When you think of mushrooms, you often think of spring. But do you also know why so many mushrooms can be found in the autumn? This is because it generally rains a lot in the autumn while the temperature is still fairly high. Then it is moist and warm and mushrooms love that. Of course they stand out because of their beautiful colors and the most famous and one of the most colorful is of course the Amanita Muscaria, but which is not edible!
They can be found in all colors but the Lactarius Indigo with its appearance, is a very special one. Commonly known as the Indigo Milk Cap, this blue mushroom grows most in North Africa, Central America and East Asia. The Lactarius Indigo grows on the ground in both deciduous and coniferous forests. The color of the fruiting body and also the milk that oozes when the mushroom tissue is cut, is indigo blue.

If you have read the foregoing you would think that this must be a very poisonous mushroom. But despite its color, this mushroom is not poisonous and completely edible. They have a bitter, peppery taste. When you cook them, the taste is similar to a portobello. Lactarius indigos lose some of their blue color during cooking and turn greyish-blue. You can use them for example, in a grilled dish or in a soup. But in whatever dish you use this beautiful mushroom, the dish looks heavenly.

Credits for photo: Dan Molter/Wikimedia Commons

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.

The organizer of the Exhibition-Conference is UMDIS Mushroom Information Agency of Eastern Europe.
The event was sponsored by Agaris, Amycel, Agro-Project, World of Straw, Mexeo, Mushroom Team, Vierrebi, Alpie, DMP, GTL Europe, Hoving Holland.

This time Ukrainian Mushroom Days brought together not only Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian farms – but delegations from the largest farms in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, becoming an industry event not only for Eastern Europe, but also for Central Asia.
The event gathered 350 people from 20 countries!
There were 55 companies-exhibitors and the program of Conference combined 27 speakers, two great discussions with Monterey and Mushroom Council.

Please click here to get an impression of the event.

By Maksym Yenchenko, Director of UMDIS Mushroom Information Agency

Introduction
In the three previous years in the Ukrainian mushroom business was a clear tendency towards the enlargement of farms, a continuing shift in focus from production to marketing, technology improvement and an increase in Phase III compost share. COVID-19 and related restrictions have significantly impacted the mushroom market. The main concern of mushroom farms - low product price- has become even more complex over the past few years. The first half of 2021 was marked with especially low prices, which, considering the background of increasing costs on business maintenance, did not allow many farms to maintain profitability. But there are reasons to be optimistic about the future - the consumption volumes of mushrooms are constantly growing, and sooner or later, the market will stabilize at an acceptable price. But for this to happen earlier, the forum participants will have to make some efforts.

The Covid-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic made many farms reconsider the way they did business. The total quarantine introduced in March-April 2020 was incredibly shocking.
At one moment, all markets and public catering establishments were closed, some restrictions were introduced in grocery stores, and in general, people tried not to leave their homes. The demand for mushrooms collapsed at once, and with it, sales and prices. All farmers starters canceling compost orders, and many hundreds of tons of compost had to be thrown away. At the same time, the prospects were not clear. But after the initial shock, by the end of March, new supply chains were up and running, and there was a clear need to start making decisions about the next strategic steps.
It is essential to note the difference between the Ukrainian market and most EU countries’ markets. In the European Union, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, France, and many other countries, the demand for mushrooms has increased with the quarantine introduction. People stopped visiting restaurants, but demand in supermarkets has grown by more than had declined by catering establishments - because people started cooking at home. And farms in Europe felt, and still feel, increased demand for mushrooms. The main problems that quarantine brought them are mostly in the areas of labor resources and logistics. In Ukraine, quarantine restrictions undermined demand, and the price had to be reduced to at least sell the mushrooms. This indicates that we have a lot to work on to popularize mushrooms for households.
In profit were those farms who took the risk in March and April 2020, filled growing rooms with compost, and eventually came out with the great harvest in May 2020. The quarantine restrictions were significantly eased, and demand recovered a bit. At the same time, there was little mushroom on the market, and the price soared to values 2-2.5 times higher than it was in April. But this happy time did not last long, even for those who took a chance. Already in July, the price dropped to its normal values. And those rates were not very joyful.
When the supply on the market increases yearly, there is practically no export, actions to popularize the product are minimal- we can’t expect good prices.

