Wild crops include any plant, or portion of a plant that is harvested from a growing site that is not conventionally maintained. The land that a wild crop is grown on may not be cultivated by growers and may not be under other agricultural management.
An organic wild crop must be harvested in such a way that preserves the natural environment in which the plant grows. Additionally, an organic wild crop cannot be gathered from an area that has been exposed to prohibited substances, such as pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Wild crops don't have to be specifically organic, but those wild crops that meet organic standards under the USDA National Organic Program, qualify for USDA organic certification.
Products made with wild crops include essential oils, teas, herbal supplements and other plant-based products. Sometimes wild seeds are harvested from wild crops as well.
Wild-crafted
Pine nuts used to make pesto, salad or pine nut cookies are a popular wild crop.
