Tehran – Iran has launched major investments in medicinal plant processing facilities, while also consolidating its role in the international olive sector through new institutional and scientific achievements, a senior agriculture official said.

 

Mohammad Mehdi Boroumandi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Horticultural Affairs, announced that large-scale medicinal plant refineries with investments exceeding €100 million have begun operation or development across the country as part of a strategic push to diversify agricultural production.

 

He said the initiative reflects Iran’s response to climate change, water scarcity, and rising global demand for medicinal and herbal products, adding that the sector has been formally prioritized in national agricultural planning.

 

Boroumandi also pointed to recent gains in horticultural exports, noting that restrictions on flower and ornamental plant exports have been significantly eased over the past two years, while pistachio exports saw strong growth in the previous year.

 

On international engagement, he said Iran has assumed the presidency of the International Olive Council after two decades and has established the fourth International Olive Collection in the northern province of Gilan, marking a notable scientific and agricultural milestone.

 

He added that olives have for the first time been classified as a strategic commodity within Iran’s pricing and support system, a move aimed at strengthening investment and long-term sector development.