{"id":10654,"date":"2025-04-18T09:01:04","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T07:01:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sripzdravje-medicina.si\/?p=10654"},"modified":"2025-04-18T09:01:04","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T07:01:04","slug":"medicinal-plants-slovenias-innovative-potential-for-a-sustainable-economy-and-future-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sripzdravje-medicina.si\/en\/2025\/04\/18\/medicinal-plants-slovenias-innovative-potential-for-a-sustainable-economy-and-future-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Medicinal Plants \u2013 Slovenia\u2019s Innovative Potential for a Sustainable Economy and Future Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Slovenia has a rich natural heritage and a long tradition in the field of medicinal plants, which today represents a significant economic and development potential. The country\u2019s diverse\u00a0climatic and geographical conditions favor the cultivation of a wide range of high-quality aromatic and medicinal plants, making Slovenia a unique player in the development of high value-added products. More than 250 species of medicinal plants thrive in Slovenia, of which around 80 are regularly used commercially. The growing consumption of natural cosmetics and food supplements in the EU offers excellent opportunities for Slovenian producers and processors.<\/p>\n

At the forefront of this development is SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine, a strategic research and innovation partnership that connects companies, research and educational institutions and local producers to create an efficient, innovative and sustainable ecosystem. SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine actively promotes the medicinal plant sector by setting up development groups, supporting knowledge and technology transfer and advocating for better conditions in cultivation and processing.<\/p>\n

In parallel to SRIP\u2019s activities, comprehensive guidelines for the development of medicinal plant science in Slovenia until 2029 have been drawn up. This document sets out the main priorities for the long-term growth of the sector: the establishment of a network of professional support centers, the development of high-quality seedlings and seeds, the introduction of standardized cultivation (GACP) and processing methods (GMP), the promotion of research into bioactive compounds, the digitalisation of processes and the promotion of sustainable business models.<\/p>\n

The Vidov Brejg Organic Farm, managed by Tatjana Buzeti, M. Sc., is a prime example of the successful transformation of fallow land into a specialized herb farm. Women play an important role in the development of herbalism in Slovenia, often as landowners and visionary pioneers of innovative approaches in the sector. Vidov Brejg combines the cultivation of a variety of medicinal plants for culinary and cosmetic use in cooperation with research institutions, the organization of workshops and professional excursions; it also offers participation in demonstration projects that enable direct knowledge transfer and exchange of experience between producers.<\/p>\n

Bonistra d.o.o., managed by Jana Bergant, M. Sc., stands for an entrepreneurial approach to the development of the plant value chain. The company works exclusively with indigenous plants and focuses on the high-quality distillation of hydrolates and essential oils for natural cosmetics. An important part of Bonistra\u2019s activity is training that promotes the development of skills and awareness in the use of aromatherapeutic products. Through its innovative approach and cooperation with international experts, Bonistra actively contributes to the internationalization of Slovenian know-how. Bonistra is also committed to encouraging more farmers in the Istria region to cultivate medicinal plants, recognizing the unique potential of the region and promoting local partnerships for knowledge transfer and sustainable development.<\/p>\n

The BFC project, which is supported by the Association of Chemical Industry within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, and SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine, creates the conditions for tangible progress \u2014 from supporting entrepreneurs and farms to creating a favorable environment for research and innovation. Through coordinated efforts in all sectors, Slovenia is becoming a recognized player in the sustainable use of medicinal plants, with a clear focus on quality, traceability, safety and sustainable innovation.<\/p>\n

Keywords:<\/strong>\u00a0medicinal plants, innovation, sustainability, Slovenia, BFC project, SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine, natural cosmetics, best practices, Vidov brejg, Bonistra<\/p>\n

References:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u25cf SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine:\u00a0https:\/\/www.srip-zdravje.si\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25cf Vidov brejg:\u00a0https:\/\/www.vidovbrejg.eco<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25cf Bonistra:\u00a0https:\/\/www.bonistra.si\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25cf Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS):\u00a0https:\/\/eng.gzs.si\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u25cf Interreg ADRION Programme:\u00a0https:\/\/www.adrioninterreg.eu<\/a><\/p>\n

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This project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION program under the Interreg funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA III)<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author(s): Jana Bergant, Tatjana Buzeti<\/p>\n

Affiliation: SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine<\/p>\n

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SRIP Health \u2013 Medicine<\/strong> actively promotes the development of this sector by connecting companies, research and educational institutions, and local producers. Its activities include the formation of development groups, the transfer of knowledge and technology, and efforts to improve cultivation and processing conditions.<\/em><\/p>\n

A key milestone is the preparation of guidelines for the development of the medicinal plant sector until 2029<\/strong>, which envision the establishment of support centers, the development of high-quality planting material, the introduction of standardized methods (GACP and GMP), the digitalization of processes, and the promotion of sustainable business models.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two outstanding examples of best practice include:<\/em><\/p>\n