From September 18 to 22, 2023 it's the Fungal Disease Awareness Week.

Many people are affected by fungal diseases at various times in their lives. For example, inhaling mold spores can cause diseases such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis or valley fever.

Fungal diseases are increasing worldwide. This is due to the increase in the Earth's temperature which can allow infectious fungi in the environment to grow in new areas that were previously too cold. Changes in climate can also cause fungi to evolve, threatening the emergence of new fungal infections. For example, the Candida Auris epidemic (the hospital fungal infection!) would be the first to be caused by climate change. The fungus is known for its extreme resistance, its super-fast spread and the high mortality rate of patients who become infected with it.

Of course, not all molds are poisonous, but some molds are known to be capable of producing toxins (mycotoxins). Eating or inhaling these toxins can lead to a yeast infection.

Despite all we now know about how mold causes diseases, misdiagnoses still occur and can cost lives. Also the fact that people are increasingly becoming resistant, there are only limited available antifungal medications. This means that it is more common that fungal diseases cannot be treated.

This week should ensure that the world population becomes aware of the fact that inhaling or eating mold spores can have fatal consequences.

Source: Mushroom Matter

University of Queensland researchers are working with industry to develop biodegradable ‘plastic’ bags for use in mushroom farming, which could open lucrative opportunities in packaging and manufacturing.

Dr Nasim Amiralian from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology is collaborating with Queensland producer Scenic Rim Mushrooms to reduce the company’s reliance on plastic ‘grow bags’.

“Grow bags are widely used across the fungiculture industry, but most are made from non-biodegradable materials which can only be burned or sent to landfill,” Dr Amiralian said.

Please read the full article here.

Source: The University of Queensland

As the sun's warm embrace blankets the earth, a quiet wonder emerges beneath the forest canopies, in fields, and even in our own backyards. Mushrooms, those enigmatic and diverse organisms, have their own story to tell during the summertime. From vibrant hues to hidden ecosystems, let's embark on a global adventure to explore how mushrooms flourish during this magical season.

1. Bountiful Forests of North America
In North America, the summertime brings forth a bountiful display of wild mushrooms. From the iconic morels to the majestic chanterelles, forests come alive with a myriad of shapes, colors, and flavors. Enthusiastic foragers take to the woods to harvest these gastronomic treasures, while fungi experts study their ecological roles. The diverse landscapes of the continent offer a playground for mushrooms, showcasing the symbiotic dance between these fungi and the trees they call home.

2. European Forests
Across the Atlantic, European forests present their own captivating tales of summertime mushrooms. The enchanting forests of France, for instance, are famous for their delectable truffles. Skilled truffle hunters and their faithful dogs work tirelessly, seeking the precious fungi hidden beneath the earth. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom's woodlands come alive with fairy tale-esque mushrooms, like the iconic fly agaric, adding a touch of whimsy to the landscape.

3. The Fungi Fiesta in South America
In the lush rainforests of South America, a fungi fiesta unfolds during the summer months. These tropical forests, teeming with life, harbor an incredible diversity of fungi, many of which remain undiscovered by science. These mushrooms play vital roles in the ecosystem, breaking down organic matter and supporting the balance of the rainforest.

4. The Magic of Asian Fungi
Across Asia, a rich tradition of mushroom cultivation and consumption has been practiced for centuries. From the revered shiitake to the intriguing lion's mane, Asia's mushroom culture is deeply intertwined with its culinary heritage and traditional medicine. The summertime in Asia brings forth an abundance of mushrooms, enriching the regional cuisine and adding a burst of umami flavor to dishes.

