Russian Ministry of Agriculture wants to regulate the market of wild-growing resources, including mushrooms, berries, nuts, birch sap, medicinal plants and more, RIA Novosti reports.
According to a respective draft resolution of the government, these natural assets are in high demand in Russia and abroad. The Ministry of Agriculture believes that the industry has a great potential. However, it is not regulated by law.
Last year, the State Duma received a bill that is to amend the Forestry Code. Presumably, members of the public will be able to turn in gathered natural riches to special processing factories and receive income.
At the same time, businesses will be able to invest in the sector to help it develop. Experts estimate that at the moment less than 10% of forest resources are gathered. People will be more eager to gather wild-growing resources if it brings them profit.