Save the date! These are two days in May that you won’t want to miss!

Location: Kingsport, TN (May 19th) and Duffield, VA (May 20th)

Forest Farming Grower/Industry Expo and Training Event

On May 19, the Forest Farming Grower-Industry Expo and Training event in Kingsport, TN will bring together herb companies, apothecaries, and herbal product makers with experienced and aspiring forest farmers for a day of networking and learning. Panel discussions with forest farmers and buyers will share valuable experiences and advice, and technical training sessions will be offered for all skill and experience levels. Topics will include herb cultivation and propagation techniques, plant conservation, certification, harvest and post harvest handling, value-added production and more. Vendors are encouraged to attend, with a limited number of tables available at no charge.

This is a come one, come all event and we encourage farmers of all experience and readiness levels and businesses of all shapes and sized who are interested in sustainable sourcing of forest botanicals to attend. 

On May 20, a Forest Farmer Field Day will be held in Duffield, VA. It will start with a tour of the Appalachian Harvest herb hub and a discussion on the economics of cultivating forest-grown medicinal herbs. After a catered lunch, attendees will tour forest farmer Ryan Huish’s farm, learning about his plans for cultivating forest herbs, along with plant identification and information on site selection and more. The tour will include a mildly strenuous hike through diverse forest ecosystems.

Participants can choose to attend either or both days. These events are sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Development and partners in the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition; additional sponsorships are welcome.

Price:

The May 19 Expo is $15 for the day. This includes the entire agenda with continental breakfast, Grower/Buyer panel, lunch, and afternoon training sessions. Farmers, buyers who wish to have table space at the expo will be given an option to reserve during registration. Tables are first come, first served. A $20 contribution toward the meals and catering for this 1-day event is suggested.

The May 20 Forest farmer field day is $15 and includes the entire day of site visits, and lunch.

Check out the draft agenda HERE

Registration is open HERE

Contact hollykc@vt.edu with any questions.

We hope to see you at these events!