This presentation is being hosted by the Asheville Science Tavern, a meet up for people interested in science. Their mission is to humanize science and scientists - sharing the work of science in a way that is warm, engaging, often funny, inspiring, even beautiful. It's free to join the group, and their events are free except where there is a fee charged by one of our partners. They often pass the Erlenmeyer flask to collect a few bucks to offset our expenses, but it's optional to chip in. For more information about the group and the presentation on April 14, go to: www.meetup.com/Asheville-Science-Tavern/

About the presentation:
Many farmers are interested in trying new crops, but that can be a risky and expensive endeavor. That’s where NCSU researcher and extension specialist, Jeanine Davis steps in. In this presentation she will tell us about her research on new and emerging crops focusing on industrial hemp, truffles, and hops. Learn how new crops are developed, what the field studies look like, and how growers and industry reps become engaged in these efforts. To learn a little about her program beforehand, check out her website at ncherb.org.

We will mingle at WCQS studios from 6 - 6:30pm. The presentation begins at 6:30, followed by discussion and mingling. BYOB and bring any finger food nibbles you want to share.

The Forest Farming Grower-Industry Expo and Training event on May 19 in Kingsport, TN will bring together herb companies, apothecaries, and herbal product makers with experienced and aspiring forest farmers for a day of networking and learning. Panel discussions with forest farmers and buyers will share valuable experiences and advice, and technical training sessions will be offered for all skill and experience levels. Topics will include herb cultivation and propagation techniques, plant conservation, certification, value-added production and more. Vendors are encouraged to attend, with a limited number of tables available at no charge.

On May 20th, a Forest Farmer Field Day will be held in Duffield, VA. It will start with a tour of the Appalachian Harvest herb hub and a discussion on the economics of cultivating forest-grown medicinal herbs. After a catered lunch, attendees will tour forest farmer Ryan Huish’s farm, learning about his plans for cultivating forest herbs, along with plant identification and information on site selection and more. The tour will include a mildly strenuous hike through diverse forest ecosystems.

Registration will open in February at www.regonline.com/asd-2018. Participants can choose to attend either or both days. These events are sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Development and partners in the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition; additional sponsorships are welcome. NC State University is a partner on this project.

If you love herbs, if you enjoy relaxing in a beautiful mountain setting, if you want to learn how to use, grow, and make herbal products, mark your calendar now for this unique annual conference. More information will be posted as it becomes available at: www.ncherbassociation.org/

Annual Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Conference. carolinafarmstewards.org/sac/