Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

permaculture - [permaculture] study of understory crops

permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: permaculture

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Jill <newsforjill@gmail.com>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: [permaculture] study of understory crops
  • Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 11:42:52 -0400

*Feasibility Study of understory crops begins this summer*

There’s nothing new about cultivating forest plants for food, medicine, household objects and decoration. What is only a few generations old is our society's rapid industrialization and light-speed technology that has distanced so many of us from the land and its lore. Forest products other than logs seem like a new idea for many. Beginning this summer, Emily Boss of the Massachusetts Woodlands Institute <http://www.masswoodlandsinstitute.org> will be conducting a feasibility study of understory crops. Emily’s study will rediscover some old traditions and identify new understory crop possibilities that will enable forest landowners in western Massachusetts to diversify their economic activities. The types of Understory Crops with potential can be divided into three categories:

*1. Food Products* (maple syrup and candy, nuts, fruits, mushrooms and game animals);
*2. Medicinal or Nutraceutical Plants* (Witch Hazel, Ginseng, Black Cohosh, Goldenseal, Slippery Elm, Black Cherry bark); and
*3. Decorative & Handicraft Products* (wreaths, greens, cones, floral greens, landscaping plants).

This feasibility study will identify value-added markets for locally produced understory forest products that will enable members of the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative (MWC) <http://www.masswoodlands.coop> and members of CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) <http://www.buylocalfood.com> to expand their sales and marketing of these products in the future. Marketing and evaluation expertise within the University of Massachusetts and elsewhere will provide an overall perspective on the distribution channels and potential markets for understory crops that can be grown in western Massachusetts.

If you would like to learn more about - and perhaps participate in - the Understory Crop feasibility study, please contact Emily Boss at (413) 397-8800 or email emily@masswoodlands.coop <mailto:emily@masswoodlands.coop> and let her know about your interest. This project is sponsored by USDA Rural Development.





  • [permaculture] study of understory crops, Jill, 05/12/2006

Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page