On behalf of LTO Mushroom Cultivation, LTO Noord has started setting up a branch training program for mushroom cultivation. "It's a great shame that there is so little attention given to this cultivation. This, while it is a perfect example of circular agriculture," states Eric Douma, portfolio holder for entrepreneurship & education at LTO Netherlands.

Despite hundreds of millions of kilograms of mushrooms being cultivated annually in the Netherlands, there hasn't been a training program for mushroom cultivation for years. "This, even though employers indicate a need for it," says Douma. With the new branch training program, both LTO Noord and LTO Mushroom Cultivation hope to meet a sector-wide demand.

The technical training started in September. Fourteen people participated in the first module. "Each session takes place at the nursery of a participant or entrepreneur from the sector," Douma explains. The focus is on management staff, migrant workers moving up to managerial positions, and cultivation supervisors.

Circular agriculture
According to chairman Tom van Wijk of LTO Mushroom Cultivation, the training should contribute to mushroom cultivation now and in the future in the Netherlands. "Dutch mushrooms are grown on horse manure, broiler manure, and straw from wheat cultivation," he explains. "This is processed through composting into a production material for various types of mushrooms."

Van Wijk continues: "The residual streams can then be utilized in other sectors to enhance soil fertility." According to him, the cultivation of Dutch mushrooms is a prime example of sustainability and circular agriculture for the whole of Europe.

Source: LTO Nederland

ChampFood International is located in Vierlingsbeek, North Brabant. They produce ChampFood, a natural and organic mushroom supplement, which is available worldwide.

Their company was founded in 1990 by Toon Donkers and Jan Baltussen and has since then been active as producer, supplier, and distributor of ChampFood supplementary food for the mushroom industry.
From the start, the founders worked on higher productivity - and therefore bio-efficiency - of the fully grown compost, by developing an improved type of supplement.
In addition they developed a specific treatment that ensured that the added proteins were released even more equally during the flushes.

In 2008 the company moved to its current production location, enabling further growth and innovation. In addition, the team was reinforced with the arrival of Eric Vernooij, who has enriched the sales team with his knowledge of mushroom cultivation.

Technological development
Through the continuous use of the latest technology in terms of absorption requirements and based on in-depth nutritional and practical knowledge of composting and cultivation, ChampFood has become a market leader with a leading product; ChampFood now supplies a wide variety of products for supplementing the cultivation of white and brown mushrooms and other mushroom exotic species all over the world.

An important part of their success is the good relationship with their customers. Intensive cooperation with their customers enables them to adapt customised supplement compositions to the type of compost/recipe. Their customers let them know that they appreciate that flexibility. As a result, they have developed a large number of customized recipes for their customers over the years.

Challenge
A rapidly growing world population that demands more food is a difficult issue. Because the mushroom sector is relatively flexible and can therefore respond well to these problems, ChampFood sees many developments in mushroom cultivation. Fortunately, a lot of knowledge is shared within the mushroom industry, often originating from Dutch roots.

The production of mushrooms is possible with raw materials such as straw, horse, and chicken manure and the harvest can take place both manually and mechanically. Innovative hand harvesting systems are increasing, although they require high investments. The costs of raw materials and energy are also increasing. It is therefore important that the harvest produces enough to compensate for investments and costs.

The importance of efficiency
In the future, the viability of a production company will no longer be determined solely by the maximum number of kilos of mushrooms per m2, but also by keeping the costs per cultivation area as low as possible, so that the highest possible return can be generated. This requires the highest possible bio-efficiency of the substrate. Supplementing the substrate will therefore become even more essential. It now appears that the worldwide production of mushrooms is 15% to 20% higher when using a supplementary substrate. ChampFood is convinced that supplementation will therefore play an even more significant role, especially since the cost of supplement is less than 5% of the total costs per m2 of cultivation area (not even taking into account energy and labor costs). This makes the application of supplements a very healthy and solid investment.

ChampFood would like to welcome you during the Mushroom Days at their stand number 53.

Phorid larvae (Megaselia halterata) are obligate mycelial feeders therefore, the adult flies are not attracted to oviposit in the compost until after spawning. The up to 6 mm long larvae feed on the growing mushroom mycelium but rarely on the fruiting body itself. They can be distinguished from sciarid larvae by the absence of the black head, and they develop more rapidly into a pupa.

The adult fly can be distinguished from the sciarid fly by the short antennae and by its rapid, jerky, running movement. Adult phorids act as a vector for dry bubble. 75 flies per m2 may already cause an outbreak of the disease. Phorid flies are unable to fly when the temperature falls below 12°C (54°F). In the past they have rarely infected mushroom houses after late fall. As there are now more and more warm days into November, this period is prolonged.

e-nema comes with a solution to control phorids. If you wish to know more, please visit their website.

