Forest farming is an agroforestry practice where specific, high-value crops are cultivated under the managed canopy of a forest.  These woodland crops grown under a canopy are called Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs.) Benefits of forest farming include:

• Diversified income. Shorter term NTFPs, for example mushrooms, can be harvested annually and sold for high value while the trees are continuing to grow and will eventually be harvested for lumber.
• Biodiversity and improved ecosystem services. By keeping the forest canopy intact, there will be positive impacts on erosion control, reduced water runoff and better water infiltration, pest pressure, etc.

Attached here is the spec sheet from the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), detailing the practice standards:

 Linked below is a cool, quick video introduction to forest farming:

 Here are some photos of a couple forest farming ideas:

Goldenseal can be cultivated beneath a tree canopy. (Photo by Katie Trozzo)

Bloodroot growing beneath a tree canopy. (Photo by Catherine Bukowski.)