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Asheville Hosts International American Ginseng Expo to Discuss Impacts of Wild-Simulated Ginseng Dec. 7 to 8

Nov. 30, 2012. On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, 2012, the North Carolina Natural Products Association will host an all-star gathering of ginseng experts at the International American Ginseng Expo, to discuss the impact of wild-simulated American Ginseng on the economy, health, and culture of Western North Carolina, Appalachia, and the nation.

The Expo is open to the public and tickets for one or both days are available in advance, and if space allows at the door of the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River on the days of the event.

Dr. Jeanine Davis, Associate Professor of Horticultural Science, NC State University; W. Scott Persons, renowned Ginseng grower and author; Bob Beyfuss, retired Ginseng specialist from Cornell University; and Robert Eidus, from Eagle Feather Organic Farm in Marshall, NC, will share their comprehensive knowledge of the opportunities and challenges with the cultivation of “wild-simulated ginseng” on the Saturday panel.

This is the first time these four well-known ginseng experts have come together to discuss wild-simulated ginseng production. As growers, authors, educators, and researchers, they have devoted their careers to developing ginseng as a profitable crop for forest landowners.

The two day Expo will showcase a broad variety of topics during the eight panels that compose the program. Other panelists include representatives of state and national government agencies tasked with the growth and regulation of the ginseng industry, export specialists, and medicinal herb scientists. Whether you are interested in the conservation or horticulture of Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng), or how entrepreneurs are blending value-added products made with ginseng, this program will provide in-depth and time-sensitive information. To register and for more information, go to www.ncnaturalproducts.org.

The North Carolina Natural Products Association (NCNPA) was formed over 10 years ago as a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, cultivating, sustainably harvesting, and processing North Carolina grown medicinal plants. NCNPA’s mission is to establish North Carolina as a key global supplier of premium-quality raw materials and plant-based value added products such as natural medicines, organic products, functional foods, and personal care products.

About NCNPA

The purpose of the North Carolina Natural Products Association (NCNPA) is to:
• Educate individuals, agencies, and organizations about the North Carolina’s natural products industry.
• Promote North Carolina grown and manufactured natural products
• Bring together farmers and the natural products industry to explore growing and marketing opportunities.
• Encourage conservation and stewardship of North Carolina’s botanical resources.
• Promote North Carolina as one of the leading producers of safe, natural therapeutic products and services.
• Monitor and disseminate information on regulatory measures pertaining to the natural products industry.
• Sponsor conferences and regional workshops.
• Encourage safe, effective, and high quality natural products manufacturing standards.
• Alert supporters to emerging opportunities in the natural products industry.
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For more information, contact: Caroline Edwards, NCNPA Board of Directors, phone 828.289-0122, or go to www.ncnaturalproducts.org.

Expo Program at www.ncnaturalproducts.org/event/international-american-ginseng-expo.