The global mushroom cultivation market is expected to grow at a steady rate in the forecast period, 2023-2027. Factors such as growing per capita mushroom consumption and the rise in awareness about the multiple benefits of mushroom consumption are driving the market growth. Surge in demand for vegan and natural food in the diet and increasing health-consciousness among consumers are the prominent factors expected to accelerate the demand for the global mushroom cultivation market.

Also, rise in the efforts by the market players to adopt the latest technologies will boost the commercial production of mushrooms, which is expected to create numerous growth opportunities for the market players in the global mushroom cultivation market during the forecast period.

Global mushroom cultivation is segmented based on type, raw material, phase, form, application, region, and company. Based on regional analysis, Asia-Pacific is expected to hold a significant market share for the next five years, 2023-2027. China is the largest producer and consumer of mushrooms across the world . An increase in the cultivation of mushrooms along with the increasing consumption in the region are expected to fuel the demand for mushrooms in the country. Also, the adoption of the latest technology for mushroom cultivation by the market players is expected to create numerous growth opportunities for the growth of the global mushroom cultivation market in the forecast period.

Major players operating in the mushroom cultivation market are Smithy Mushrooms Ltd., Rheinische Pilz Zentrale GmbH, Monaghan Mushrooms Ltd, Walsh Mushrooms Group, South Mill Mushrooms Sales Inc., Hirano Mushroom LLC, Gourmet Mushrooms, Inc., Fresh Mushroom Europe NV, L F Lambert Spawn Co, Polar Shiitake Oy, and others.

Please read the full article here.
Source: Research And Markets

The first person to introduce the cultivation of mushrooms in the town was William Swayne, a Quaker who had been growing carnations for years. Swayne, a mushroom enthusiast, began growing mushrooms to utilize space under elevated beds. After importing mushroom spawn from Europe, he began experimenting. Today, Kennett holds an annual Mushroom Festival in early September.

Throughout the years, the mushroom industry in Kennett Square has grown to an international level. The city has a long history of integrating new immigrants into its economy. Many immigrants in the past have been Quakers, while others have been Latino and Guatemalan. Today, the city is home to a robust food supply, robust healthcare system, and a thriving mushroom industry.

Kennett Squares Mushroom Industry

Today, 65% of all the mushrooms in the United States are grown in the town of Kennett Square, PA. Other towns have indeed produced mushrooms, but only Kennett Square has the title of The Mushroom Capital of the World. However, a little-known fact is that the town became the Mushroom Capital of the World by accident, as settlers from Italy and Mexico settled the area after the Quakers.

Please read the full article here.

Source: Phillybite

Dear All!

My name is Ulrich Tiemann and since April this year I started working for e-nema. I received a very cordial welcome, plus a lot of support and training from the e-nema team.

It is great working here. Having a background in agriculture, international food trading and sales, I am working myself into the mushroom industry now. I do look forward to getting to know you. Through my work, I aim to support you and add value to the mushroom industry with the help of entomopathogenic nematodes, which e-nema produces at an industrial scale.

Hope meeting you soon!

In 2020, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVMA) conducted targeted inspections of dark cultivations: mushroom cultivation and chicory forcing. Ultimately, 93 percent complied with the rules regarding the use of cultivation protection products. That is close to the target of 95 percent compliance. But this end result was only achieved after inspected companies were given the opportunity to repair imperfections. 10 of the 27 inspected companies did this to succeed. Despite this, there were also two companies that did not have their affairs in order.

NVWA inspectors conducted targeted farm inspections in 2020 on 27 farms with dark cultivations (17x for mushrooms). The focus during these inspections was on the use of plant protection products and biocides.

Imperfections in administration
The results of these targeted inspections show that almost 93 percent of the inspected companies follow the rules regarding the use of plant protection products. This 93 percent is approaching the target of at least 95 percent compliance. However, this favorable final picture was only achieved after the inspected companies took advantage of the opportunity to repair imperfections. This happened at a dozen companies, which mostly involved administrative matters. The most common deficiencies related to the cultivation protection monitor, the biocides administration and the return of expired products.

Twice on report
In addition, there were still two companies where enforcement action was taken. This means that a report of findings has been drawn up by the inspectors. A written warning was also issued once, because the company had not had its affairs in order according to regulations. An administrative fine may be imposed on the basis of a report of findings.

High recovery rate
Although the final picture of 93 percent compliance produces a positive picture, the NVWA finds the number of companies that had to repair deficiencies quite high. The NVWA is therefore exploring possibilities to increase awareness of the administrative obligations among growers.

