"It is my opinion that the long-term salvation to wild American Ginseng’s preservation is Conservation through Cultivation. If we get enough people growing wild-simulated ginseng then the pressure on the remaining truly wild ginseng populations will be greatly diminished and it’s a win-win situation."  Bob Beyfuss

In this episode, Bob Beyfuss talks about growing American ginseng,  Panax quinquefolius. He brings his expertise, experiences, and wisdom regarding this remarkable plant.  After 31 years as an Agriculture Agent and American Ginseng Specialist for Cornell University Cooperative Extension. He is the author of "The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng" (a 65-page grower’s guide), available for free download at Cornell E Commons, "Ginseng Production in Woodlots" and "The Economics of Woodland Ginseng Production" both available from the USDA National Agroforestry Resource Center.  Bob recently retired as Vice President of American Ginseng Pharm, a large scale woodland ginseng/herb/mushroom growing business headquartered in Delaware County, NY. AGP has planted more than 200 acres of wild-simulated ginseng in the Catskill Mountain Region of NY State. 

Truly a powerhouse medicinal, American ginseng has the potential to be a part of the agroforestry movement creating more diversity in agriculture practices as well as providing healing properties to local communities and forest gardens are a crucial component to decrease carbon in the atmosphere. Plants and trees are the most reliable means to sequester the excess carbon contributing to climate change.