Production
At the last exhibition conference, which was held in the summer of 2018, we announced the volumes of champignon production in 2017 in Ukraine. In 2017, 51.3 thousand of tons of champignon were grown in Ukraine.
Has production volumes increased since then? Yes, and quite significantly!
In 2017, according to UMDIS estimates, the Ukrainian market received 203,000 of tons of compost for mushroom growing. According to our estimates, this year, in 2021, the Ukrainian market will receive 236,000 tons of compost, meaning that 4-year growth is significant - 16%! But that’s not all. In addition to the increase in the amount of compost used, two more factors influenced the increase in the total amount of champignon collected by farms in Ukraine.
Firstly, the share of Phase III compost in the production structure has increased significantly. If in 2017 Phase III in Ukraine was 7% of the total amount of used compost, then in 2020 it was 23%, in 2021, according to forecasts, the share of Phase III compost will be 37%, and in 2022 - not less than 43%.
And even though the harvests obtained using Phase III compost are not yet record-breaking in Ukraine. These amounts still significantly exceed the harvests obtained using Phase II compost. Also, with Phase III, massive diseases are much less likely to occur, significantly affecting the overall yield.
Secondly, an overall improvement in compost quality and in the skills of mushroom growers contributes to an increase in mushroom production. And as a consequence - an increase in the average yield.
Thus, we can confidently say that the amount of mushrooms offered on the market has increased by about 20% over the past 4 years. And all this volume was almost entirely consumed by the domestic market!

Prices and expenses
Compared to 2017, in 2020, the average selling price of champignon increased by 12% - although the incomes of the population over the same period increased by almost 50%, and inflation for was about 40%. Considering the inflation, the price of champignon has decreased by an alarming 20% in 4 years!
At the same time, prices are very unstable. Since the beginning of 2020, the minimum and maximum prices have differed by almost three times. And if we take practically any 3-month period, we can see price fluctuations by 1,5-2 times.
One of the main reasons for price fluctuations is the situation on the market when already grown mushrooms are being sold. The price and volume are determined “for today” or “for tomorrow” by a specific seller and buyer, and if the supply of the mushroom turns out to be excessive, prices can collapse very quickly, and if insufficient, they can rise just as quickly. Considering all this market characteristics, it isn’t easy to maintain a stable and predictable business.
Production costs have increased drastically over the past few years. Staff costs increased by 20-50%, electricity costs by 20-30%, gas and other energy resources costs by 20-50%, and compost costs increased on average by 30%. In 2021, the rise in prices for raw materials and energy resources continued. Especially gas prices, which have rapidly risen three times in 2021! And for those farms that use gas for heating, this increases costs by about 2 UAH per kg.

Number of farms
Decrease in profitability, and in many cases, work “into the red” forced several farms, primarily small ones, to leave the market. About 30 farms and entrepreneurs that cultivated champignon in 2017 stopped growing champignon in 2018-2020. Several farms have been sold and are or will be functioning, but with new owners.
The total number of farms with more or less permanent production in 2021 is estimated by UMDIS at 290.
There have been no significant new production openings over the past three years, but many large farms have increased their capacity - some due to the transition to Phase III compost, others due to an expansion. Or both of those at the same time.
The five largest Ukrainian farms produce about 23% of the total production volumes in the country, and the top ten - about 35% in total.

Export
With regret, we have to admit that there has not been any progress in the export of mushrooms, but there is a significant drop. So, if in 2017 Ukrainian farmers exported 528 tons of champignon (about 1% of total production volume), then in 2020, the export of champignon from Ukraine was only 205 tons, of which 143 tons went to Moldova and 61 tons - to Belarus.
At the same time, mushrooms for freezing mainly went to Belarus (with a correspondingly low price). Eight deliveries were made in January-March 2020, and after that all deliveries stopped. And there is no particular hope for the resumption of supplies to Belarus due to the lowered prices and the surplus of mushrooms in Belarus itself. There are no supplies to Russia primarily because of the ban since 2014, but now also because prices on the Russian market have also dropped sharply due to overproduction.
The largest market for Ukraine was and remained the European Union, but Ukrainian farmers have not yet been able to use this opportunity. Obstacles on the way to efficient supplies, areas before - certification, packaging, small and unstable supply volumes and insufficient marketing on the EU markets. The export of champignon from Ukraine to the EU countries in recent years has been very stable and is equal to zero.
The Ukrainian market remains reliably protected from imports by low domestic prices. The import of fresh champignon in 2020 was a little more than 1 ton - mainly deliveries of 100 kg at a time, imported by companies together with an assortment of other vegetables.
Here, I would like to note the success in the export of one of the companies from Western Ukraine that grows shiitake - its products are sent to the countries of Western Europe in full and in pretty large volumes. The farm management initially oriented their business towards export and coped with the task perfectly. Which is an excellent example to all mushroom producers!

