SRS4702 Header The Social, Economic, and Market Dynamics of Ramps (Allium tricoccum) from the Southern Appalachian Forests


Research Description Accomplishments Scientists and Support Staff Cooperators Publications Software For Further Information Search  Home

 

 Abstract. Allium tricoccum (Ramps, wild leeks), an early spring ephemeral herb are native to the hardwood forests of eastern United States. Ramps range naturally from Canada to North Georgia and west to Missouri and Minnesota. In Southern Appalachian, ramps are found in rich moist cove hardwood forests, and prefer elevations above 3500 feet. They are one of the first edible forest products to emerge after a long winter, and are only available for about two months each year. Early European settlers to the Appalachian Mountains learned about ramps from the Native Americans, who used them for medicinal and culinary purposes. Today, people flock to the forests to dig "a mess of ramps" for personal consumption, as a symbol of the coming of spring. Community groups generate revenues through ramp suppers and festivals, and rural entrepreneurs dig to supply fancy restaurants.

Very little is known about the social, economic and market dynamics that affect the collection, trade and use of these products. They are closely enmeshed in the natural history of the region, yet the number, characteristics, and values of the people involved in these markets is not well understood. At the same time, this study is working to determine the volume and value of ramps that are harvested each year. Through this effort, we hope to learn from the people who are directly involved with these forest products how the resource can be better managed to ensure that digging ramps continues to be an integral part of rural lives. This information will aid in finding ways to sustainably manage forests for these products and will lead to improved management practices.

 


Cooperators

  • SRS-4101, Southern Appalachian Forests, Asheville, NC
  • N.C. Specialty Crops Program, Dept. of Horticulture Science, NC State University, Mtn. Horticulture Crops Research
  • SRS-4201, Threatened & Endangered Species, Clemson, SC
  • National Forests of North Carolina

Accomplishments

  • Two years of harvest data collected from civic groups that organize ramp festivals and are the major consumers of this non-timber forest product.

Technology Transfer Efforts

  • Oral presentations have been made to the major organizers of ramp festivals to discuss harvest impact and need for active forest management. The groups to whom presentations were made include American Legion, Post 47 in Waynesville, Cullasaja Gorge Fire and Rescue Squad (Franklin, NC), Savannah Fire Department (Sylva, NC), Graham County Rescue Squad (Robbinsville, NC) and Ruritan Club of Cosby, TN. In all, more than 125 people attended these meetings.
  • Have developed and maintained a comprehensive website that includes listing ramp festivals, current literature, history, and bibliography (a product of all collaborators).
  • Coauthor with Jackie Greenfield and Jeanine M. Davis an extension document "Raising Ramps (Allium tricoccum) for Fun and Profit" (in review).
  • Poster Presentation: Chamberlain, Jim 2002. "The Social, Economic and Market Dynamics of Ramps (Allium tricoccum) from the Southern Appalachian Forests" Presented at the 25th Annual Appalachian Studies Association Conference. 15-17 March 2002, Unicoi State Park, Helen Georgia.

 

 

Southern Research Station Forest Service USDA Virginia Tech Department of Wood Science and Forest Products Non-Timber Forest Products
Southern
Research
Station		 Forest
Service		 USDA Virginia
Tech		 Non-Timber
Forest
Products
Last Modified: 06/13/07
Send Comments to Matt Winn: mwinn@fs.fed.us