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#5 Fall 2000 AGF Newsletter

US Fish and Wildlife Service's
Office of Scientific Authority Annual CITES Report of Findings
July, 2000 (Condensed)

The Office of Scientific Authority (OSA) finds that the export of wild and wild simulated ginseng roots of five years of age or older harvested during the Fall of 2000 is not detrimental to the survival of the species in the following states: AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MN, MO, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, and WI. No restrictions on cultivated ginseng are required in the states of AL, AR, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WA, WV, and WI.

The OSA will continue to monitor American ginseng in the wild and reserves the right to change the restrictions for the Fall 2001 harvest.

BASIS FOR ADVICE:

The OSA reviews yearly information available publicly from a variety of sources (other federal agencies, State regulatory agencies, industry representatives and associations, non-governmental organizations, and academic researchers) on the status of the species in each state.
All states named above have been previously approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for regulating the harvest of wild and/or cultivated ginseng and for certifying harvested ginseng for export.
The states of ME, MI, ND, OR, and WA exclusively export cultivated ginseng. ME and MI are both within the native range of ginseng and have passed laws that allow only the harvest and export of cultivated ginseng. ID, ND, OR, and WA are outside the native range.
A review of OSA files reveals that: Although the total harvest nationwide decreased by less than 2% between 1998 and 1999, ten (53%) of the states reported an increase in harvest of wild ginseng during that time.
However in 17 (89%) of the states, harvest levels for the 1999 season were below the average annual harvest during the 1990's. In fact, in 13 (76%) of these 17 states, harvest levels were more than 40% lower in 1999 than the average for 1990's. It is noted that in some areas of the US, the proportion of wild-simulated ginseng has increased in the last decade. Given that this ginseng is generally certified and reported as "wild," it may have affected harvest trends for those areas, leading to the wrong conclusion that wild populations have remained stable or increased, when indeed they have decreased. This wild-simulated ginseng increase may also explain why last year's age-based restriction on the export of wild ginseng had little impact on the reported harvest levels of wild ginseng for 1999.
In 1999, the OSA conditioned its non-detriment finding to ginseng roots five years or older because of concerns about declines in wild ginseng populations in some parts of the country in the late 1990's.
      The OSA continues to review the ginseng export program. Since 1999 it has found:
     a. Between 1821-1899, 381,000 lbs. of wild root were exported annually but between 1990-1999, 121,498 lbs. of wild root were exported annually.
     b. In late 1970's, wild ginseng was 30% of the exported ginseng from North America, but in 2000, only 3.5% of exported ginseng was wild, despite the high demand for wild roots by the Asian market. This demand has led to elimination of wild ginseng in China and Korea and has caused Siberian ginseng to now be restricted, effective July 19, 2000. At the most recent CITES Conference on April 10-20, 2000, Siberian ginseng was included in Appendix II.
     c. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) reclassified its ranking of American ginseng in 2000 from "common" to "rare/common." Some of the rankings are as follows: TN: rare/common; AL, AR, KY, MO, NY, NC, OH, PA, VA, WV, WI: common.
     d. On August 30, 1999, the US Forest Service--Eastern Region requested National Forests within that region to condition permits for the collection of wild ginseng to plants at least five years of age. On January 29, 2000 it listed American ginseng in its Sensitive Species List in light of the TNC's re-ranking. Collection of "sensitive" plants is only permitted for scientific or educational purposes, or conservation or propagation of the species, and must be authorized by a Forest Service permit. This has resulted in many of the Eastern Regions's National Forests no longer issuing collecting permits for the species. The US Forest Service-Southern Region is currently considering adding ginseng to its regional Sensitive Species List. This region includes the Daniel Boone National Forest in KY. If listed as Sensitive, none of the Southern Region's National Forests will be issuing collecting permits for ginseng. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, AR already has established a five-year moratorium (as of May 1, 2000) on ginseng harvest.
    e. Wild ginseng poaching within the National Park system has increased. Park officials estimate $5,320,000 worth of ginseng roots have been poached in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the last nine years. Ginseng growers and dealers informed the OSA at a conference in Louisville, KY in May 2000 that poaching is a major problem and more assistance against ginseng theft is requested from the state.
     f. Results from surveys conducted by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and by the Division of Natural Heritage, Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation in 1998 found that the majority of all ginseng diggers noted less wild ginseng to be found.
     g. A recent survey of 7 plots (50x50m) within national forests in NC found a major decline in ginseng density from 29.8 plants/plot in 1979 to 5.7 plants/plot in 1999. Population viability studies of the 5 populations with plants remaining in 1999 suggests that at least three of the five are likely to be extirpated within the next 13 years.
     h. West Virginia University researchers found a significant decrease in the height of herbarium ginseng specimens (most of it occurring since 1900) deposited in 17 herbaria across the country and collected randomly over a period of 186 years This reduction in plant size was region-specific, with northern North American plants remaining the same size, while specimens from mid-western, Appalachian, and southern populations declined in size. The number of ginseng specimens collected for herbaria declined while other closely related species remained the same or increased.
