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Dealers are important stakeholders in the conservation of American ginseng. Their livelihood is at least partially dependent on buying and selling native herbs, and ginseng is the most valuable herb in the forest. Those who have been in the business for a number of years have also developed effective methods of educating not only the harvesters who bring their roots in for sale but the general public as well.

Meet three ginseng dealers in the Appalachian region who bring their own perspectives to the role and responsibility of the ginseng dealer in conserving this important plant. All have intimate knowledge of American ginseng and a passion for sustaining the plant into the future.

Update, October 2023: Tony Coffman is no longer purchasing ginseng in West Virginia. Chester Crain passed away in April 2021.

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This event is part of the Smithsonian Earth Optimism initiative, highlighting success stories in conservation and sustainability.