Farming the woods for forest crops
A one-day workshop called “Does Your Forest Talk Money?” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Graham County. It’s geared for landowners, farmers, wild crafters and food entrepreneurs.
The course will explore products that can be propagated and harvested in a woodland setting, such as ramps and ginseng. Learn how to propagate and harvest woodland crops as well as regulations and certifications that may apply. The course will also cover processing woodland crops into food products and marketing.
Speakers include forest products and woodland crop specialists as well three landowners engaged in harvesting woodland products. The programs is sponsored by the Smoky Mountain Native Plants Association and the NCSU Cooperative Extension Service.
The event will conclude with a roundtable discussion and an overview that includes referrals and resources for participants. Register at www.smnpa.org or call 828.479.8788. Cost is $30 and includes lunch.