Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have developed a robotic mechanism for mushroom picking and trimming and demonstrated its effectiveness for the automated harvesting of button mushrooms.

In a new study, the prototype, which is designed to be integrated with a machine vision system, showed that it is capable of both picking and trimming mushrooms growing in a shelf system.

The research is consequential, according to lead author Professor Long He, because the mushroom industry has been facing labour shortages and rising labour costs. Mechanical or robotic picking can help alleviate those problems.

Please read the full article here.
Source: E&T Engineering and Technology

The global functional mushroom market was valued at USD 25,415.12 million in 2020, and it is estimated to register a CAGR of 8.44% during the forecast period 2021-2026.

Mushrooms that support immune health have benefited since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with high interest from food, beverage, and nutritional supplement manufacturers, which has carried over to the entire mushroom category.

There exists a high demand for safe and natural immune-supportive health products, including supplements featuring mushrooms that support immune health, such as chaga, reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, and turkey tail.
- Over the long term too, functional mushrooms are expected to find application in a wide variety of healthcare or pharmaceutical products, which has increases the applicability of mushrooms in the food and beverage sector. As products infused with mushroom ingredients are becoming a big part of the trend of self care, offering a recognizable source of delivery formats and impressive health benefits, the market demand is expected to continue to grow over the forecast period.

Please read the full article here.
Source: ReportLinker

We know most fungi to be beautiful to see and a number of them are also very tasty. But that they can also be deadly proves the discovery of a rare black fungus in patients in India. Black fungus infection (Mucormyosis) has struck in this country.

The infection is caused by various fungi. These so-called mucormycetes grow in the soil, in dirt and on rotting material, including rotting leaves or wood. People get the infection by inhaling the fungal spores that float around in the air and dust. These spores get trapped in the nasal passages and sinuses and that’s what causes the disease.

Not everyone exposed to the spores will get the infection. But the increase in the number of cases in India is probably due to the disease showing up in patients who have had corona and therefore have a less immune system. A connection is also seen with the drugs used to combat Covid-19. People with diabetes would also be extra sensitive to getting the infection.

The disease infects the nerves, brain and lungs. If the fungus spreads to the brain, the risk of death is 50%. Early diagnosis can be a life saver, but even then fighting the infection will be a tough task.

The film The Mushroom Speaks is a production of documentary filmmaker Marion Neumann. Her intention with this film is to create an awareness of the unique skills and qualities that the study of mycology can provide. The Mushroom Speaks, through a personal journey of thought, explores a kind of rhetorical mycelium, a fungal-inspired perception in which ideas become spores as the fungus transforms the concrete. Looking for encounters and opportunities for innovation and wondering what unites us when the world seems to be falling apart. When thinking about fungal consciousness, she wants to paint a picture that fungi can sometimes be the solution to radically change this.

Source: The Mushroom Speaks
Here you can find out more about Marion Neumann

The mushroom is booming and not only in the kitchen. A lot of developments and innovations are being picked up. From mushroom supplements, coffee, bricks to a real mushroom burial suit.

Maybe it is not a subject we would like to talk about much, but this innovation could be a great starting point. Talking about earth, environmental challenges and how we as humans can contribute to it. Reuniting the body with the earth and the ongoing cycle of life, how impressive is that.

Read more on this initiative and background on the mushroom burial suit here!

Solmax, the global leader in the production of high-quality polyethylene geomembranes for industrial and environmental applications today announces it has reached an agreement with Koninklijke Ten Cate (the Netherlands) on the acquisition of TenCate Geosynthetics, a global provider of geosynthetics and industrial fabrics. Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) and Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Solmax's long-term financial partners, are both investing in this transaction.

"This is the joining of two leading companies in their respective segments, recognized globally for the quality of their products and services, that are bringing their geosynthetic products together under the same roof for the first time. This transaction will increase their products' use in civil engineering, road infrastructure, hydraulic and environmental works," said Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, President of Solmax. "The size, capacity for innovation, geographic reach and resources of the new organization will further enhance the better position of geosynthetics as important products in the construction sector. This is a game changer in the history of geosynthetic manufacturers that develop lesser-known engineered products that are essential to protecting the environment and developing infrastructure projects."

"I am highly pleased to position our company alongside Solmax. We both are among the leaders in our respective segments and now we will join together to create a stronger global leader in geosynthetics. The long-term vision of Solmax around sustainability aligns very well with that of TenCate Geosynthetics, and I am energized to lead my team confidently into this new business environment where we can contribute even more value together", said Wally Moore, CEO of TenCate Geosynthetics.

