written by Jordan Lenoir
The NC Herb Association invites herb enthusiasts to join them along with special speakers to Wild Herb Weekend. The event promises to promote the production of herbs, the further education and research of herbs, and herbal products.
On the Asheville FM Newshour, Patryk Battle interviewed Dr. Jeanine Davis who revealed what attendees can expect, anticipate, and prepare for at Wild Herb Weekend!
Dr. Davis, who specializes in Horticulture Sciences at NC State University stated that the purpose of The NC Herb Association is to “promote the growing, marketing, and use of herbs and herb products [and we do this] through education and when we have the funding we support some research.” Along with their newsletter and self-sponsored conferences, they partner with other organizations “all working to keep the standards and quality of herbal products high.”
Battle also gave some brief insight into Wild Herb Weekend, calling it an idyllic scene and a jam-packed schedule with diverse herb-related subjects. This exciting weekend takes place in Valle Crucis in a beautiful 450 acre valley south of Boone surrounded by several trails, nature, a waterfall, and rustically historic architecture. Dr. Davis expressed that Wild Herb Weekend is her “favorite event of the whole year.” There are many presentations, classes, and workshops along with special guest speakers; Robin Rose Bennett, Mark Williams, and Doug Elliot. All meals are served in the cafeteria with a wide variety of food. Most dietary needs can be met as well. Dr. Davis also reveals that this event is “not designed for children”
The NCHA was established in 1987 and has been holding Wild Herb festivities since 1988. According to Dr. Davis’ article on NCHA’s website NC Herb Association, the 80s were a new and exciting time for herbs. Several cooking shows and magazines were devoting entire sections of their media toward herbs. Along with the flourish of herbs in the media, came the uprise of herbal products. During this new uproar of herbs, a marketing specialist, Ross Williams saw the great potential for herbs and conducted a small meeting of herb business owners interested in starting a commodity group. The following year, the first official meeting of the NCHA was conducted. Following this meeting, the very first Herb Day was organized. Just like every year, the very first Wild Herb Weekend was held at the Valle Crucis Conference Center in July of 1988. Wild Herb Weekend was started to honor Herb Day and continue spreading its celebratory mission.
For more on Wild Herb Weekend and The NCHA visit https://www.ncherbassociation.org/