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Indigenous Crops and Medicinal Plants Officially Recognized

11/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 21, 2025, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen approved recognizing indigenous crops and medicinal plants as declared agricultural products.
The decision relies on the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act and formalizes a sector valued at R12 billion annually.
The National Agricultural Marketing Council estimates traditional medicinal plants contribute R3 billion and indigenous crops R9 billion, with legislation allowing future statutory measures.

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Story summary

On July 21, 2025, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen approved recognizing indigenous crops and medicinal plants as declared agricultural products.
The decision relies on the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act and formalizes a sector valued at R12 billion annually.
The National Agricultural Marketing Council estimates traditional medicinal plants contribute R3 billion and indigenous crops R9 billion, with legislation allowing future statutory measures.