GINSENG MARKETING

ABOUT KENTUCKY’S GINSENG EXPORT PROGRAM

Kentucky is one of 19 states and one tribe with an approved ginseng export program. In Kentucky, the Department of Agriculture administers the ginseng program and certifies all ginseng before it is exported out of the Commonwealth. Only a licensed Kentucky ginseng dealer may purchase ginseng for the purposes of resale or export. The legal definition of a dealer in Kentucky is under 302 KAR 45:010. Section 1(4).

DEALER LICENSING

Kentucky Ginseng Dealer Licenses are valid until August 31st. For renewing dealers, letters and applications are delivered by mail in July. First-time dealers should apply after July 1st for a Kentucky Ginseng Dealer License that is valid for the current year's fall harvest. In other words, to be a Kentucky Ginseng Dealer on September 1, 2024, apply after July 1, 2024. This license would be valid September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

Applications received prior to June 30 each year are for a license that expires August 31 of the current year. A dealer application received on June 30, 2024 will receive a Kentucky Ginseng Dealer License that expires August 31, 2024. If you need a license valid from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025, apply after July 1, 2024.

IMPORTANT DATES

Lawful ginseng harvest begins September 1st of each year. Any ginseng harvester must receive permission to harvest ginseng on public or private land. Licensed Kentucky ginseng dealers may legally purchase green or fresh ginseng beginning September 1st. Dry ginseng purchases may begin September 15th. All ginseng purchases must be completed prior to March 31st. All ginseng from the previous fall harvest must be certified prior to April 15th.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more detailed information relating to Kentucky’s Ginseng Export Program, use the program pages to the right if using a desktop or laptop computer or by scrolling to the bottom on mobile devices.