Steve Moring, a research scientist at KU's Higuchi Biosciences Center, plans to analyze the plants to identify their chemical compounds. He said he already has some research money for analysis of the echinacea species. He and other researchers plan to establish the Great Plains Medicinal Herbs Cooperative. Moring said farmers will be able to bring their crops to the cooperative, which will certify them as organic, and help them sell or trade their products. The problem is finding the right market.
Researchers say the statewide interest in alternative crops has grown.
Rhonda Janke, a sustainable crops specialist for K-State Research and Extension, said she held an informational meeting about the topic in 1997 and expected only 20 people to show. Her current mailing list has 600 names. Janke has been studying about 40 herbs for their medicinal crop and profit potential, particularly echinacea, for three years. There are dozens and dozens out there. Janke said researchers want to look for new crops that farmers could raise besides traditional crops such as corn, wheat or soybeans.