      i. Experimental analysis of ginseng populations of different sizes by West Virginia University researchers showed a decrease in fruit production (as much as 50%) in small populations compared to large ones.
On October 7, 1999, the Service published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments and information from the public on the conservation and impact of harvest and international trade in American ginseng. The Service received only eight comments. One written on behalf of the Botanical Industry Council stated that the service relied on unsubstantiated and anecdotal information" and considered the age-based restriction on export of wild ginseng "impractical" and difficult to enforce. All seven other comments expressed similar views. None, however, provided field data or research supporting their belief that wild ginseng populations are not in decline.
The Service holds that its export restrictions of three-prong (five year-old) plants is in keeping with the prohibition of harvesting such by the above mentioned States and is not imposing another restriction. Moreover, contrary to what the industry predicted, last year's age-based restriction on export of wild ginseng did not result in a significant drop in reported harvest levels in 1999. As mentioned above, total harvest nationwide decreased by less than 2% between 1998 and 1999 with half of the States reporting an increase in harvest from 1998 to 1999 (noting wild-simulated ginseng's impact). [See #4.]
The US Dept. of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspects all plant import and exports. APHIS has reported no major problems regarding the implementation of last years' age-based restriction on export of wild ginseng.
The Service holds that economic factors (including unemployment rates in the US) may have influenced demand for and harvest of American ginseng in the last few years. This is corroborated by research done by West Virginia University which found a correlation between harvest levels and unemployment.
Biotic and abiotic (i.e. deer and drought) factors have negative impact on wild ginseng populations. However, the Service believes that recent declines in many states of American ginseng is greatly related to overharvest, particularly of young, non-reproducing plants. The Service is seriously concerned that this overharvest threatens wild ginseng and the livelihoods of those citizens who depend on this plant economically.
The Service again requests that the [Office of Management Authority] OMA condition permits for the export of ginseng roots originating from the wild so as to allow only export of roots that are five years of age or older. Although it would be biologically preferable to leave roots in the ground for a longer number of years after the plants reach reproductive age, implementation of this would require the amendment of current State regulations pertaining to minimum number of prongs (3 to 4) by all states with wild ginseng harvest programs. Growers of wild-simulated ginseng (indistinguishable from wild) would have to delay harvest of their plants by at least six years since three-prong ginseng plants do not add a fourth prong until they are between ten to twelve years old.
The Service is actively collaborating and sharing information with the States and other federal regulatory agencies (particularly the US Forest Service) to assist them in the development of management strategies for American ginseng populations under its jurisdiction. This improved collaboration has already resulted in significant management changes in portions of the species' range (see 6d above).
The Service, the States, industry, and others agree on the need to improve monitoring of wild American ginseng to better assess the impact of harvest on wild ginseng (particularly as the amount of wild-simulated increases). This annual monitoring program would involve the establishment of survey plots across most States where wild ginseng is currently harvested. The data gathered would be analyzed to determine whether current levels of harvest are sustainable and whether further restrictions in the harvest of wild American ginseng are needed. The Service considers this monitoring to be vital to the conservation of this species.
The Service is funding research at West Virginia University to examine several factors regarding wild ginseng. Preliminary results indicate that: a. Many states allow harvest of plants before seeds ripen, thus reducing the chances of seed germination, even if these are planted as required by most States. b. Germination rates are affected by the depth seeds are planted. Optimum depth is found to be at 2 cm. OSA encourages states to share these findings with diggers and dealers to increase germination rates of planted seeds. c. There is a negative correlation between densities of deer and ginseng plants.
Several states are establishing programs for the distribution of cultivated seeds to ginseng diggers as a means of restoring the species in the wild. While the Service supports this idea of restoration, it is greatly concerned about the origin of the seeds used and the impact these may have on the local gene pools of wild populations of ginseng. The Service is exploring in conjunction with the States, the USDA, and the industry, the possibility of establishing local or regional ginseng nurseries using locally obtained seeds.
Other options for the conservation of ginseng discussed by the Service and the States have included the establishment of harvest quotas, a short-term moratorium on harvest of wild ginseng, or a combination of harvest and moratorium (allowing harvest only every other year). Given the difficulty of determining how to allocate harvest quotas among States or individuals, or distinguishing wild from wild-simulated ginseng, at this time the Service has opted to pursue those alternatives that allow for conservation of the species without negatively affecting growers of wild-simulated ginseng.
The Service will continue to work closely with other federal and State officials, as well as the ginseng industry, to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of this important natural resource.

