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Forest Farming: In Focus A Deeper Dive 2022 Winter Webinar Series Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2022 winter webinar series! ​ While this webinar series might be over, the ABFFC and our partners are working on the next series! Please become a member, join our FB group or reach out to tell us what you think, and what kinds of forest farming topics you would like to see next! ​ Scroll down this page to find all webinar resources for this series! -Pre webinar resource pdfs (101 level & basics) -Webinar recordings -Presentation slides ​ Click here to view all recorded webinars (on YouTube)! About our 2022 Winter Webinar Series "Forest Farming In Focus" is a series of 5 winter webinars that are designed to be a deeper dive into forest farming species, topics and practices. ​ ABFFC and our partners have joined forces to create this special webinar series for experienced forest farmers* who want to dive deeper into common non-timber forest products and expand their understanding of forest farming species and practices. ​ Each webinar in this series will bring together experts in the field, experienced forest farmers, and learning resources for our topic. Together we will explore forest farming species and practices, as well as engage in discussions with experienced forest farmers with years of expertise. ​ *While these webinars are more in-depth than most of our beginner level website resources, we invite beginner forest farmers, and those who are less familiar with these species to review our pre webinar resources to learn about the basics prior to each event. ​ ​ Saps & Syrups "Tree Saps & Syrups 201: A Deeper Tap into Species, Processes, and Products" Kate Fotos of Future Generations University Britney Hervey Farris of Family Roots Farm Rachel Taylor of Frostmore Farm Missy Moyers-Jarrells of Laurel Fork Sapsuckers Webinar Presentation Slides (pdf) Syrups - Pre Webinar Resource (pdf) Ramps "Digging Deeper into Ramp Forest Farming" Eric Burkhart of Penn State University Steve Schwartz of Delaware Valley Ramps Ramps - Pre Webinar Resource (pdf) Ramps- Presentation Slides Goods from the Woods - Delaware Valley Ramps Fungi Beyond the Basics: Forest Farming Fungi Hannah Hemmelgarn of University of Missouri Tradd Cotter of Mushroom Mountain Rick Felumlee of Mayapple Farms Fungi - Pre Webinar Resource (pdf) Ginseng "Digging deeper into ginseng forest farming" Eric Burkhart of Penn State University Ed & Carole Daniels, Shady Grove Botanicals Anna Plattner & Justin Wexler, Wild Hudson Valley Ginseng - Pre Webinar Resource (pdf) Ginseng Webinar Slides (pdf) Goldenseal "How to make money growing Goldenseal and other NTFPs" ​ Jeanine Davis and Margaret Bloomquist of North Carolina State University Joe from "up the creek" in the High Country of Western North Carolina ​ Goldenseal - Pre Webinar Resource (pdf) Presented by:

Forest Farming Non-Timber Forest Products The suite of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is quite vast but is contingent upon regional climate and forest type. These videos are meant to provide detailed information on a variety of NTFPs, including their natural ecosystem, methods of propagation, and harvest times. ​ Intro Edibles Medicinals Syrups Craft & Decorations Seeds & Plant Stock Other NTFPs We have over 150 forest farming videos! Be sure to check out & subscribe to our YouTube channel. intro What are NTFPs? Simply put, NTFPs are non-timber forest products . NTFPs are a growing category of products that are grown and harvested from the forest. Though forest farming practices sometimes require canopy control through thinning or selective cutting for health and light, in general, NTFPs are non timber species and products that grow under the trees. NTFPs can be sustainably harvested species like ramps (Allium tricoccum ), or even stages of certain species like American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius ) leaf, root, or seeds. The specialized species, products and harvests are as unique as each forest and farmer. No two are exactly the same. Many of these species can then be processed for wholesale or become value added products , which increases the price point and reaches different markets. ​ A key tenant of forest farming is to identify, cultivate, steward and harvest these NTFPS under the forest canopy. Many NTFP species might be naturally occuring, and others might need to be introduced, and many of these crops can take many years to establish and reach harvestable size/age. However, forest farming relies on forest's unique ecology to provide the ideal habitat for many forest species that can't be grown in other ways, and can eventually become a valuable and sustainable resource for personal use and side income for the long term. ​ There are a few general categories of NTFPs: edible and medicinal plants, edible and medicinal mushrooms, non-timber tree crops like nuts, fruits and tree saps and syrups, traditional crafts and decorations, seed nursery and planting stock, and others. ​ Explore the page below to learn more about NTFP species and how they are the backbone of forest farming. Please be sure to explore our youtube channel , and if you have forest farming questions, you can ask them in our FB page or group , or attend an event for networking and hands-on learning. Edibles Forest Farming Edibles Medicinals Forest Farming Medicinals Syrups Forest Farming Syrups Nursery Forest Farming Seeds & Plant Stock Othe NTFPs Other Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Crafts Forest Farming Crafts & Decor

