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Who We Are

Improving world health, rural economies, and biodiversity with botanicals

The Herb Research Foundation (HRF) is an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to providing development expertise and accurate scientific information on herbs, spices, and other botanical resources. We aim to educate the consumer, the government, and the private sector about this specialized field and to foster socially and environmentally responsible development of the industry.

The HRF Division of Sustainable Development (DSD) was formed in response to the growing need for technical assistance and training in the natural products sector worldwide. Our field activities in the US and abroad are managed by Maureen DeCoursey, MFSc, a Yale-educated forester and ethnobotanist with more than 17 years of experience in forest management and enterprise development, biodiversity conservation, and community organizing worldwide. HRF President Rob McCaleb has been working with farmers, collectors, entrepreneurs, botanicals purchasers, manufacturers and marketers for over 20 years. The core HRF staff includes research specialists and experts in market development, regulation, business planning and resource management. Combining our staff expertise with our network of international consultants and strong ties with industry partners allows us to help natural product businesses of all sizes to succeed in the global marketplace..