Source: Nederlandse Voedsel- en Waren Authoriteit (NVMA), in DUTCH.

We are happy to announce that Mertens Mushrooms from Holland has joined our mushroom community!

As a dedicated supplier, Mertens believes in good cooperation towards a healthy growth for every business. The company is well versed in professional agriculture, garden retail and landscaping, and passionately shares its expertise. From its roots in Limburg (The Netherlands), Mertens has developed into a down-to-earth, involved, and most of all reliable and knowledgeable partner.

Mertens has almost 70 years of experience, relies on a team of about 130 permanent employees, has its own vehicle fleet and over 7,000 products in stock. From this basis, Mertens has managed to acquire a leading position in the mushroom sector. When it comes to mushrooms, Mertens is even the world’s biggest player. Our team is active in 41 countries, spread over six continents.

Focus on prevention
Mertens offers a complete package of products for growers and tunnel companies: biocontrol, films, cultivation, compost and sliding mats, fogging equipment, scales and hygiene products. Mertens’ range clearly reflects the trends and developments within the sector, in which prevention is now paramount. Today crop protection products, mainly biological, are only used when absolutely necessary. An example of prevention within mushroom cultivation is the use of nematodes; this worm species plays an important role in the control of mosquitoes in cultivation. Mertens has guided growers intensively in the application of these nematodes. To be able to inform its customers in the best possible way, Mertens ensures that its own expertise is always kept up-to-date.

International growth
From its roots in Limburg (The Netherlands), Mertens’ mushroom branch has increasingly focused abroad. Mertens is now also active in the growing mushroom market China, often indirectly through other supplies or consultants. This is a logical development, knowing that the number of Dutch mushroom growers has decreased drastically in recent years. The extensive online communication possibilities facilitate remote contact. In addition, the Mertens website is a source of information and provides a sophisticated ordering system for both domestic and foreign customers. Among other things, mushroom growers can find order lists, safety sheets and product information here. Online sales have grown strongly in the last few years, but Mertens also attaches great value to personal contact.

Mertens is ready to help you!
Moving with the times, synergy with other sectors, cooperation, flexibility, adaptation to market needs… These are the characteristics that have brought Mertens to where it is today, and all this is combined with expert advice.
Meet our Mushroom Team! They will be happy to help you.

The global mushroom cultivation market will grow enormously in the coming years. This is evident from the report of QYResourch. They have mapped the market analysis and insights for the global mushroom cultivation market for a period up to 2027. That is a good prospect for the growers of white mushrooms, oysters and shiitake. But growers of other mushrooms will also benefit from this. The analysis focuses on sales, revenue and forecast. The research process involves the study of various factors affecting the industry, including government, policy, market environment, historical data, current trends, technological innovation, risks, opportunities, barriers and challenges. The market estimates in this report are based on the market price of mushroom cultivation. Figures have also been identified through primary and secondary research at mushroom companies. Primary research included interviews with key opinion leaders or industry experts as well as with directors and marketing executives, while secondary research consisted of examining annual and financial reports. All possible factors influencing the markets included in this study have been taken into account, such as inflation, economic downturn and changes in regulations and policies or other factors. But if we can start from these predictions, growers worldwide have a bright future.

To request the full report, please click here.

Source: QYresearch

The consumer demand for residue-free food is increasing, and chemical alternatives in mushroom cultivation are becoming less and less available.

E-nema GmbH supports this change. It is the world market leader and has decades of experience in the production of useful nematodes.

Useful nematodes are natural opponents of many pests in ornamental plant breeding, on strawberry, blueberry and apple orchards as well as in maize cultivation. They are also increasingly being used, successfully within the mushroom cultures, in the fight against sciarids.

Nematodes are barely visible to the naked eye, but they are very effective. They are sent all over the world to be used in biological crop protection.

The main sales markets are currently in Europe and North America, but countries such as New Zealand and Africa are also increasingly relying on biological alternatives to chemical crop protection.

E-nema maintains close contact with its customers and will in future, be at the side of the mushroom grower as a partner with scientific expertise and an effective biological product against sciarids.

Despite the pandemic, sales of the north German company e-nema GmbH rose by more than 30% last year.

The company will continue to invest in modern systems and in the qualifications and motivation of its employees. Their number is expected to increase from currently 60 to 100 in the coming years and a doubling of sales from 10 million in 2019 to 20 million by 2024 is also planned.

In these huge bioreactors, e-nema GmbH produces useful nematodes for biological crop protection
Photo: k-film, Michael Kottmeier