Geographic Issues

“If you can, carry to the far corners of the earth something as light as a feather that can linger in one’s memory forever… whenever feasible, trade in potent fragrances and flavors, for they are the tangible corollaries of visions and dreams.”

-Gary Paul Nabhan, Cumin, Camels, and Caravans: A Spice Odyssey

Stories of plants, people, and companies from around the world weave through this website. We have tried to gather them here by region to guide your exploration.

Appalachia

Find out about wild harvesting and forest farming in Appalachia, SHI’s work with the Point of Harvest program, and the SHI Learning Journey in Appalachia.

Central America

Learn more about regenerative herb farming in Costa Rica, Doselva’s work with Gaia Herbs to support coffee farmers in Nicaragua, and the SHI Learning Journey in Nicaragua.

Eastern Europe

Watch videos on wild harvesting and processing herbs from Poland and Bulgaria.

India

Stories from India weave through many pages of this website. The video, Relationships through the Supply Chain, is a good place to begin. Read more about the Indian medicinal plant trade here.

Nepal

Read an overview of the medicinal plant trade in Nepal, reflections on returning to Nepal to visit jatamansi harvesters and watch a video on a unique partnership of companies to support ginger farmers in western Nepal.

Coming Soon!

We will add more regional stories as we have them!