"Steenhuisen's Policy Elevates Indigenous Crops and Medicinal Plants in SA"

South Africas Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen has officially recognized indigenous crops and medicinal plants as agricultural products, potentially boosting the national economy by R12 billion annually.

• Under the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, indigenous crops and medicinal plants will now be classified as agricultural products, enhancing their marketability in South Africa.
• This policy aims to support the traditional medicine sector by promoting the use of local medicinal plants, fostering sustainable agricultural practices among the indigenous peoples of the Americas and South Africa.
• The recognition of these crops could significantly contribute to the gross domestic product, with estimates suggesting an annual economic injection of up to R12 billion.