With one third of the Wisconsin ginseng industry taking part in GGAA's seal program...

 ...The GGAA is leading the effort in helping high-quality ginseng growers reach consumers worldwide

Our Mission

In recent years, the demand for American ginseng has risen around the world, as a result, many growers have chosen to engage in unethical practices compromising the integrity and quality of ginseng. The GGAA was founded in an effort to protect consumers and ethical farmers.

The GGAA has introduced a proprietary model known as, "Revitalize and Revolutionize":

Revitalize through education - For growers: The GGAA seeks to inform consumers on ethical practices of cultivation-- giving honest farmers a fighting chance and aspiring ones a blueprint to navigate a turbulent industry. For consumers: The GGAA provides resources that can be used to avoid counterfeit products, and additional information that may help in the identification of substandard products.

Revolutionize through research - For growers: The GGAA shares research to help optimize cultivation/quality and market data to better understand consumer demands. For consumers: The GGAA serves as a voice for consumers, and collects information to better cater to consumer needs.

To facilitate this effort, The GGAA has established guidelines and practices to help maintain a standard of quality. Some of these guidelines are listed below;

1. The GGAA incorporates rigorous requirements in relation to the farming/processing practices that ginseng growers use. These mandatory requirements not only result in a higher quality product, but also serves as a guarantee to consumers that the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) requirements have been met. For a complete list of our requirements and standards for our ginseng growers click here.

2. The GGAA is committed to ensuring that ginseng is of the highest standards. Unlike other certification bodies, the GGAA has implemented a mandatory drying process that ensures the ginseng retains its desired physical attributes, while increasing the quality of the ginseng. Additionally, this process protects ginsenosides (the active compound in ginseng) from being lost due to high temperatures normally used during the drying process.

3. The GGAA is a non-profit organization recognized under the IRS section 501(c)(3).  In an effort to safeguard a process of informed and neutral decision-making, while ensuring a creative process, the GGAA has formed a board comprising of members of all backgrounds, including those from within the ginseng industry. Additionally, in light of GGAA's non-profit nature, all operations as well as allocation of assets will be made publicly accessible in the form of annual reports.

4. The GGAA is expanding into a globally recognized organization with trademark seals appearing on American ginseng products worldwide. The organization is thus constantly seeking to bolster its presence globally, bringing high quality American ginseng to consumers everywhere.

5. The GGAA maintains a zero interference approach when it comes to the pricing of ginseng.

Achievements