Steenhuisen approves declaration of indigenous crops and medicinal plants

MINISTER of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has formally approved the inclusion of indigenous crops and medicinal plants in the list of declared agricultural products, a move he says will unlock the economic potential of a long-marginalised sector valued at an estimated R12 billion a year.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) confirmed that the approval, granted on 21 July 2025, follows a request from stakeholders within the agricultural industry.

The newly recognised products will now fall under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, enabling producers to benefit from statutory measures and structured market development.

According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), indigenous crops and medicinal plants currently contribute less than 3% to South Africa’s annual agricultural output, which stands at approximately R450bn.

Of the R12bn estimated value, about R3bn is attributed to traditional medicinal plants—much of which circulates informally and is not captured in GDP—while indigenous crops account for roughly R9bn, or 2% of total production.

Steenhuisen said the declaration marks an overdue shift for communities who cultivate, harvest and trade in traditional medicines and indigenous foods.

“With this legislative change, we are granting dignity, recognition and a path to prosperity.”

He added that modernising agricultural legislation is essential to supporting innovation, new technologies and practices that bolster yields, health and profitability across the sector.