CONDITION: American ginseng roots harvested in 2000 and certified by the States as either wild or wild-simulated may be exported provided that the roots are five years of age or older. (Age of ginseng roots at the time of harvest can be determined by counting the number of bud scars on the root. A single scar is produced after abscission of the plants' aerial stem each Autumn.)

THE AGF COMMENTS:

#7. It is interesting to note that the argument used by the Botanical Industry Council (BIC) that the Service "relied on ‘unsubstantiated and anecdotal information'" against age-based restrictions is the same argument used by Greg Williams of the AGF for more restrictions on wild ginseng harvesting--a moratorium, in fact. (See the Summer 2000 AGF newsletter, #4 and ASPI Technical Paper #57, Moratorium on Wild American Ginseng Exports, available on the web at www.kih.net/aspi.) CITES requires scientific evidence that no detriment to wild ginseng is caused by trade, even with the five year regulation. By asserting the Service's lack of scientific evidence, the BIC is strengthening the case for a moratorium rather than a case for lifting the five-year regulation.

#8. The OSA underscores the insignificant drop in export numbers between 1998 and 1999, stating that its restrictions had little impact and that increased production of wild-simulated ginseng is most likely the cause of stable harvest numbers. Without separating data on wild-simulated and wild ginseng, the OSA is not representing true numbers to CITES of the occurrence in the wild and harvesting rates of the threatened wild American ginseng. By putting a freeze on wild ginseng exports and regulating wild-simulated ginseng production, more accurate accounts of wild ginseng would be available to the OSA and therefore CITES. Even a temporary moratorium on wild ginseng would allow some restoration. The OSA ignores here its own report that of States producing ginseng harvest in 1999, 89% reported a lower harvest than the average for the 1990's, with 76% of those 17 States at 40% less than average for the 1990's (see #4 above).

#10. It is no surprise to the AGF that research shows a correlation between harvest levels and unemployment rates. The AGF advocates virtually wild ginseng growing (wild-simulated with no chemical/human intervention other than seeding) as an lucrative, alternative income source for woodland owners and those who would contract to grow ginseng on another's land. Regulated wild-simulated ginseng (marketing-card system, etc.) would alleviate the problem of ginseng theft.

