Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition Partner:
NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program
Mission & Vision:
With 35 years of history, we are the longest running forest farming program in the country. We help NC farmers and forest landowners build more sustainable and profitable operations through agroforestry. Our research and extension program optimizes existing production systems, and develops promising new forest-farmed crops. We also work with stakeholders and industry to develop and expand markets for locally grown forest products. Our program provides workshops and other educational opportunities,and access to accurate, research based information on production and marketing.
Service Area:
Western North Carolina, NC Piedmont and the Southeast US.
Featured Programs:
The NC State Forest Farming Demonstration Site provides growers, forest landowners, and service providers with opportunities to learn about valuable native woodland botanical species and non-timber forest products suitable for production in our region. Visitors learn about identification, habitat requirements, and management of forest farmed species including woodland botanicals like ramps, goldenseal, bloodroot, and black cohosh, as well as paw paws and wild mushrooms. Access to the site is limited to attendees of scheduled events or by appointment only.
The Western North Carolina (WNC) Woodland Stewards are a group within the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers who are beginning and advanced forest farmers that meet monthly for hands-on programming. NC Extension and Natural Resource Professional trainings are regularly offered as well as scheduled tours, participatory research, and more.
Resources:
Medicinal Herbs and Non-Timber Forest Products
This page exists as a historical archive of the project and a resource for information on non-timber forest products and forest herbs, including: Research, Production Information, Rules and Regulations, Business Information, Plant and Seed Sources, Organizations and Additional Resources and more.
Forest Farming and Ginseng Growing Podcasts on Agroforestry Podcast
Events:
Upcoming Events for New Crops & Organics
Keep a lookout for co-hosted Agroforestry Farm Tours around Western North Carolina, the Annual Grower Buyer Meeting in Mills River, NC, and more.
Links:
https://newcropsorganics.ces.ncsu.edu/
https://www.facebook.com/ncalternativecropsandorganics
https://www.instagram.com/ncaltcrops/
Contacts:
Jeanine Davis
Associate Professor & Extension Specialist
Margaret Bloomquist,
Research Scholar
