NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program

10/12/2026

Our October newsletter is out and it is FULL of information on a large number of events, including the 2nd Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference which is coming up in just a few weeks! Read about our 2026 intern, volunteer opportunities with forest farming and Chinese herbs, and the 11th Annual North Carolina Medicinal Herb Grower and Buyer event.

Link to our October Newsletter:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ncextension.acemlna.com/lt.php?x%3D4lZy~GE2JXjK5XCu0_69WOdw~nQoutUjjM42XnQ3Iaae55V~zUy7xONu23Ig-RVfjDZo4XPLJ3Cd95_-ytDNYOF02o2kid~1jMo&source=gmail&ust=1791896023691000&usg=AOvVaw22OflCYIMqWfbBmcku7Kl6

10/12/2026

With the tomato field season winding down for the year, we are reflecting on the successful tomato taste tests we organized as part of the NC Specialty Crop Block Grant Program with Dr. Dilip Panthee's tomato breeding lines. There is no better way to get accurate flavor data than participatory taste tests that the local community can take part in.
Thank you to the Hendersonville Farmers Market, the WNC Farmers Market, the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, and one of our organic tomato fields for hosting our taste tests!

10/11/2026

Join the AFFC and NC Alternative Crops & Organics Program for Q&A, resources, and casual conversation about forest farming and more. All regions and experience levels are welcome. These sessions are not recorded, all are welcome to join in the discussion or just listen in! Learn more and register at https://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/office-hours

10/11/2026

Join the AFFC and for Q&A, resources, and casual conversation about forest farming and more. All regions and experience levels are welcome. These sessions are not recorded, all are welcome to join in the discussion or just listen in! Learn more and register at https://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/office-hours

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

Check out our latest newsletter:

October brings cooler...

10/10/2026

Mark your calendars for the 41st annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference, taking place Oct. 30th - Nov. 1st in Winston-Salem! 📅

Come together with farmers across our state, as well as other agriculture industry professionals, to learn all about advancing local, sustainable, and organic agriculture. Learn more, and register today, at the link below!

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/def73b28-6d10-40ae-be27-2573f7a6063f/summary

10/09/2026

The Woodland Stewards group spent an October morning harvesting woodland botanicals (Goldenseal, Solomon's Seal, Black Cohosh) from the NC State Forest Farming Demonstration Site in Mills River, NC. Woodland Stewards then collaboratively cleaned, processed, and turned the root harvest into medicinal extractions.

10/04/2026

Fall is a time for planting and preparing for the upcoming growing season. It is also a good time to submit soil samples to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for agronomic recommendations specific to what you are growing.

Now is also the time to submit soil samples for faster turnaround times and to avoid peak-season testing fees. Soil testing is free for North Carolina residents from April 1, 2026, through Nov. 30, 2026. Learn more in the release below!

➡ https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/16/submit-soil-samples-nov-30-avoid-peak-season-fees