Founded in Seattle in 1974 by Richard Alan Miller, OAK was relocated to southern Oregon in 1984. Currently located in Grants Pass, OR OAK's primary orientation is lecturing, writing, and research. It has a staff of three, with numerous part-time support. Lecturing includes a number of Herb Farming Workshops and national speaking engagements. Writing includes five herb books, a national herbal newsletter, and numerous magazine articles. Recent book titles include "The Potential Of Herbs As a Cash Crop" (Acres), "Native Plants Of Commercial Importance" (OAK), The Magical & Ritual Use Of Perfumes (Destiny), and Successful Farm Ventures (New Farm). 

In 1985 Mr. Miller began publishing "The Herb Market Report", a newsletter now in its ninth year of publication. As a trade newsletter, it is

now recognized as the best available on how to grow, harvest and market these crops, and includes foods, drugs, cosmetic, and dried florals.

The newsletter and workshops have created a large network of farmers, foragers, and buyers. Organized profit-sharing marketing cooperatives have been developed in more than 28 states, many with their own newsletters. Strategic relationships have been formed with individuals within this network, including private ventures together.

OAK also provides agricultural support and consulting on such topics as farm plans, technical information, research and marketing support, workshops, and troubleshooting for specific farm problems. One invention, the Flowerhead Harvester, now allows the mechanical harvest of pyrethrum (an organic insecticide).