#12. The OSA continues to advocate the condition of five year-old roots or older for exporting despite its expressed regret that "it would be biologically preferable to leave roots in the ground for a longer number of years after the plants reach reproductive age." It laments that to change the age restriction would require new regulations and wild-simulated growers would have to delay harvest. The AGF suggests side-stepping incremental regulation and going forward with a moratorium on wild ginseng exports. If regulated, wild-simulated ginseng could be exported at any age, although the AGF recommends roots of at least five to seven years or older because of higher market values and because fruit production of wild-simulated contributes to restoration by both deliberate and natural means.

#17. Once again, the AGF suggests a moratorium, even a short-term one of five to ten years, until more substantial, non-anecdotal studies are done. A corresponding system of regulating wild-simulated ginseng will avoid the problem of distinguishing illegally obtained wild ginseng from legitimately grown wild simulated. In this case, the market is offered the high quality ginseng root it demands, US growers are making top dollar per pound of ginseng root, and a threatened indigenous plant is preserved.

Condensed and commented on by Jeannette Matthews

AGF TRAINING WORKSHOPS: Burnsville, NC--September 23, 2000 (Filled!);
Charleston, WV--September 30, 2000 at CCA meeting (contact Todd Garland 304/847-7215); Whitwell, TN--October 14, 2000 (Filled!)
All workshop participants and ginseng growers are invited to the AGF follow-up conference on March 17, 2001 to discuss growing experiences and the formation of ginseng cooperatives and desirable regulations for protection against poachers.

For further information, contact Appalachian Ginseng Foundation (AGF) at 606/256-0077.

For AGF Newsletter entries or inquiries, Editor at 606/256-0077.

The Appalachian Ginseng Foundation (AGF) is a project of
Appalachia--Science in the Public Interest (ASPI),
50 Lair Street,
Mt. Vernon, KY 40456.
Fax: 859/2779;
email: aspi@kih.net.

