Speaker & Session Announcement: 2026 Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference

The Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition and conference planning team are thrilled to share the 2026 Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference list of speakers and sessions to date.

Whether you are a seasoned woodland grower, an educator, a researcher, an industry representative, or just beginning a forest farming journey, this conference program brings together voices from across the Appalachians and beyond to share insights on conservation, cultivation, market trends, history, ecology, and community. 

Keep an eye on the conference webpage for updates and more information as we are adding more speakers and topics, and finalizing pre-conference opportunities, in the coming weeks. Accommodation, camping information, and new sponsors have recently been added. 

Thank you for your interest, please reach out to our planning team with any questions:

margaret_bloomquist@ncsu.edu for program, sponsor, and exhibitor inquiries. 

info@appalachianforestfarmers.org for all other conference questions and suggestions.

Early Bird Deadline Extended!

Register by Friday, August

7th to lock in the $249

Early Bird rate.

Keynote Speakers

• Opening Keynote: Graham Rigby – American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)

• Evening Keynote: Elspeth Hay – The Local Food Report and Feed Us with Trees

  
  

Conference Programming

• Pre conference Opportunities

• Gather to Grow Youth Track

• Forest Farming Expo

• Poster Sessions

• Book Signings

  
  

Featured Conference Panels

• Rooted In and Branching Out: Forest Farming History, Culture, and Traditional Practices

• Industry Growth & Networking: Supply Chains, Certification, and Workforce Development

• Barriers to Forest Farming: Profitability, Land Access, and Underserved Communities

• Growing Opportunities Under the Canopy: Experienced Forest Farmers Discuss Realities and Opportunities

  
  

****Early Bird Discount ($249) ends August 7th. Titles and schedules are subject to change. Additional speakers, workshop details, and pre-conference registration links will be released soon!