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Since its inception in 2014, one of the primary missions of the Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition has been to create, host, and maintain a comprehensive clearinghouse of forest farming information and resources. This initiative aims to empower future, beginning, and current forest farmers by providing peer to peer knowledge sharing and tools needed to increase success. The coalition recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities that forest farming presents, and it is committed to fostering a supportive community that encourages sustainable practices and economic viability in forest farming. With a collection of over 200 forest farming videos, a dedicated following of 29K subscribers, and nearly 4 million total views, eXtension Forest Farming in collaboration with the AFFC has established a robust forest farming video library. This resource is designed not only to educate but also to inspire and connect forest farmers across Appalachia and beyond. Each video and playlist provides insights, tips, and ideas that can help forest farmers optimize their practices and enhance their productivity. These videos and the practices shown are based on peer to peer knowledge sharing, and what is working for other forest farmers. ​ This  YouTube channel serves as a resource for those seeking detailed information on forest farming basics , which encompasses the fundamental principles of cultivating and managing forested land for various purposes. Additionally, it covers a diverse range of non-timber forest products (commonly referred to as "NTPFs"), which include items such as mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and specialty woods. The channel also delves into the various markets, products, and business models associated with these sustainably harvested forest-farmed crops, sharing knowledge needed to navigate this growing sector effectively. ​ Along with exploring this extensive video library, we invite you to dive into the many other forest farming resources available on this website. These resources are designed to complement the video content and provide further insights into the practices and principles of forest farming. We encourage you to join our forest farming community , where like-minded individuals come together to share experiences, ideas, and support one another in their forest farming journeys. Furthermore, you can learn more about  regional groups and partners  in your area, which can provide localized support and networking opportunities. Together, we can cultivate a thriving forest farming community that benefits both the environment and the economy. Be sure to check our channel, or subscribe for updates and new forest farming videos, presentations, and webinars. For live and in person events, visit our Community Forest Farming Calendar and be sure to check out our Partner Organizations for regional events and farm tour demonstrations. Learn more about the national agroforestry peer to peer knowledge exchange on CatalyzingAgroforestry.org .

Bring the forest to the farm or the farm to the forest? Agroforestry faces a dichotomy Key ideas from the Mongabay article from Marlowe Starling 23 June 2025, British Columbia A new comment article published in Nature Climate Change makes the case for more forest-based agroforestry — integrating crops into existing forests — as an underutilized climate and livelihood solution. The authors find that there’s a noticeable lack of funding for forest-based methods compared to field-based agroforestry, in which trees are added to pasture and croplands, which they say has led to missed opportunities for carbon storage and biodiversity. A lack of consensus and understanding on how to define agroforestry is another factor in the misalignment of intentions and outcomes of agroforestry as a climate solution. The authors call on policymakers and scientists to fund and study forest-based agroforestry methods with more rigor, especially in places where people depend on rural livelihoods such as agriculture. Read the article here: https://news.mongabay.com/2025/06/bring-the-forest-to-the-farm-or-the-farm-to-the-forest-agroforestry-faces-a-dichotomy/ Nuu-chah-nulth forest garden in Nuchatlaht Hahoulthi, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, with Pacific crabapple (Malus fusca), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), salal (Gaultheria shallon), and other edible, medicinal and handicraft plant species. These Indigenous forest garden systems have been managed over substantial periods of time through long-distance transplanting of plant material, controlled burning, weeding, fertilizing, coppicing and pruning. Image by Chelsey Geralda Armstrong.

Keeping forests on the agroforestry agenda "Emerging agroforestry initiatives focus on planting trees rather than managing existing forestland. The result is a missed opportunity to support forest ecosystems, rural livelihoods and climate mitigation." This study from May 2025 was co-authored by a group of researchers including Karam Sheban of Northeast Forest Farming Coalition , and John Munsell, AFFC Director . The study paper is available as a pdf document at the link below (file will download). Link to the Nature Climate Change Journal article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-025-02344-8 Yale School of the Environment article Agriculture in Forests Can Provide Climate and Economic Dividends "Forest-based agroforestry can restore forests, promote livelihoods, and combat climate change, but initiatives focusing only on tree planting are leading to missed opportunities to support the beneficial outcomes of forest management, a Yale-led team of scientists found." Read the full article on Yale School of the Environment news page.

Join us for the 2025 Southern Ohio Forest Farming Conference, a weekend-long immersive event that unites both novice and seasoned forest farmers, professionals, and natural product entrepreneurs from around the region, and beyond.   Attendees will delve into forest farming topics such as cultivating, conserving, harvesting, and marketing a variety of species like mushrooms, goldenseal, and elderberry. The conference will also emphasize small business development, marketing, value-added strategies, and exploring agritourism as a means to diversify income and engage the public with forest-based enterprises. ​ Enjoy hands-on learning, inspiring speakers, and networking opportunities in the heart of Appalachian Ohio, at the beautiful United Plant Savers Botanical Sanctuary and Center for Medicinal Plant Conservation. Whether you're just beginning or expanding your horizons, this conference will provide you with the tools, connections, and knowledge to grow sustainably. Check the page linked below for updates including conference schedule, speaker bios, registration deadlines, travel information and more.