Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains bordering the Pisgah National Forest in Marshall, NC, lays a haven for herbalists, naturalists, and seekers of agri-tourism excellence. The Eagle Feather Organic Farm, owned and operated by Robert Eidus is home to the North Carolina Ginseng and Goldenseal Co. Among their many acclamations, the Eagle Feather Farm has been designated as a Native Botanical Sanctuar
y by United Plant Savers, and is also a designated North Carolina Nursery by the NC Department of Agriculture. Since 1993, the NC Ginseng and Goldenseal Company has been growing organic medicinal herbs such as ginseng, goldenseal, and a variety of other woodland botanicals in a natural hardwoods cove. Madison County is home to some of the most potent and high quality ginseng in the world, and the Eagle Feather Organic Farm has a reputation for excellence. Here they distribute everything from leaves, roots, seeds, and rhizomes to tinctures and capsules, all the while practicing sustainable agriculture. The Eagle Feather Farm has books, videos, classes, apprenticeships, and tours that further teach and address the natural ways of growing such beneficial herbs as Ginseng, Goldenseal, Black Cohosh, Gotu Kola, and Echinacea, while maintaining a sustainable environment. As the plants are grown in their own habitat, the use of tractors and many other such cash crop farming methods are not necessary. In 2001 the price for wild chemical free ginseng was $350-$380 per pound, while chemically sprayed ginseng, and ginseng grown in artificial environments went for $18 dollars per pound. The price of ginseng increased to $450 in 2006. Robert Eidus and the Eagle Feather Farm have a lot to share about the wealth of sustainable resources to be found here in Madison County, NC. The Southern Appalachian School for Growing Medicinal Plants holds classes at the Eagle Feather Farm. These classes teach many of the aspects of organic farming in the woods with forest crops. This herbal growing school features a series of DVDs, "Plants and Their Friends," and teachers who are experts in their fields. See the classes page for more information. Robert Eidus, owner, holds farm tours as the interest in this form of agriculture is growing, and agri-tourism has added it’s name to the list of reasons for folks to come on out to this beautiful county. You can find out more about the North Carolina Ginseng & Goldenseal Co. by contacting Robert Eidus at 300 Indigo Bunting Lane in Marshall, NC 28753. Call (828) 649-3536 or e-mail [email protected].
