Rooted In & Branching Out: Gather to Grow 2026
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Cultivating forest farming across Appalachia and beyond.
The Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition (AFFC) and our ARKx Network partners can’t wait to gather our vibrant community in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Together, we will cultivate and grow knowledge, foster deep community roots, and celebrate the diverse history, yields and opportunities from our native forests.
Where the understory meets industry, this multi-day event is a cornerstone for anyone dedicated to forest-based agroforestry
in temperate regions. Whether your focus is forest botanicals, mushrooms, and other non-timber forest products, or integrating with other practices, this is a great space to learn, network, and build partnerships on many scales.
From hands-on pre-conference workshops and a buzzing Forest Farming Expo to expert presentations and inspiring keynote speakers, now is the time to help shape the agenda, not to mention lock in some early bird savings.
Gathering at a Glance
Who: The AFFC, ARKx Network partners, forest farmers, stewards, practitioners, and you.
What: 2026 Gather to Grow Forest Farming Conference
Where: The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center | Blacksburg, VA
When: October 23–25, 2026
Secure Your Spot: Early Bird Rates Are Live!
Ready to grow with us? Take advantage of our early bird pricing and save before rates go up.
Early Bird Registration: $249 (Available through July 15, 2026)
Standard Registration: $299 (Student and youth discounts are available!)
4 Ways to Jump In & Shape the Conference
We welcome voices from every region and experience level, to have a seat at the table. Here is how you can participate:
1. Share Your Voice: Speaker & Topics Nominations and Open Calls
Have a story, a study, or a successful practice to share? We are looking for engaging sessions, interactive panels, and roundtables.
Key Topics: Traditional ecological knowledge, planting stock supply, industry partnerships, business planning, marketing/sales, processing, and policy.
Perks: Selected speakers receive one complimentary conference registration ($299 value).
Deadline: Speaker proposals are accepted through June 22, 2026.
2. Conference Accessibility: Scholarships Available
Forest farming is for everyone, and financial constraints shouldn’t stand in the way of learning or stewardship. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors like Rural Action and the Barnes-Berry Family Trust, we are proud to offer scholarship opportunities to help cover attendance costs. Beginners, future forest farmers, and historically underserved landowners are highly encouraged to apply!
Deadline: Speaker proposals are accepted through June 22, 2026.
3. Showcase Your Work: Expo Exhibitors
The Gather to Grow Expo is branching out! It’s the perfect place to put your tools, plants, products, or organization in front of an estimated 300+ attendees.
The Setup: Spaces include a 6-foot rectangular table. Setup begins Friday evening, with breakdown by Sunday noon.
Cost: Exhibitor fees are $200 (and are automatically included in many of our sponsorship packages).
4. Invest in Community: Conference Sponsorship
Sponsoring the conference positions your organization as a pillar of agroforestry and local forest economies. All sponsors receive prominent digital and in-person recognition throughout the event promotions.
Flexible Options: Standard packages are available, as well as an absentee sponsorship option if you want to send tabling materials but can't make the trek to Virginia. Physical items for attendee bags or the raffle are also welcomed and appreciated!
View Sponshorship Package
Ready to grow with us? Early bird registration is officially open for $249 through July 15, 2026 (Standard adult registration is $299; student and youth discounts are available).
Whether you come to teach, exhibit your work, learn or just have some forest farming fun, you are welcome at the heartwood of this community. We can't wait to see old friends and new faces from across the ARKx network in Blacksburg this October. Let’s branch out together!
