SHI Fall 2026 Learning Lab

Invitation to Join the 2026 SHI Fall Virtual Learning Lab

“We live in a time of deep transition that in hindsight will be seen as a threshold moment in the history of our planet: a moment when how we showed up - as individuals, as groups, as organizations, or as systems - began to refocus and reshape our pathways forward.”
– Otto Scharmer

The Sustainable Herbs Initiative (SHI) is a growing community of herbal companies, producers, and practitioners committed to reimagining how herbs are sourced, processed, and brought to market. We believe meaningful change begins with relationships built on trust, transparency, and a shared sense of responsibility for the wellbeing of people and the planet.

This fall, SHI is offering a new Learning Lab to build the systems awareness and the practical skills needed to apply these values in practice. It is grounded in the SHI Toolkit 3.0, which draws on years of work among SHI members (farmers, wild harvesters, processors, brands, and advocates) who are turning shared values into action. The Toolkit codifies what we've been learning together, the assumptions behind how change happens, and the practical steps involved and will be used as a core text for the Learning Lab.

Who this is for

Producers, primary processors, ingredient suppliers, traders, and brands who want to be part of building a more transparent and ethical herbal products industry that brings wellness to everyone from source to shelf. This is a good opportunity for new members and newer employees at current SHI member companies to get involved in SHI. It is also open for potential new members to experience the work we do and for others interested in learning the skills and perspectives that guide our work.

What you will learn

Through case studies, skill building presentations, and community conversation, we will explore questions like: What has value? How do we maintain the integrity of a plant through its journey? How do we build sourcing networks grounded in fairness and transparency?

You will leave with:

• Insight into sourcing, procurement, and supplier relationships, drawn from presentations by SHI members and guests. These insights are useful for every role in herb companies committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, from purchasing to finance to marketing.
• A grounding in systems thinking, so you can navigate complexity with more confidence.
• Relationships with a community of peers for ongoing collaboration.
• Access to case studies and tools from past SHI initiatives, adaptable to your own company

Format

Four live virtual sessions, two hours each. Please plan to attend at least three of the four, and to make up any you miss.

1. Intention and Awareness Exploring the roots.
2. Open Mind: Voices in the System
3. Systems Awareness.
4. Courage and Responsibility. What will I do now

An optional ten minute Movement Medicine session, led by Movement Medicine teacher Sally Armbrecht, begins 15 minutes before each session.

Each session will invite you to apply the questions and practices in concrete cases in your work. Though optional, these exercises are intended to deepen your grasp of the material and support you in incorporating these practices more directly into your company’s work.

Work initiated in the Learning Lab can continue through SHI's Monthly Meeting and Quality and Sourcing Working Group.

Dates: Sept 15, Sept 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 20.
Time: 11am to 1pm ET

Facilitator
Facilitated by SHI Director Ann Armbrecht with guest presentations by SHI members.

Cost

• Free for active SHI Supporters and Members. [Contact SHI Program Assistant Keshari at keshari@herbsinitiative.org for the discount code.]
• Early bird registration by September 1: $300 for non-members.
• Regular registration after September 1: $400.
• Scholarships available. Apply here by August 31.

Recordings and a resource library will be available to participants for 90 days after the program ends.

A note from a past participant

"Participating in the Learning Lab provides both learning and inspiration. It forces me to think beyond myself and the day to day needs of my business and think about what I can do for the people who supply herbs for my business." Amit Agarwal, Herb Artizan

Read more about the SHI Learning Labs:

• Systems Change and the Herb Industry
• Changing the System Begins with Listening
• Seeds of the Learning Labs

Questions or ready to join?

Register your interest here and we will follow up shortly, or contact Ann directly at ann@herbsinitiative.org.