediterranean

Abstract

The immortelle (Helichrysum italicum /Roth/ G. Don), native to the Mediterranean region grew up and is prevalent on the rockery and rocky grasslands in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The long tradition of growing and collecting the medicinal plants in Herzegovina is the reason of its usage in folk medicine according to its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. In the last decade we witnessed increased interest of the scientific community and the market demand for this ornamental herb, and the present study evaluated two different rows spacing (0.9 x 0.4 m and 0.8 x 0.4 m) to reveal the economic performance of organically grown immortelle. Results of the research for the both organic immortelle planting spaces revealed that they are economically profitable for producers. Sensitivity analysis with 10% lower yields and with the same retail price revealed that investment is economically efficient.

Keywords

• economic evaluation
• immortelle
• investment
• medicinal plant
• organic agriculture