Forest Farming Online Resources & Training These online resources cover information, compliance and training that can help you build your forest farming project into a productive side income or into a full-on viable business. ​ From alternative crops, to "Good Manufacturing Practice", to hands-on training and grant resources, each topic is important to understand in order to get a full picture of what is required to create a successful forest farm business. Forest Farming Webinars Non-timber Forest Product 2014 Webinar Series From Ginseng to Mushrooms: Goodies from your Woods Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied New Forest Farming Resources! Virtual Resources and Videos Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program VFLEP on YouTube Channel ForestHer NC Youtube Channel Legacy Planning Regional Groups West Virginia Forest Farming Initiative FDA " Small Entity Compliance Guide: Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements" - DEC 2010 ​ American Herbal Product Association Good Agricultural and Collection Practices ​ ​ Northern Region New England Extension Food Safety Consortium Training and Education opportunities in the NE ​ Penn State Extension Food Safety, Food Entrepreneurs courses and resources ​ Southern Region NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program Jeanine Davis, NC Extension, Non-timber Forest Products, Ramps, Medicinal Herbs publications and videos. ​ Bionetwork Continuing Education ​ Small Business Technology Development Center Business planning and economic resources for Natural Products small businesses ​

Oh dear. ​ This is 40forest error. Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. - John Muir Back to Homepage

ABFFC Membership Through your participation and support, the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition can provide free access to many resources for forest farming and agroforestry, and an ever growing network of support though partners , communities , technical assistance and essential training to forest farmers like you. ​ We promise to protect your information, and privacy. Please read through our privacy policy for more information about how we use your survey answers for demographic purposes only, and to better connect to our members through events, regional conferences and hands on training. Member Become a Member (it's free!) Help us improve and expand the coalition by filling out our short membership survey! We promise to protect your information and privacy . Membership Sign-up Membership Benefits Hands-on Training & Support Hands-on workshops on all aspects of operations: choosing and preparing a site, management planning, organic production and certification, forest grown verification, best handling and processing practices, value added production techniques, forest farming business planning and record keeping.​ Unique opportunities to see value-added facilities and productive forest farms. Forest Farming Resources This coalition clearinghouse website houses a wide array of online and video resources for forest farmers on diverse topics from industry basics to cultivation to value added production and beyond. The coalition will also help link members to free and reduced rate seed distribution programs and house an equipment share forum to assist growers in accessing tools for harvest and processing. Bi-annual Appalachian Forest Farmer Chronicle. Connecting and Networking Growers Forest farmer and industry stakeholder meetings will offer opportunities for growers to connect with buyers, organic certifiers, representatives from verification and other labeling programs. ​Growing communities full of folks interested in all aspects of forest farming and every skill level. Regional Technical Assistance Network Forest farmer to forest farmer mentorship program. Access to university extension and other agency personnel for FAQs and assistance with site and habitat management planning. Forest Farming Community Newsletter Join our email list to be one of the first to receive our seasonal Forest Farming Footnotes newsletter, which brings together the best of our regional partners, trainings, events, forest farming classifieds, and regional happenings! Other ways to support the Coalition! J oin our email list Share the word about ABFFC Ask about forest farming Learn more about forest farming in our video library Participate in our forest farming community on Facebook Check out our Forest Farming Footnotes newsletter and archive Attend online or in person events and trainings Fill out a survey , which helps inform our resources, and future projects Follow ABFFC on Facebook and Instagram Read and share our newsletter

Community Forest Farming Calendar The ABFFC calendar features training, workshops, webinars and regional events, from the ABFFC as well as our partners . Please like and follow our Facebook page to keep up to date about online learning opportunities from our partners! Help us bring the future of forest farming to your area by becoming a member and filling out our quick membership survey so that we can learn more about your forest farming interests and needs. Forest Farming Office Hours 2024 Forest Farming Conference, Roanoke VA View Past Events Community Forest Farming Calendar View Past Events

