University of Kentucky CCD Home CCD Crop Profiles College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Wildcrafting Non-Timber Forest Products — An Overview Introduction Kentuckians have been collecting plant products from forests, meadows, and other natural habitats for generations. This practice, commonly referred to as wildcrafting, is a tradition in many areas of the state, especially Appalachia. Plant materials other than timber that are harvested from the forest are generally referred to as non- timber forest products (NTFPs) or special(ty) forest products. Although often collected for personal use, many Marketing wildcrafted materials also have commercial value NTFPs are specialty items that fill a very narrow and could offer a means of providing additional market niche. Many are seasonal either in terms income. Wood lot owners may harvest NTFPs of availability or marketability. The NTFP to provide temporary income while waiting for collector needs to make sure there is a demand their timber stand to mature or as another means for their products and that they can meet the to supplement their income. NTFPs can provide buyer’s specifications. As with any niche item, a way to diversify and expand an existing it is critical to secure a market in advance for woodland enterprise. NTFPs. Direct market outlets, depending on the item collected, can include farmers markets, The term NTFP is also applied to plants that are roadside stands, nurseries, locally owned grocery “farmed” by purposely manipulating the forest stores, craft stores, and the Internet. Agritourism environment, such as in the woods-cultivation events and county fairs can present opportunities of ginseng. This profile, however, is limited to for selling wildcrafted goods. Bed-and-breakfast the discussion of commercially valued NTFPs inns and Kentucky tourist gift shops may also be that are harvested as they occur naturally on interested in purchasing native plant materials one’s own property. Separate profiles cover and/or products. the importance of sustainable wildcrafting and some of the NTFPs offer an advantage to legal issues associated with farmers who market directly to wildcrafting. consumers at farmers markets Agriculture & Natural Resources • Family & Consumer Sciences • 4-H/Youth Development • Community & Economic Development Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. and other direct market outlets. Products such as advance. More often than not, there will be no nuts, decorative or ornamental plants, and plant established outlet and the wildcrafter will need by-products can help fill up a market stand into to locate potential buyers and create their own the fall months. Preserves and candies may be market. Product diversity will be essential to the manufactured to amend cash flow in the early success of any NTFP wildcrafting enterprise. season months. Growers with property that includes timber and other marginal lands may Because local wildcrafters may not be able to find that adding low-input NTFPs extends their supply a dependable quantity of plant material, marketing window into “off-season” months. they are often unable to compete at the wholesale level. Cooperating with other wildcrafters, Some NTFPs, particularly medicinals, have either informally or by a formal marketing an established wholesale market. Generally, cooperative, is a way for smaller harvesters to wildcrafters interested in these larger markets sell meet the demands of these larger markets. It to a broker or wholesale buyer either at a buying is advisable to contact the wholesale buyer in station or company location. Wild ginseng is an advance to be sure the correct plant species at the example of a medicinal that is regulated by the right developmental stage is being collected. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and can only be written contract helps to protect both the buyer sold through licensed dealers. A list of dealers and the collector. can be obtained from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). Processing NTFPs can extend their shelf life and transform a seasonal raw edible, such as Market Outlook wild berries or mushrooms, into one that can be Nationwide, NTFPs represent a market sector marketed year round. It also adds value to the that has expanded with interest in native plants raw product, increasing the potential for greater and holistic lifestyles. Natural and organic food returns. Preparing gift baskets of wildcrafted products have experienced tremendous growth edibles, as well as other packaging techniques, in response to consumer preferences. An are other ways to add value. Adding value to increased interest in local products, combined decoratives can mean crafting raw materials with local and state promotional efforts, such into finished products. Holiday greenery, such as the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s as wreaths, roping, and table décor, represent a Kentucky Proud program, could also help growing industry. fuel a greater demand for crafts and value- added products made from native wildcrafted Examples of NTFPs materials. A long and varied list of culinary, medicinal, and decorative NTFPs can be collected in the wilds of Marketing NTFP products will require a Kentucky for commercial use. General examples considerable investment in time and energy, not are provided in the sections below. Refer to to mention creativity. Aggressive marketing the table for a partial listing of some specific, techniques will be needed to move these potentially valuable native and naturalized plant products. For example, selling wildcrafted genera present in Kentucky. products to the floral trade will require targeting florists who specialize in imaginative and unique Culinary arrangements. Locating florists of this type can Edible products for culinary uses include fruits, be difficult; many florists prefer the predictability berries, and nuts from forest trees and shrubs. of purchasing plant material from large west coast Leaves of some herbaceous plants may be used wholesalers that can fill orders several months in for greens or dried herbs. A number of wild mushroom species can also be collected for for timber harvest. Vines and willow branches culinary use. Some of these, such as morels, may be suitable for basketry and other craft are considered a delicacy and are highly prized. projects. Potpourri products made from the right Mushroom collectors must be particularly combination of dried aromatic leaves, flowers, careful in their identification since there are often herbs, seeds, and needles are another popular poisonous look-alikes that can be mistaken for way to use natural products. the edible species. Forest Inventory Some culinary products may be marketed with Regardless of whether the wildcrafter owns little or no processing, such as fresh berries, their own woodlot or has entered into a legal pawpaws, and nuts. However, because of their arrangement with another landowner, it is a good fragile nature, wild fruit and berries are often idea to inventory the forest property. The inventory processed to extend their shelf life. The possible should include the common and scientific names products that can be prepared from wildcrafted of all plant material, the approximate quantity, fruit are seemingly endless: wines, juices, jellies/ comments on quality, the date, and other pertinent jams/preserves, syrups, ice cream/sherbets, notes. A detailed property map will be a useful sauces, candies, sauces, and baked goods. tool in identifying the location of potential plant Mushrooms and herbs may only require minimal materials. Due to seasonal variations in flora, processing since they can be sold fresh or dried. the inventory should be conducted at least three These dried products also lend themselves well times a year for the first few years. Depending to such value-added products as dried soups, on the wildcrafter’s own botanical background, sauces, dip mixes, and teas. this type of detailed inventory could require the services of a professional. Medicinals Plants or plant parts with therapeutic value Harvesting, Storing, and Processing may be marketed for use as medicinals, food Before collecting any plant material, be sure supplements, or herbal remedies. These products the target plant is not considered endangered, are often dried and sold to wholesale buyers or threatened, rare, or at risk. Refer to the various dealers. up-to-date national, state, and local plant lists available online. Suggested sites are listed below. Decoratives Following sustainable collection procedures This category includes plant materials used for will help ensure the continuation of the species handicrafts, as well as those utilized in the floral and the preservation of Kentucky’s flora. industry. The types of plant materials that can be used for these purposes are extensive and varied. Wildcrafted products are harvested by hand or Branches that are unique, bearing berries, or with simple hand-held tools. Harvest and storage encrusted with lichen provide interesting accents times will vary depending on the plant material to floral arrangements. Some dormant woody and use. Timing of harvest is critical for products stems can be sold either before or after they have that deteriorate quickly after reaching their peak. been forced to flower. Flowering stems, evergreen Some products, such as wild berries, can have boughs, cones, and seed pods have numerous a short shelf life