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How To Start A Ginseng Farm

How much does it cost to start a ginseng farm?

Modern ginseng cultivation today ranges from extremely intensive, high input, high risk, field production utilizing polypropylene shade cloth, with production costs alone of at least $65,000 per acre to establish and grow a three year crop, to less than a $100 investment in seed that may be grown in a “wild simulated” Oct 5, 2015.

How much is an acre of ginseng worth?

The ginseng market varies from year to year, but when the price is high it’s possible to net up to $50,000 per acre. There is one drawback: it takes from five to 10 years for the roots to reach a marketable size.

How much do ginseng farmers make?

At the current prices, a half acre garden could produce $100,000 worth of seeds and roots over a six year period, or over $16,000 per year.

Why is growing ginseng illegal?

The root of the ginseng plant has been coveted for thousands of years as a natural curative. Because the slow-growing plant is destroyed to harvest the root, those who illegally harvest ginseng can face stiff fines or imprisonment.

Can you make money growing ginseng?

Growing ginseng is one of the best ways to turn your backyard or acreage into extra income growing these high-value plants, which can produce roots worth several hundred dollars per pound.

Is it legal to grow ginseng?

It is illegal to harvest American ginseng roots on most State lands and all National Park Service land. Some U.S. Forest Service National Forests issue harvest permits for wild ginseng while other National Forests prohibit the harvest of ginseng.

What crop is most profitable?

The highest yielding crops are sugar cane, sugar beet, and tomatoes. Sugar cane accounts for about 80% of the world’s sugar production, while sugar beet the remaining 20%. Not surprisingly, the most lucrative cash crops from a value per acre perspective are illegal in many parts of the world.

What is the most profitable crop per acre?

Bamboo is one of the most profitable crops to grow per acre. It can bring in lots of revenue, but the catch is it takes about three (3) years for the bamboo to get “established” once planted.

What is the best cash crop for a small farm?

Cash Crops for Small Farm Profit Bamboo. Already popular in Asia, bamboo is gaining popularity around the world for its variety of uses, such as fencing material, fabric and food. Specialty Mushroom. Perfect crops for beginning farmers are specialty mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms. Lavender. Garlic. Christmas Trees.

How much is a half-acre of ginseng worth?

In fact, it can take about five or six years until your roots are mature enough to sell. Don’t fret, while you’re waiting for that, you can make good money selling seed and rootlets, which are possible to sell after just a couple years. A half-acre of ginseng can be worth as much as $100,000 after five or six years.

How much does ginseng root sell for?

The roots can fetch as much as $500-$1,000 per pound. The harvest of wild ginseng is illegal, but the high price opens up a black market to the plant.

What states allow you to grow ginseng?

There are 19 states that allow harvesting of wild ginseng for export: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

What makes ginseng so valuable?

It is very rare and it is in very high demand. It only grows in a few places, and it must grow for four or more years to be valuable. It doesn’t reproduce rapidly. It has been a ‘cash crop’ in the United States for decades – you can make a lot of money roaming through the woods and finding these plants.

Where Can ginseng be found?

American ginseng is found throughout deciduous forests in eastern and central United States and in southeastern Canada. It is a slow-growing perennial that typically grows 8 to 15 inches tall. It grows predominantly in woodland, favoring slopes with rich soil and dense shade.

Where does ginseng grow the most?

Wild American ginseng, Panax quinquefolius, is native to the deciduous forest of the United States, from the Midwest to Maine, and further north into Eastern Canada. The most popular habitat where wild ginseng is found is throughout the Appalachian and Ozark region.

Is growing ginseng profitable?

There sure is: growing ginseng for profit. It’s one of the most profitable cash crops, bring as much as $400 a pound at maturity from eager Asian buyers. Ginseng is one of the most popular herbs in the entire world.

Is it legal to grow your own ginseng?

It is illegal to harvest American ginseng roots on most State lands and all National Park Service land. Some U.S. Forest Service National Forests issue harvest permits for wild ginseng while other National Forests prohibit the harvest of ginseng.