Important Facts of the News
- Minister John Steenhuisen approved recognition of indigenous crops and medicinal plants as agricultural products.
- The sector’s estimated worth is around R12 billion annually.
- The decision falls under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (Act No. 47 of 1996).
- Medicinal plants trade in South Africa is valued at R3 billion per year.
- Indigenous crops contribute nearly R9 billion, around 2% of total agricultural output.
- South Africa’s overall agricultural output stands at about R450 billion annually.
- The list of declared products was first published in 1997 and has undergone multiple updates.
- New recognition allows stakeholders to apply for statutory measures such as levies and registration.
- Examples of local medicinal plants include Buchu, Sutherlandia, Aloe Vera, and African Potato.
- The National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) estimates this inclusion will formalise a previously informal sector.
Indigenous Crops and Medicinal Plants Gain National Status
South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, has formally added indigenous crops and medicinal plants to the list of declared agricultural products. This move opens up an emerging economic sector valued at nearly R12 billion per year, bringing it under national legislation for the first time.
Approved on 21 July 2025, the new classification ensures these products are now governed under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, 1996 (MAP Act). The amendment was initiated following requests from stakeholders in the agricultural sector who sought official recognition and regulatory support for indigenous produce.
Unlocking Economic and Cultural Potential
According to the National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC), indigenous crops and medicinal plants together contribute less than 3% of the nation’s R450 billion annual agricultural output. Despite this small share, the industry holds vast growth potential, with medicinal plants alone estimated to generate around R3 billion each year—mostly through informal trade outside the formal GDP framework.
Minister Steenhuisen stated that the government aims to create a fair and modern agricultural environment. “For generations, communities trading in traditional medicines and native crops have operated outside formal systems. This change brings them recognition, structure and an opportunity for sustainable livelihoods,” he noted.
Modernising Agricultural Legislation
The Minister emphasised that outdated laws have limited innovation and the introduction of modern technologies. He said the updated framework would make it easier to incorporate new practices, improve crop yields and enhance profitability within the agricultural economy.
Diverse Indigenous Crops Recognised
Indigenous crops include those native to South Africa as well as those naturalised over time. They are categorised into three main groups: grains, fruits and vegetables. Among grains, millet and Bambara groundnut are common examples. Indigenous fruit crops include marula, wild apricot, wild plum, sour plum and raisin bush. Root and leafy vegetables such as cassava, amadumbe, marama bean, cleome and amaranth are also included in the list.
Medicinal Plants of South Africa
The country is home to a rich range of medicinal plants used for generations in traditional healthcare. Key examples include Buchu, valued for urinary and digestive remedies; Hoodia, known for appetite control; Sutherlandia, used as an immune booster; Devil’s Claw, with anti-inflammatory properties; Aloe vera, widely applied for skin and digestive health; African Wormwood, recognised for treating fevers and coughs; African Potato, known for immune support; Hooded Pelargonium, used for respiratory conditions; and Wilde Als, used to relieve digestive ailments.
Legal Framework to Strengthen the Sector
With their new recognition, representative bodies for these crops and plants can now seek statutory measures such as levies, registrations and returns under sections 15, 18 and 19 of the MAP Act. Each application will undergo review to ensure compliance with legislative standards before receiving ministerial approval.
These statutory measures will help the sector raise funds, enhance organisation and develop infrastructure, ultimately generating employment and economic empowerment within South Africa’s rural communities.