AHPA President Michael McGuffin participated in a panel discussion on the Future of Ginseng Conservation and Industry at a symposium held this week by the United Plant Savers (UpS) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

The 3-day symposium brought together a diverse array of stakeholders involved in the management and regulation of forest botanicals in Appalachia, including federal and state agencies, tribal representatives, academics, landowners, collectors, and the herbal products industry.

The symposium presented current research on American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and other forest botanicals and attendees discussed current regulations, policies and practices that promote sustainability.

"This symposium demonstrates how stakeholders can come together to promote conservation, cultivation and commerce of native medicinal plants found throughout the Appalachian region," McGuffin said. "The event also helps highlight the important contribution these plants make to the health and well being of Appalachian ecosystems and the people who live in them."

McGuffin is has served on the UpS board for nearly 20 years to support the organization's goal of protecting native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come.