Back to AGF Newsletter Archives

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#5 Fall 2000 AGF Newsletter US Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Scientific Authority Annual CITES Report of Findings July, 2000 (Condensed) The Office of Scientific Authority (OSA) finds that the export of wild and wild simulated ginseng roots of five years of age or older harvested during the Fall of 2000 is not detrimental to the survival of the species in the following states: AL, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MN, MO, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, and WI. No restrictions on cultivated ginseng are required in the states of AL, AR, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WA, WV, and WI. The OSA will continue to monitor American ginseng in the wild and reserves the right to change the restrictions for the Fall 2001 harvest. BASIS FOR ADVICE: The OSA reviews yearly information available publicly from a variety of sources (other federal agencies, State regulatory agencies, industry representatives and associations, non-governmental organizations, and academic researchers) on the status of the species in each state. All states named above have been previously approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for regulating the harvest of wild and/or cultivated ginseng and for certifying harvested ginseng for export. The states of ME, MI, ND, OR, and WA exclusively export cultivated ginseng. ME and MI are both within the native range of ginseng and have passed laws that allow only the harvest and export of cultivated ginseng. ID, ND, OR, and WA are outside the native range. A review of OSA files reveals that: Although the total harvest nationwide decreased by less than 2% between 1998 and 1999, ten (53%) of the states reported an increase in harvest of wild ginseng during that time. However in 17 (89%) of the states, harvest levels for the 1999 season were below the average annual harvest during the 1990's. In fact, in 13 (76%) of these 17 states, harvest levels were more than 40% lower in 1999 than the average for 1990's. It is noted that in some areas of the US, the proportion of wild-simulated ginseng has increased in the last decade. Given that this ginseng is generally certified and reported as "wild," it may have affected harvest trends for those areas, leading to the wrong conclusion that wild populations have remained stable or increased, when indeed they have decreased. This wild-simulated ginseng increase may also explain why last year's age-based restriction on the export of wild ginseng had little impact on the reported harvest levels of wild ginseng for 1999. In 1999, the OSA conditioned its non-detriment finding to ginseng roots five years or older because of concerns about declines in wild ginseng populations in some parts of the country in the late 1990's. The OSA continues to review the ginseng export program. Since 1999 it has found: a. Between 1821-1899, 381,000 lbs. of wild root were exported annually but between 1990-1999, 121,498 lbs. of wild root were exported annually. b. In late 1970's, wild ginseng was 30% of the exported ginseng from North America, but in 2000, only 3.5% of exported ginseng was wild, despite the high demand for wild roots by the Asian market. This demand has led to elimination of wild ginseng in China and Korea and has caused Siberian ginseng to now be restricted, effective July 19, 2000. At the most recent CITES Conference on April 10-20, 2000, Siberian ginseng was included in Appendix II. c. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) reclassified its ranking of American ginseng in 2000 from "common" to "rare/common." Some of the rankings are as follows: TN: rare/common; AL, AR, KY, MO, NY, NC, OH, PA, VA, WV, WI: common. d. On August 30, 1999, the US Forest Service--Eastern Region requested National Forests within that region to condition permits for the collection of wild ginseng to plants at least five years of age. On January 29, 2000 it listed American ginseng in its Sensitive Species List in light of the TNC's re-ranking. Collection of "sensitive" plants is only permitted for scientific or educational purposes, or conservation or propagation of the species, and must be authorized by a Forest Service permit. This has resulted in many of the Eastern Regions's National Forests no longer issuing collecting permits for the species. The US Forest Service-Southern Region is currently considering adding ginseng to its regional Sensitive Species List. This region includes the Daniel Boone National Forest in KY. If listed as Sensitive, none of the Southern Region's National Forests will be issuing collecting permits for ginseng. The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, AR already has established a five-year moratorium (as of May 1, 2000) on ginseng harvest. e. Wild ginseng poaching within the National Park system has increased. Park officials estimate $5,320,000 worth of ginseng roots have been poached in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the last nine years. Ginseng growers and dealers informed the OSA at a conference in Louisville, KY in May 2000 that poaching is a major problem and more assistance against ginseng theft is requested from the state. f. Results from surveys conducted by the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources and by the Division of Natural Heritage, Tennessee Dept. of Environment and Conservation in 1998 found that the majority of all ginseng diggers noted less wild ginseng to be found. g. A recent survey of 7 plots (50x50m) within national forests in NC found a major decline in ginseng density from 29.8 plants/plot in 1979 to 5.7 plants/plot in 1999. Population viability studies of the 5 populations with plants remaining in 