Storage of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Licensed Warehouses and Their Trading Potential in the Turkish Mercantile Exchange (TMEX)

Abstract Medicinal and aromatic plants are those used as medicines to prevent diseases, maintain health, or treat illnesses. This study aims to evaluate the storability of medicinal and aromatic plants under appropriate conditions in Licensed Warehouses (LW) in Türkiye and to analyze their potential for trading on the Turkish Mercantile Exchange (TMEX). The increasing use of these plants in phytotherapy, cosmetics, and food industries has made their integration into sustainable agricultural systems strategically important for generating high added value in the economy. Employing a qualitative research design, the study analyzed the storability of these plants by considering their physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics. Furthermore, the level of knowledge regarding current legal regulations and operational practices was examined through semi-structured interviews with 12 LW experts, based on an interview form developed after a literature review. The findings indicate that the current infrastructure, legislation, and storage standards are insufficient for these products. However, with proper drying, packaging, and infrastructural improvements, these products could be traded within the Electronic Warehouse Receipt (EWR) system on TMEX. The study provides guiding insights for policymakers by highlighting the potential to diversify the LW system and create new financing opportunities for producers.