Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference

Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference is scheduled for Oct. 23-Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition is organizing the opportunity. The event is scheduled at The Inn at Virginia Tech & Skelton Conference Center. The listed cost is $299.

The current event listing describes the program this way: Three-day Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition conference on forest farming of botanicals, mushrooms, syrups and other non-timber forest products. Conference scholarships remain available for some beginning farmers from Appalachian counties.

Forest farming creates agricultural opportunities under a managed woodland canopy. Appalachian producers may work with botanicals, mushrooms, syrups and other non-timber forest products, but success depends on site conditions, production knowledge, markets and long-term stewardship. A regional conference can connect growers with experienced producers, researchers and buyers while showing the range of enterprises possible in Appalachian forests.

Conferences can be especially useful for people who want both education and networking. In addition to formal sessions, participants often gain value from comparing experiences with other producers, meeting organizations that serve farmers and identifying follow-up contacts for technical or business questions.

For Appalachian Highlands readers, the event may be especially useful when the subject connects directly to farm profitability, conservation, land access, production risk or the development of a stronger agricultural business. AHF includes it in the Education Calendar so readers can track both learning opportunities and important application deadlines in one place.

Before the event or deadline arrives, readers may want to save the official page, confirm the date and time, and note any registration, eligibility or documentation requirements. Agricultural programs can change as organizers update schedules or funding guidance, so checking the source again shortly before participating is a good final step.

Anyone planning to attend should check the organizer’s page before the event for registration instructions, schedule changes, participation requirements and any materials to bring. Space may be limited for some programs, and online events may require advance registration to receive the connection link. For the latest details, visit https://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/gather-to-grow