Learning Journeys

Learning Journeys are immersive, place-based gatherings that invite industry leaders to engage directly with the landscapes, communities, and ecosystems most affected by sourcing decisions. Participants slow down, listen deeply, and connect as whole people—not just professionals.

Previous Journeys in Appalachia, Oregon, and Nicaragua have catalyzed transformative shifts in mindset and practice, inspiring more thoughtful, accountable engagement with supply partners and ecosystems.

"The SHI Learning Journey in France served as an outstanding forum for international networking and the exchange of strategic insights with global peers. It was a highly enriching experience and it was deeply encouraging to witness a robust community of stakeholders actively committed to advancing ethical and transparent supply chains."

Dr. Ramesh Uniyal

Traditional Medicinals

Appalachia

Twenty-five stakeholders from the botanical industry explored the people, places, and plants that are central to the herb trade from Appalachia.

Oregon

Forty people joined for the second Learning Journey to listen to the stories of those working to grow, harvest, and manufacture herbal products in southwest Oregon.

Nicaragua

Eighteen SHI members gathered for a week in Nicaragua to visit ginger and turmeric farmers working with Doselva. This was our first time visiting a source community in the Global South.

Oregon 2025

Thirty five SHI members gathered in Oregon for a second time to take all we have learned from listening to diverse stakeholders into action.

France

Twenty three SHI members from Britain, Canada, India, France, Namibia, the Netherlands, Peru, and the United States immersed ourselves in the work of l’Herbier du Diois, an herbal processing center in France.

Sponsors (for all Learning Journeys)

Upcoming SHI Learning Journeys include Appalachia (September 2026), possibly Colorado (summer 2027), and India (November 2027).

We work to keep the costs affordable for the Learning Journeys. We are able to do this because of the generous financial and in-kind support from the following SHI members. If you would like to find out about sponsorship for upcoming Learning Journeys, please contact Ann.