Catalyzing A groforestry Grant Program Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition (ABFFC) and Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Assisting Agroforestry Grant Program! ​ The application review for round two projects is April 1st, 2024 and applicants will be notified of decisions in May, followed by application consultation. Rolling applications will continue after that date. ​ Apply now! L earn more about the Edwards Mother Earth Foundation. Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grants Program is an initiative funded by Edwards Mother Earth Foundation (EMEF) that is managed by Virginia Tech University in partnership with Rural Action, Appalachian Sustainable Development, North Carolina State University and SilvoCulture. Direct financial support is available through the program for farmers who seek to join our effort to mitigate climate change through use of agroforestry applications. Agroforestry practices sequester carbon, sustain productive and healthy farms and forests, protect water quality, regenerate soils, and enhance biodiversity. Read about Edwards Mother Earth Foundation's commitment to agroforestry here . The Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program is a competitive grants program focused on implementing the following agroforestry practices: Alley cropping, Forest farming, Riparian forest buffers, Silvopasture, Urban food forest, and Windbreaks. The ultimate goal of the effort is to increase ecosystem sustainability and diversity by scaling up agroforestry practices. To achieve this goal, assistance is available for selected projects through regional partners, management of funds and technical assistance. The program will also develop an Agroforestry Regional Knowledge (ARK) Exchange that serves as a framework for future growth of agroforestry adoption. The ARK Exchange will support ecocultural learning, workforce development, and networking of producer peers, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and governmental and nongovernmental partners. ​ The program will provide up to $1500/acre for all field-based agroforestry practices (alley cropping, riparian forest buffers, silvopasture, urban food forests, and windbreaks), depending on project scale and scope. For forest farming, the program will provide up to $1,000 for 1/4 acre and up to $500/acre for site preparation depending on project scale and scope. To enhance shared learning, producers who receive s upport will share successes and lessons-learned with their peers and other interested stakeholders. Minority, female, Indigenous farmers and tribal nations, LGBTQ+, socially/economically disadvantaged, and/or veteran farmers are highly encouraged to apply. Agroforestry assistance is available to producers in all States except Alaska. Applications are accepted at any time following the release of this announcement. Application review for round two projects is April 1st 2024 and applicants will be notified of decisions in May, followed by application consultation. Rolling applications will continue after that date. If a proposed project is deemed feasible, funding will be provided at a rate suitable to support completion. Direct questions to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech. Virginia Tech requires a W-9(or W-8 for foreign nationals) for agroforestry project reimbursements. ​ Agroforestry Grant Program applicants can learn more about agroforestry and practice s here ! Apply CATALYZING AGROFORESTRY GRA NTS PROGRAM Information and Application Instructions To apply for agroforestry assistance, please complete and submit the below application and associated worksheet. To learn more about the project, please read the summary above and send questions to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech ( iancn@ vt.edu ) . ​ Read more about agroforestry practices here . Appl ication Instructions **Please read before applying!** We are dedicated to making this application process accessible to all interested producers, including those with limited internet and technology access. Please choose the best application method. Be sure to fill out both parts: the application and budget worksheet to the best of your ability, and include supporting documentation. Print Applications ​ You may download and print and fill the application and budget worksheet , and return by email or mail. Please email all applications, worksheet and associated documents to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech (iancn@vt.edu ) with the following subject line: 2024 CAGP Application - [Your name] 2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Assistance Application & Worksheet (please fill & return both parts) 2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Assistance Application - 9 pages (pdf) 2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Time and Budget Worksheet - 2 pages (pdf) ​ Please note: Your CAGP application will not be complete until both the form and budget worksheet have been submitted. Online Application Please use the google forms below to submit your application (Gmail account required). After completion you may upload your supporting documentation directly to the google form, or email your supporting documentation to Ian Nichols at Virginia Tech ( iancn@v t.edu ) with the following subject line: 2024 CAGP Application - [Your name]. ​ Please note: Your CAGP application will not be complete until both the form and budget worksheet have been submitted. 2024 Catalyzing Agroforestry Online Application Thank you for your interest in Catalyzing Agroforestry! Catalyzing Agroforestry Grant Program - FAQs

Technical Service Providers In June 2021, the West Virginia Forest Farming Initiative, in partnership with Appalachian Beginning Forest Farming Coalition, hosted an online training for Technical Service Providers called, Forest Farming Training for Natural Resource Professionals: Capacity for Landowner Assistance. Below are the links to the recorded sessions and pre-recorded videos that were part of the training. Forest Farming 101: Introduction to Growing & Marketing Non-Timber Forest Products 51 minutes - Instructor: Tanner Filyaw* This presentation provides an introductory overview of common forest farming methods, as well as market options for producers. Commonly Produced Forest Botanicals 40 minutes - Instructor: Robin Suggs** In this presentation we explore some of the more commonly produced eastern North American NTFPs used in the botanical trade. Topics include general range, site and habitat requirements along with information regarding their chief uses and markets. Introduction to Site Assessment & Evaluation 60 minutes - Instructor: Tanner Filyaw* This presentation will provide a more in depth discussion of site selection and evaluation, and compare and contrasts potential production sites using photographs and habitat characteristics. Site Assessment Video Tour 10 minutes - Instructors: Tanner Filyaw* & Robin Suggs** @ The Yew Mountain Center This video provides an on the ground perspective of the site selection and evaluation process, including identifying and discussing site conditions as they relate to the production of forest botanicals. Forest Farming in Practice 35 minutes - Instructor: Katie Commender** and Kate MacFarland~ This presentation helps put forest farming into practice and content for natural resource providers. It highlights how forest farming meets the needs and interests of forest landowners, how it addresses natural resource concerns, and even hot it ties into state forestry action plans and federal cost-share programs, like NRCS's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Instructor Affiliations *Tanner was with Rural Action when these videos were made. He is currently with United Plant Savers . **Robin and Katie are with Appalachian Sustainable Development. ~Kate MacFarland is with the USDA National Agroforestry Center . ​

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