Champignon market in 2021 in figures (UMDIS analytics)
Number of operating mushroom farms: 290 (estimate)
The amount of compost used by Ukrainian farms (2020): 227,000 tons
Share of Phase III compost production: 23% (37% in 2021)
Export of compost for mushroom growing: 17 400 tons
Import of compost for mushroom growing: 0
Champignon production in Ukraine: 61,000 tons
Share of brown champignons from total production volumes: 5%
Export of fresh champignons: 205 tons (207 tons in 6 months 2021)
Import of fresh champignons: 1.3 tons
Processed champignons (canned, frozen, dried) 3 600 tons
The average yield on Phase II compost: approx. 27% (23 kg / m2)
The average yield on Phase III compost: approx. 32% (27 kg / m2)
Mycelium used: 2.4 million liters
Including locally produced 1.6 million liters
Import production 0.8 million liters
The average price of mushrooms from the farm: 34.7 UAH / kg incl. VAT
Average selling price in retail chains: 45.0 UAH / kg incl. VAT

The appeal to register early for participation in the Mushroom Days was very positively answered. 80% of the floor space available for stands has already been reserved. We are very grateful for your cooperation. It shows great enthusiasm to make it again a unique event together. The exhibitors also expressed their concern that it might not (yet) be possible for everyone to visit the Mushroom Days at the end of March 2022. In particular, the quarantine obligation as it currently applies in some countries constitutes a serious travel restriction. As an organization, we shared this justified concern.

With the cancellation of the NAMC in Vancouver (June 2022) space was created in the international agenda of trade fairs and conferences for the mushroom sector. This decision is giving us the opportunity to return to our usual time of the year. Covid-19 vaccination coverage is rising worldwide, and more and more countries are announcing further relief of travel restrictions. A broad consultation has made the board of the Mushroom Days Foundation therefore decide to postpone the Mushroom Days by more than 3 months to the 6th, 7th and 8th of July 2022. The board believes that this decision does justice to the large number of registrations and the enthusiasm of the participants, as well as to the concern about the (currently) applicable travel restrictions. There are never certainties, but 3 months extra is valuable time.

The go/no-go moment of November 1, 2021, will therefore be a definitive go. The next edition of the Mushroom Days will take place on July 6, 7 and 8, 2022. Only government restrictions can prevent this edition to take place. Unexpected escalation of Covid-19 cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, the current conditions of participation remain in effect for all subscriptions. The Mushroom Days Committee will soon start positioning the already registered participants on the floor map. The call to register soon for the remaining 20% of stand space remains actual.
The need to meet in person again remains strongly felt and the Mushroom Days are an excellent opportunity to do so.

Do you wonder where your clothes come from? The material they're made of and how they are produced? Most of us don't, but if we did, we might get a bit uneasy. Now, research is helping the fashion industry take the lead in embracing the circular economy.

If you take an inventory of your closet, chances are you’ll have several garments made at least partly of polyester and nylon. These two low-cost textiles are staples of fast-fashion and currently make up about 60% of clothing and 70% of household textiles.

Polyester and nylon are synthetic fossil fuel-based fibres, meaning they are derived from oil and natural gas. The production of these fibres, their dominant position in the fashion industry, and the fact that they are not biodegradable, means that they have a huge impact on our environment. They also contain harmful microplastics that make their way into every conceivable corner of our land, oceans and waterways.