1999 suggests that at least three of the five are likely to be extirpated within the next 13 years. h. West Virginia University researchers found a significant decrease in the height of herbarium ginseng specimens (most of it occurring since 1900) deposited in 17 herbaria across the country and collected randomly over a period of 186 years This reduction in plant size was region-specific, with northern North American plants remaining the same size, while specimens from mid-western, Appalachian, and southern populations declined in size. The number of ginseng specimens collected for herbaria declined while other closely related species remained the same or increased. i. Experimental analysis of ginseng populations of different sizes by West Virginia University researchers showed a decrease in fruit production (as much as 50%) in small populations compared to large ones. On October 7, 1999, the Service published a notice in the Federal Register seeking comments and information from the public on the conservation and impact of harvest and international trade in American ginseng. The Service received only eight comments. One written on behalf of the Botanical Industry Council stated that the service relied on unsubstantiated and anecdotal information" and considered the age-based restriction on export of wild ginseng "impractical" and difficult to enforce. All seven other comments expressed similar views. None, however, provided field data or research supporting their belief that wild ginseng populations are not in decline. The Service holds that its export restrictions of three-prong (five year-old) plants is in keeping with the prohibition of harvesting such by the above mentioned States and is not imposing another restriction. Moreover, contrary to what the industry predicted, last year's age-based restriction on export of wild ginseng did not result in a significant drop in reported harvest levels in 1999. As mentioned above, total harvest nationwide decreased by less than 2% between 1998 and 1999 with half of the States reporting an increase in harvest from 1998 to 1999 (noting wild-simulated ginseng's impact). [See #4.] The US Dept. of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) inspects all plant import and exports. APHIS has reported no major problems regarding the implementation of last years' age-based restriction on export of wild ginseng. The Service holds that economic factors (including unemployment rates in the US) may have influenced demand for and harvest of American ginseng in the last few years. This is corroborated by research done by West Virginia University which found a correlation between harvest levels and unemployment. Biotic and abiotic (i.e. deer and drought) factors have negative impact on wild ginseng populations. However, the Service believes that recent declines in many states of American ginseng is greatly related to overharvest, particularly of young, non-reproducing plants. The Service is seriously concerned that this overharvest threatens wild ginseng and the livelihoods of those citizens who depend on this plant economically. The Service again requests that the [Office of Management Authority] OMA condition permits for the export of ginseng roots originating from the wild so as to allow only export of roots that are five years of age or older. Although it would be biologically preferable to leave roots in the ground for a longer number of years after the plants reach reproductive age, implementation of this would require the amendment of current State regulations pertaining to minimum number of prongs (3 to 4) by all states with wild ginseng harvest programs. Growers of wild-simulated ginseng (indistinguishable from wild) would have to delay harvest of their plants by at least six years since three-prong ginseng plants do not add a fourth prong until they are between ten to twelve years old. The Service is actively collaborating and sharing information with the States and other federal regulatory agencies (particularly the US Forest Service) to assist them in the development of management strategies for American ginseng populations under its jurisdiction. This improved collaboration has already resulted in significant management changes in portions of the species' range (see 6d above). The Service, the States, industry, and others agree on the need to improve monitoring of wild American ginseng to better assess the impact of harvest on wild ginseng (particularly as the amount of wild-simulated increases). This annual monitoring program would involve the establishment of survey plots across most States where wild ginseng is currently harvested. The data gathered would be analyzed to determine whether current levels of harvest are sustainable and whether further restrictions in the harvest of wild American ginseng are needed. The Service considers this monitoring to be vital to the conservation of this species. The Service is funding research at West Virginia University to examine several factors regarding wild ginseng. Preliminary results indicate that: a. Many states allow harvest of plants before seeds ripen, thus reducing the chances of seed germination, even if these are planted as required by most States. b. Germination rates are affected by the depth seeds are planted. Optimum depth is found to be at 2 cm. OSA encourages states to share these findings with diggers and dealers to increase germination rates of planted seeds. c. There is a negative correlation between densities of deer and ginseng plants. Several states are establishing programs for the distribution of cultivated seeds to ginseng diggers as a means of restoring the species in the wild. While the Service supports this idea of restoration, it is greatly concerned about the origin of the seeds used and