Initial field trials will compare plant health, growth rates, transplantability, and pharmacological constituents. Market research will determine potential demand and crop prices, and partnerships with key stakeholders will provide evaluations of cost and process efficiency, thus laying the foundation for a scaled-up demonstration during Phase II of a growers' cooperative network based on osha. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Rural communities throughout the Rocky Mountain region are in need of diversified, value-added crops to bolster a declining agricultural sector. Osha (Ligusticum porteri) is an excellent candidate. A native medicinal plant adapted to high-altitude, semi-arid ecosystems, osha currently commands a premium wholesale price for dried root. Yet a key factor limiting use is a lack of successful cultivation techniques. Healing Planet Herbs proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative cultivation systems for this botanical, based on the firm's 20 years research experience. Our firm is well-positioned to make a quantum leap toward commercial deployment throughout the Rockies. Phase I success will lead to a larger Phase II demonstration/validation project focused on showing that a sustainable supply of osha can be produced profitably by growers in the Rocky Mountain region. The species benefits from ecologically sound production and conservation practices. Producers and communities benefit from a diversified value-added crop system that can be duplicated across the region. The herbal industry benefits from the availability of a valued botanical with untapped potentials. And consumers benefit from a guaranteed supply of products based on high-quality standards.
Keywords: osha; ligusticum porteri; medicinal plant; herb; conservation; cultivation; wild-simulated
