Non-timber forest products – like mushrooms, ramps, ginseng, and medicinal herbs – are a growing part of the forest economy. $39.7 million in these types of products were sold from Central Appalachian forests in 2007 alone! The "Goods from the Woods" conference, sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Development and Rural Action, will offer information and expertise on finding, cultivating, harvesting and marketing these lucrative crops. Here's the scoop from ASD:
Goods from the Woods Conference Set for October
Learn how you can become a forest farmer by attending "Goods from the Woods: Income Opportunities from the Forest Understory." This full-day conference, sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Development and Rral Action, will take place on October 14th at the Slater Center in Bristol, TN. Whether you have one acre or one hundred, come learn about new and expanding economic opportunities for growing forest foods and botanicals. Sessions will cover cultivation techniques for ginseng and goldenseal, shiitake mushrooms, elderberries, ramps and more. Lunch will be provided and attendees will get to sample forest crops such as shiitake mushrooms and pawpaws. There is no cost to attend. Please call the ASD office to register at 276-623-1121.
