Photo source: http://www.unl.edu/nac/forestfarming.htm
The forest farming community
The forest farming community shares information about growing and selling high-value non-timber forest products. Members are from across the country and have experience farming and studying edible, medicinal, decorative, and craft-based products in woodlands. The community provides woodland owners and managers with information about startup, best practices, and markets and policies.
Non-timber forest products are a key part of the US forest-based economy. Examples of high-value products include shiitake mushrooms, medicinal plants such as goldenseal, decoratives such as pine straw and salal, and craft products such as cypress knees. Forest farming is the sustainable cultivation of these products under the protection of a forest canopy that has been modified and is maintained to provide the correct shade level. Forest farming is an agroforestry practice that provides income while high-quality, long-term trees are being grown for future products or forest conservation.
Who is part of the forest farming community?
We are forest farmers, university faculty, and agency personnel working together to provide useful farming information. We have a variety of forest farming expertise and believe that through collaboration we will advance the practice.
What can be found?
- Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Research-based, peer-reviewed answers to common questions.
- Ask an Expert – If FAQs do not cover your question, submit it using Ask an Expert.
- News – Information about upcoming opportunities and events.
Who are the members of the core community?
- John Munsell – Virginia Tech
- James Chamberlain – USDA Forest Service
- Michael Jacobson – Penn State
- Sarah Workman – Univ. of Georgia
- Jeanine Davis – North Carolina State
- Nancy Franz – Iowa State
- Cathie Bukowski – Trees for the Future
- Penny Frazier – Good from the Woods
- Dave Carman – Haw Pond Farm
- Bill Hubbard – Univ. of Georgia
- Joshua Idassi – North Carolina A & T
- James Freed – Washington State Univ.
- Jesse Randall – Iowa State
- Rich Straight – USDA Forest Service
- Diomy Zamora – Univ. of Minnesota
- Michael Gold – Univ. of Missouri
- Kenneth Mudge – Cornell
We look forward to working with you.