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’s diverse climatic 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.
At the forefront of this development is SRIP Health – 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 – 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.
In parallel to SRIP’s 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.
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.
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’s 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.
The BFC project, which is supported by the Association of Chemical Industry within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, and SRIP Health – Medicine, creates the conditions for tangible progress — 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.
Keywords: medicinal plants, innovation, sustainability, Slovenia, BFC project, SRIP Health – Medicine, natural cosmetics, best practices, Vidov brejg, Bonistra
References:
● SRIP Health – Medicine: https://www.srip-zdravje.si/
● Vidov brejg: https://www.vidovbrejg.eco
● Bonistra: https://www.bonistra.si/
● Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS): https://eng.gzs.si/
● Interreg ADRION Programme: https://www.adrioninterreg.eu
This project is supported by the Interreg IPA ADRION program under the Interreg funds (European Regional Development Fund and IPA III)
Author(s): Jana Bergant, Tatjana Buzeti
Affiliation: SRIP Health – Medicine
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SRIP Health – Medicine 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.
A key milestone is the preparation of guidelines for the development of the medicinal plant sector until 2029, 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.
Two outstanding examples of best practice include:
- Vidov Brejg Organic Farm (Tatjana Buzeti, M.Sc.): an example of the successful transformation of abandoned land into a specialized herb farm that collaborates with research institutions and offers various educational activities.
- Bonistra d.o.o. (Jana Bergant, M.Sc.): a company focused on the distillation of hydrolates and essential oils from indigenous plants for natural cosmetics, as well as training in aromatherapy.
The BFC project (in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and SRIP Health – Medicine) further supports entrepreneurs and researchers by creating favorable conditions for sustainable progress in the use of medicinal plants – with a focus on quality, traceability, safety, and innovation.