5. Hidden Gems in Australia
Even in the arid landscapes of Australia, mushrooms find a way to thrive during the summer months. Fungi like the desert truffle emerge from the sandy soil, revealing the adaptability and resilience of these organisms. In this challenging environment, mushrooms play a unique role, contributing to the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

From the mystical forests of North America to the rainforests of South America, the summertime mushroom stories from around the world reveal the incredible adaptability, diversity, and significance of these organisms. As we enjoy the warm months, let's take a moment to appreciate the hidden wonders beneath our feet - the mushrooms that quietly remind us of the magic of nature and its ceaseless cycles of life and renewal. Whether foraging for a culinary delight or simply reveling in the beauty of these fungi, the summertime offers a perfect opportunity to connect with the fascinating world of mushrooms.

Mushroom growers are known as the “ultimate recyclers” in the agriculture industry, using byproducts and waste from other sectors to make compost. Through the recycling of agricultural crops and byproducts, mushroom farms have a smaller environmental footprint than almost any other agricultural operation.

At Mush Comb, we are committed to a sustainable world. We contribute by manufacturing customized machinery. We understand that each mushroom business is unique, with its own set of needs and challenges. That's why we offer more than just standardized machinery. We have delivered machines to over 50 countries and have satisfied customers worldwide.

Our team works closely with you to design and develop machinery that seamlessly integrates into your operations, optimizing efficiency and productivity. Whether you're a small producer or a commercial operation, our customized solutions are tailored to meet your specific requirements. We provide full project consultancy, installation, maintenance, and support for our machines.

Visit our website or contact us at +31 (0)77 398 3929 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about our services.

Exciting news! GROWTIME is launching a new range of protective clothing and aprons specifically designed for mushroom pickers. These innovative products promise enhanced safety, comfort, and productivity on your farm.

Excellence in every stitch: clothing for modern farms

Discover our premium protective clothing, including women’s mushroom picking T-shirt, crafted with a soft yet resilient blend of cotton, elastane, and viscose. It's available in a range of colours and sizes to match your farm's branding and cater to various climate needs.

That’s not all! Don't miss our meticulously designed women's mushroom picking pants. Their perfect blend of cotton and polyester ensures comfort for long hours of work, while the sewn-in elastic waistband provides freedom of movement.

Reusable & breathable: GROWTIME’s new picking aprons

We've also launched exceptional mushroom picking aprons. Crafted from polyester, the women's apron offers superior protection against dirt and grime. Our unisex apron, perfect for all personnel, boasts high reliability and breathability. Both versions can bewashed and reused, ensuring significant cost savings.

Choose GROWTIME, leaders in mushroom farm solutions, for superior durability, functionality, and innovation in every product. For more information about our new line of clothing, check out our blog post that introduces them in detail!

Lately, several farms have seen some symptoms of virus which means more focus on hygiene is necessary. Hygiene includes all measures aimed at minimizing the risk of disease and pests developing and spreading. The greatest risk of contamination from diseases and pests is at the time of filling and when the harvest starts because from that moment on several people enter the growing rooms, but there are also risks in other parts of the cultivation cycle like during emptying the grow rooms and that got forgotten on many occasions. Much of it is produced by humans and is preventable.

To reduce the chance that a few traces of diseases or insects still survive in the growing rooms after the last harvest day, it is vital to cook out the growing rooms. To ensure that all diseases and pests are killed, it is necessary to heat the entire cultivation room to 70 ° C for 12 hours by means of steam. By entire growing space is meant that the compost also reaches this temperature for 12 hours. Often, out of cost or time savings, it is chosen to shorten the time, or the temperature is kept lower, which has the risk that spores can survive. However, to be sure you kill all spores, 70 °C is the benchmark for 12 hours, especially if there are diseases or pests on your farm.

After cooking out, the new growing cycle starts, so it is important that from this moment on no traces of mushrooms, spores or flies end up in the growing area. This is often neglected during emptying, which means that the usefulness of (costly!!!) cookout has been for nothing. Therefore, when emptying, observe the following rules:

- Make sure that the people who empty the room wear clean clothes and footwear.
- Do not allow unauthorized persons when emptying.
- Always enter the cultivation area to be emptied from the outside, so not from the work corridor.
- If possible, do not pause during emptying, but only when the entire cell is empty, and the large back door is closed.
- Let the people who work at emptying not have breaks in the same area as the harvesters.
- Use only clean and sanitized material.

