At Foraged, foragers are the backbone of who we are. We are excited to have new foragers join us no matter what level of expertise. For those looking to join our community, know that at Foraged we adhere to the following principles for all foragers:

1. Foraging is an important activity that promotes and supports all plants, animals, and habitats in which they exist. We recognize that every ecosystem is interconnected and we seek to continually learn these linkages and better understand how to support them.

2. We aim to promote foraging as an inclusive activity that is opposed to discrimination and prejudice across age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender and foraging experience. There is zero tolerance for those who violate this standard.

3. In standing with other foragers, we understand that each species of wildlife has its own unique connection to its environment and its unique methodology for cultivation. We know that to do this successfully will require continual knowledge and evolution in order to ensure prosperity for both foragers and the environment.

4. Safety is an absolute must. We expect foragers to operate within the boundaries of legislation enacted by local, state and federal governments along with foraging governing bodies. Additionally, this extends to practices for both gathering and consuming. We necessitate that foragers seek proper permission before foraging on non-public lands.

5. Sustainability and foraging go hand and hand – there are no exceptions. We require that foragers are considerate of ecological implications of foraging and will work proactively to practice techniques that allow future foragers equal opportunity to participate, and not cause permanent damage to their area of operation. We encourage foragers to only take 25% of finds, continually look for new spots, and not over harvest at one or multiple locations to preserve the impact had on mycelial networks and surrounding areas.

6. We encourage advanced foragers to go even further in practicing sustainability by gathering spores from their favorite wild mushrooms and cloning them, if possible. Same with plants – we encourage cultivation over wild harvesting at all times. Cloning spores and planting seeds provides a method to not rely solely on Mother Nature to yield results. In fact, many highly regarded strains of cultivated mushrooms originated from wild species.

Food producers/farmers are an absolutely crucial part of our selling community. Mushroom cultivation and speciality produce cultivation are a quickly accelerating part-time profession and the need to establish proper etiquette and growing principles is becoming more and more apparent. For those looking to join our community, know that at Foraged we adhere to the following principles for all producers:

1. Farming has been, and will continue to be, a large part of humanity. At Foraged, we understand the complexity farmers and growers face, while also taking the time to highlight the incredible beauty and accomplishments farmers can bring to customers, their communities, and the greater environment. We continually strive to be an avenue of support for farmers and growers, allowing their operations to thrive.

2. We expect all of our growers to provide a work environment for all those working on their respective farms that is free of discrimination regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender and farming experience while also meeting federal, state, and local labor laws. There is zero tolerance for those who violate this standard.

3. At Foraged we are aware that both foods and farms have unique growing and harvesting practices along with connections to the environment and community in which they are found. Maintaining a successful relationship with farmers means ongoing communication and information sharing to ensure proper growing practices and positive fiscal outcomes.

4. Safety is non negotiable, regardless of farm or grower resources. Our expectation is that all farms adhere to relevant labor, business, environmental and food codes to ensure equitable working conditions and provide a safe product for consumers.

5. While we are respectful of the wisdom and knowledge of our growers and farmers, we want to actively encourage growing and harvesting practices that are sustainable, ecologically friendly, and provide opportunity for continual year-to-year growth.