Ginseng authorities and growers from across the nation will converge on the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC for the International American Ginseng Exposition on December 7th and 8th, 2012, hosted by the North Carolina Natural Products Association.
Sponsors include United Plant Savers, Red Moon Herbs, Returning Sun, Bent Creek Institute, The NC Arboretum, Golden Needle, Native Touch, Blue Ridge Food Ventures, Blue Ridge School of Herbal Medicine, Gaia Herbs, SBTDC, BioNetwork Natural Products Laboratory, Lenoir Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, NC Herb Association, Jewel of the Blue Ridge Vineyard, NC Ginseng & Goldenseal Co., Strategic Sourcing, Red Root Native Nursery, and NC State University.
Eight sessions over two days will explore topics ranging from the values of American Ginseng versus Asian Ginseng; current poaching of the native plant and how to shift focus to growing ‘wild-simulated’ ginseng; to existing laws and programs in NC, other states and federally; and the future for wild-simulated ginseng production, permitting, and exporting.
Friday’s reception is provided by the ‘Sustainable Gourmet’ Michael Gentry, with entertainment by renowned storyteller, naturalist, and author Doug Elliott. Free ginseng seeds will be offered as door prizes, and an Instant-Tab Survey will give immediate feedback to attendees on ginseng questions like ‘Should NC support the economic development of this plant? If so, how?’
Whether you are interested in the conservation or horticulture of Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng), or how entrepreneurs are blending value-added products made with ginseng, this program will provide networking with local, regional and national ginseng experts.
The Expo is open to the public and tickets for one or both days are available in advance, and if space allows at the door on the days of the event. Pre-registration is advised.
To register and for more information, go to www.ncnaturalproducts.org.
The North Carolina Natural Products Association (NCNPA) was formed over 10 years ago as a 501c (3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, cultivating, sustainably harvesting, and processing North Carolina grown medicinal plants.
If you would like more information about this event or to schedule an interview,
contact Caroline Edwards at cjedwards234@gmail.com and 828)289-0122.
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