Seminar on the Cultivation of Asian Medicinal Plants
Synopsis: A practical course on the cultivation and topics concerning Chinese medicinal plants.
Seminar goal: To cultivate efficacious medicinal herbs as well as know the issues involved in the Chinese medicinal plant trade which together make a viable agricultural operation.
Who will be interested: Experienced or new growers wishing to diversify their operations and herbal practitioners and students interested in domestically grown Chinese botanicals.
Details: 8 sessions March-October at the Chinese Medicinal Herb farm in Petaluma California. $800.
For more information and to sign up for open house program: Peg Schafer pschafer@sonic.net
www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com
In this 8 month one Saturday per month seminar participants will learn topics relevant to the production of organically growing efficacious Asian herbs as well as gain understanding pertinent to the Chinese medicinal plant trade. Cost: $800.
Primarily a lecture seminar focusing on topics that include crop selection, propagation in the nursery, field management, herb conservation, ecological farming with wild qualities, harvesting, drying, quality control (GAP, GMP, certified organic rules and regs), marketing etc. There will be some hands on light agricultural activities. Reading and resource materials are integrated to support the course. One of the goals of this program is to give a comprehensive overview so participants can achieve the basic tools to grow good quality Asian medicinal plants on a small or large scale just about anywhere. To get the most out of the program growers are especially encouraged to volunteer on Mondays for hands-on work, such as harvesting, post-harvest handling, etc.
The eight session program runs from March through October, the second Saturday of the month from 9-3. Space is limited. Students are expected to be committed and to come on time. The program runs rain or shine. Children and pets are not permitted. Please note that the use of herbs will not be covered.
The Chinese Medicinal Herb Farm: A Cultivator’s Guide to Small-Scale Organic Herb Production book is a required text and can be procured from the farm website – I’d be more than happy to sign one for you. You may also pick it up from your local independent book seller or from Chelsea Green Publishing. www.chinesemedicinalherbfarm.com.