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.
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.
“Outdated legislation is a hindrance to the rapid absorption of new technologies, remedies, practices and innovations—which are essential if we are to improve yield, health and profitability in the agricultural sector,” he noted.
“It should be noted that most of this value does not enter the formal trade, and therefore, is an addition to the GDP. It is estimated that indigenous crops might account for about 2% of the country’s total agricultural production, which means the monetary value for this produce is likely R9bn.”
The DoA explained that the existing list of declared agricultural products, first published in 1997, has been amended a number of times to reflect evolving industry dynamics.
Indigenous crops include both species native to South Africa and those naturalised over time, spanning grains, fruits and vegetables.
Francois Rossouw, the CEO of Southern African Agri Initiative (Saai), welcomed the minister’s decision, calling it a “significant step” toward unlocking economic opportunities, bolstering rural livelihoods, and strengthening food and nutrition security.
“This recognition is a significant step towards unlocking the estimated R12bn potential of this sector, supporting rural livelihoods, and enhancing food and nutrition security,” Rossouw said.
“Indigenous crops are well-suited to local conditions, require fewer inputs, and can diversify both diets and income streams for smallholder farmers.”
However, Rossouw cautioned that limited research, low consumer awareness and weak market infrastructure continue to constrain the sector.
“Many indigenous crops remain underutilised due to limited awareness, lack of research, and insufficient market infrastructure. Farmers may face difficulties accessing reliable markets, quality seeds, and extension support tailored to these crops. There is also a risk that without proper regulation and support, the commercialisation of indigenous plants could lead to overharvesting or loss of traditional knowledge,” he said.
“To truly unlock growth, we need targeted investment in research, farmer training, and market development, as well as policies that protect both biodiversity and the interests of smallholder producers. With the right support, this sector can play a transformative role in South African agriculture.”
Dawee Maree, head of agriculture information and marketing at FNB South Africa, noted that the declaration enables producers to organise under statutory measures, which could help develop niche markets
However, he emphasised that the sector remains relatively small within the broader agricultural industry.
“Although there is potential for these crops to develop, it is still very limited in the bigger agricultural industry. However, with support from the NAMC and government, producers of these crops can develop markets, even if it is niche markets. In the end, growth and development will depend on the market and consumers’ willingness to buy the products,” Maree said.
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