the impact these may have on the local gene pools of wild populations of ginseng. The Service is exploring in conjunction with the States, the USDA, and the industry, the possibility of establishing local or regional ginseng nurseries using locally obtained seeds. Other options for the conservation of ginseng discussed by the Service and the States have included the establishment of harvest quotas, a short-term moratorium on harvest of wild ginseng, or a combination of harvest and moratorium (allowing harvest only every other year). Given the difficulty of determining how to allocate harvest quotas among States or individuals, or distinguishing wild from wild-simulated ginseng, at this time the Service has opted to pursue those alternatives that allow for conservation of the species without negatively affecting growers of wild-simulated ginseng. The Service will continue to work closely with other federal and State officials, as well as the ginseng industry, to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of this important natural resource. CONDITION: American ginseng roots harvested in 2000 and certified by the States as either wild or wild-simulated may be exported provided that the roots are five years of age or older. (Age of ginseng roots at the time of harvest can be determined by counting the number of bud scars on the root. A single scar is produced after abscission of the plants' aerial stem each Autumn.) THE AGF COMMENTS: #7. It is interesting to note that the argument used by the Botanical Industry Council (BIC) that the Service "relied on ‘unsubstantiated and anecdotal information'" against age-based restrictions is the same argument used by Greg Williams of the AGF for more restrictions on wild ginseng harvesting--a moratorium, in fact. (See the Summer 2000 AGF newsletter, #4 and ASPI Technical Paper #57, Moratorium on Wild American Ginseng Exports, available on the web at www.kih.net/aspi.) CITES requires scientific evidence that no detriment to wild ginseng is caused by trade, even with the five year regulation. By asserting the Service's lack of scientific evidence, the BIC is strengthening the case for a moratorium rather than a case for lifting the five-year regulation. #8. The OSA underscores the insignificant drop in export numbers between 1998 and 1999, stating that its restrictions had little impact and that increased production of wild-simulated ginseng is most likely the cause of stable harvest numbers. Without separating data on wild-simulated and wild ginseng, the OSA is not representing true numbers to CITES of the occurrence in the wild and harvesting rates of the threatened wild American ginseng. By putting a freeze on wild ginseng exports and regulating wild-simulated ginseng production, more accurate accounts of wild ginseng would be available to the OSA and therefore CITES. Even a temporary moratorium on wild ginseng would allow some restoration. The OSA ignores here its own report that of States producing ginseng harvest in 1999, 89% reported a lower harvest than the average for the 1990's, with 76% of those 17 States at 40% less than average for the 1990's (see #4 above). #10. It is no surprise to the AGF that research shows a correlation between harvest levels and unemployment rates. The AGF advocates virtually wild ginseng growing (wild-simulated with no chemical/human intervention other than seeding) as an lucrative, alternative income source for woodland owners and those who would contract to grow ginseng on another's land. Regulated wild-simulated ginseng (marketing-card system, etc.) would alleviate the problem of ginseng theft. #12. The OSA continues to advocate the condition of five year-old roots or older for exporting despite its expressed regret that "it would be biologically preferable to leave roots in the ground for a longer number of years after the plants reach reproductive age." It laments that to change the age restriction would require new regulations and wild-simulated growers would have to delay harvest. The AGF suggests side-stepping incremental regulation and going forward with a moratorium on wild ginseng exports. If regulated, wild-simulated ginseng could be exported at any age, although the AGF recommends roots of at least five to seven years or older because of higher market values and because fruit production of wild-simulated contributes to restoration by both deliberate and natural means. #17. Once again, the AGF suggests a moratorium, even a short-term one of five to ten years, until more substantial, non-anecdotal studies are done. A corresponding system of regulating wild-simulated ginseng will avoid the problem of distinguishing illegally obtained wild ginseng from legitimately grown wild simulated. In this case, the market is offered the high quality ginseng root it demands, US growers are making top dollar per pound of ginseng root, and a threatened indigenous plant is preserved. Condensed and commented on by Jeannette Matthews AGF TRAINING WORKSHOPS: Burnsville, NC--September 23, 2000 (Filled!); Charleston, WV--September 30, 2000 at CCA meeting (contact Todd Garland 304/847-7215); Whitwell, TN--October 14, 2000 (Filled!) All workshop participants and ginseng growers are invited to the AGF follow-up conference on March 17, 2001 to discuss growing experiences and the formation of ginseng cooperatives and desirable regulations for protection against poachers. For further information, contact Appalachian Ginseng Foundation (AGF) at 606/256-0077. For AGF Newsletter entries or inquiries, Editor at 606/256-0077. The Appalachian Ginseng Foundation (AGF) is a project of Appalachia--Science in the Public Interest (ASPI), 50 Lair Street, Mt. Vernon, KY 40456. Fax: 859/2779; email: aspi@kih.net. Back to AGF Newsletter Archives

updated August 9, 2002