As soon as the growing room is empty, close the large back door as soon as possible. After this, it is important to start cleaning the growing area, shelving, and all used materials with water as quickly as possible, preferably with high pressure. Replace the spore filters, hang new fly plates to catch the first insects, and the cell is ready to be filled. If necessary, you can still disinfect the cultivation area.

Erik de Groot
Global Agriculture Services
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Last week on the 5th of July we visited BVB Substrates in Wanssum, the Netherlands. We had the privilege of getting a tour from Hans Nendels, the Business Specialist for mushrooms at Kekkila-BVB. With Hans as our guide, we were able to witness first-hand the company's new location, innovation, machinery, and automated processes. Walking through the facility almost felt like we were on the moon, with the soil surrounding us at every turn.

Casing soil
BVB Substrates (the brand name), known for producing high-quality casing soil for mushroom growers worldwide, impressed us with their dedication to innovation and cutting-edge technology. The company offers casing soil in different densities and moisture levels, carefully tailoring its products to meet the needs of organic farming and various mushroom species.

During our tour, Hans explained that BVB Substrates uses deep-dug peat combined with frozen black and white peat to create their casing soil. To ensure the right pH level, sugar beet lime is incorporated into the mixture. The company pays great attention to detail, creating customized mixtures for growers who handpick their mushrooms and developing casing soils for mechanical harvesting. They are producing 8.000 m3 of soil every week and around 400.000 per year.

Quality Control
A standout aspect of BVB Substrates' operation is its commitment to quality control. They have their own spray tables and follow a stringent assessment method, carefully evaluating properties such as water uptake capacity, pH level, and adhesive strength. This dedication to constant quality checks ensures that growers receive a stable and reliable product.

Strategic Location
BVB Substrates' decision to establish their new facility in Wanssum reflects their understanding of the value of strategic positioning. Nestled near the river Maas, this chosen location offers advantages in both land and water transportation, enabling seamless connectivity to various regions. With convenient access to major transport routes, BVB Substrates can efficiently distribute their casing soil across Europe and to global destinations.

Overall, our visit to BVB Substrates, guided by the experienced Hans Nendels, proved to be an eye-opening experience. The combination of their impressive new location, innovative practices, cutting-edge machinery, and automated processes truly impressed us.
For more information, visit their website https://www.bvb-substrates.com/

ChampFood International is excited to share some recent developments, including the introduction of Luc Baltussen to their sales team. Luc joined the company on May 1st, bringing with him a wealth of experience in supply and logistics management. He made an impressive start by participating in the mushroom days, where he had the opportunity to meet ChampFood relations and industry colleagues in person. Luc's knowledge and skills have made him a valuable addition to the Sales Support department.

Alongside Luc's arrival, ChampFood has also welcomed four other new members to their team, showcasing their strategic investment in the company's future.

These new team members, all under the age of 30, will contribute their unique perspectives and energy to various departments such as production, finance, office management, and purchasing. ChampFood is pleased with their decision to join their company, as they believe investing in young professionals is vital for sustained success.

This picture shows the new team members:
From left to right top row: Aniek Voesten and Ramon Coenen
From left to right bottom row: Luc Baltussen and Remco Sleutels.

In recent years, ChampFood has experienced the retirement of several employees, with more expected in the coming years. This natural transition has presented them with an opportunity to infuse their workforce with fresh talent. Luc and the four new colleagues will help ensure a seamless transition and contribute to their ongoing growth and innovation. ChampFood recognizes the importance of nurturing the next generation of professionals within the mushroom industry.

For more updates please visit: ttps://www.champfood.com/ or follow the company page on LinkedIn: "champfood international"