As a natural fibre, cotton is more easily recycled and requires fewer fossil fuels for its production compared to nylon, for example. However, the cotton industry demands mass land areas for cultivation; worldwide, cotton crops are sprayed with the most chemicals; and, finally, growing cotton requires vast amounts of water.

Where does this leave us? Please read the full article here.

Source: Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine

Quite a while ago Walkro organized a study trip to France and asked EuroMycel to help in this. Unfortunately due to the Covid restrictions the trip had to be delayed until further notice. Then finally the journey took off on September 22nd!

The study trip lasted from September 22nd to September 25th and the program was fully packed with interesting company visits, presentations and amongst learning from each other, a lot of pleasure together. Walkro, the initiator of this study trip, gathered a number of sponsors to get the program well organized.
Sponsors were: Christiaens Group, MC Substradd, Legro, Gicom, Sylvan and Walkro.

On Wednesday September 22nd the group that consisted of Dutch growers, sponsors and organizers, travelled to the Bonduelle facilities in Estrees-Mons by bus. They received a tour in the fields of the Bonduelle yellow beans and visited their factory.

On Thursday morning a visit to the Bonduelle Compost & Yield in La Tourte was scheduled. This was quite interesting especially for Walkro, because here they saw how colleagues work with the same product.
In the afternoon the study group was invited by EuroMycel on their premises. The tour facilitator was Frédéric Mathieu, operational director EuroMycel, and Yves & Rémy of the lab, they are very important for the Operational team. Also Jeroen Dunant, our sales manager, who is our eyes and ears in the field and helps us expand with new customers and in new countries. The tour was received with a lot of enthusiasm! The group was pleasantly surprised and impressed by Euromycel's way of working, given the fact that they are a relatively new player in the industry. Also sharing knowledge amongst colleagues who work with the same products, was well respected.

Photo to the right:

From left to right below:
Frederic Mathieu, Jeroen Dunant, Eddy Alkemade

From left to right above:
Yves Moriamez, Evert Jan Mink, Remy Maufrand

EuroMycel took the whole group on an eventful evening program, which took place in the Caves Angelliaume. Cave Painctes in Chinon. They were welcomed by gentlemen holding the title “Confrérie des Entonneurs Rabalaisiens”. In English “Brotherhood of Rabalaisien Entonneurs”.
Dinner was accompanied by a wine arrangement and theatre performance. There was also a surprise for several people who got acknowledged for some special activities in the Mushroom Industry.
 

Interesting cultural and historical fact to mention is that the location of EuroMycel, L`Ile Bouchard in the Loire region, is well known for the combination of wine and mushrooms. Hence the set-up of the evening program. The wine was produced on the land and the mushrooms in the caves, the name Champignon de Paris stems from this fact.


On Friday 24^th, the group left for Saumur and Paris to spend some time in the ‘City of light’!
The study group packed their luggage for their journey back home. And not only with what they came with, but also with many new and interesting experiences!

The whole Walkro group at the wine tasting facility
at Caves Angelliaume. Cave Painctes in Chinon”

GROWTIME has been producing the highest quality equipment for mushroom growing farms for years. Recently, they have introduced unique Valor 1000 mushroom scales to their offer, which, among other things, don’t need to be charged for a very long period of time, i.e., one year or up to 1000-1500 hours.

What does no need to charge mean? Among other things, no need to connect to the electricity network, saving the pickers’ time and no potential damage to the chargers or their cables.

However, this is only a fraction of the advantages of these scales:

• standard scales include checkweighing options (useful sound signal support!), summation and quick unit change, which makes them ideal for any mushroom growing farm
• it is worth mentioning their usability: the scales have a very clear interface (bright, easily readable display) and simple operation with two buttons - this guarantees easy and fast work
• scales have compact dimensions and a durable, portable structure (removable stainless pan, housing made of ABS material), and its entirety can be very easily and quickly cleaned
• other important features are quick response time, easy leveling of the scale and accuracy of the indications thanks to high internal resolution.

Moreover, the scales are covered by a 2-year warranty period (exclusions for mechanical damage)!

Find out more about the new mushroom farm scales here.

PS. The manufacturer's offer also includes other scales with an ultra-high degree of protection IP68, which makes them almost completely waterproof (valid for Valor 2000 and Valor 4000 models).