"CDPQ is proud to further support Solmax in a transformative acquisition that will enhance its position as a global industry leader. Since our initial investment, Solmax has enjoyed rapid expansion through organic growth and acquisitions, resulting in a tenfold increase in size in less the four years. I would like to commend the management team's excellent work, vision and exemplary integration ability, as well as the Board of Directors for its support throughout this growth plan," said Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Investments in Québec and Stewardship Investing at CDPQ.

"The Fonds de solidarité FTQ has been supporting Solmax for the past 25 years. Once again, we are proud to invest in the company's international growth, allowing Solmax to strengthen its position as a global leader in the geomembrane market. Thanks to founder Jacques Côté's vision, CEO Jean-Louis Vangeluwe's leadership, and the expertise of its teams, Solmax is proof that protecting the environment and good quality jobs can go hand-in-hand. Following the acquisition of TenCate, Solmax will offer even more innovative products that shield the soil, water and air from toxins and pollutants," said Janie Béïque, President and CEO of Fonds de solidarité FTQ.

"I'm delighted to see the family grow again. The addition of TenCate Geosynthetics to Solmax will have a positive overall effect on the geosynthetics sectors. Together, with our products, services and available resources, we will be able to make an impact on the quality of lives of individuals and society as a whole. I would also like to acknowledge the support of CDPQ and Fonds de solidarité FTQ in this transaction. They are two long-term partners that are always there for our business-transforming projects," concluded Jacques Côté, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board of Solmax.

The financial terms and conditions of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to customary approvals by regulatory authorities. The agreement is also subject to completion by TenCate Geosynthetics of applicable employee participation procedures, including consultation with its works council in the Netherlands.

Barclays acted as exclusive financial advisor and Jones Day acted as legal advisor to Solmax. Barclays and TD Securities are acting as underwriters, joint bookrunners and joint lead arrangers for the Solmax senior credit facilities. William Blair International Limited acted as exclusive financial advisor and Clifford Chance LLP acted as legal advisor to TenCate.

ABOUT SOLMAX
Groupe Solmax is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing of PE geomembranes and offers high-standard containment solutions. Its products are sold in over 60 countries. They are used by the major industrial companies in the mining, energy, waste management, water, and civil engineering sectors. Solmax's products are used to protect soils from contamination in applications as critical as the landfills of the world's most populated cities to the tailings or heap leach pads of mining operating in environmentally fragile ecosystems.

ABOUT TENCATE GEOSYNTHETICS
TenCate Geosynthetics is a global leader in developing solutions and systems for infrastructure in transportation, building sites, water management, natural resources, and environmental market applications, and is also active in agricultural, horticultural, recreational, and other industrial applications. The company value is delivered to the market through synthetic nonwovens, wovens, geogrids, geotextile tubes and other products, and through the knowledge and experience that support these applications. TenCate Geosynthetics has 9 production locations across the world suppling products into more than 100 countries through a vast network of diverse customers.

ABOUT CDPQ
At Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), we invest constructively to generate sustainable returns over the long term. As a global investment group managing funds for public retirement and insurance plans, we work alongside our partners to build enterprises that drive performance and progress. We are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at December 31, 2020, CDPQ's net assets total CAD 365.5 billion. For more information, visit cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages.

ABOUT FONDS DE SOLIDARITÉ FTQ
The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is investing in a better society thanks to its over 700,000 shareholder-savers. Through its private equity and venture capital investments, the Fonds seeks to have a positive impact on society, namely in the health, environmental and innovation sectors. With net assets of $15.6 billion as at November 30, 2020, the Fonds supported over 3,300 partner companies and more than 220,000 jobs. To find out more, visit fondsftq.com

SOURCE Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

Related Links

https://www.cdpq.com/

A good start for a blog just around Spring time. But the meaning is different.
It just means: Keep It Super Simple.

On many farms I assist in the picking instruction and the complaint most often heard is that the pickers do not listen. This is not entirely true. They do listen but they do not store it. They are thinking of many things and the mushrooms is not one of them.
So it is up to the supervisor or trainer to make sure the information gets through. She (or he) first has to get to know the picker. Then decide what method can be used. The best supervisor changes her role according to the person she talks to. She can be a teacher, a mother or your worst nightmare if needed. Depending on the person and the situation. But she knows what is going on in the mind of the picker. For the picker money and nice work is important. But they have no notice of how mushrooms grow and how to pick more kilo’s per m². They want to pick fast because most of the time their bonus is related to pick rate. But often they do not realise that it is not about working fast but about working smart. And a good instruction can help with that.

How to do a thing like that in a practical situation?
Let’s say stems need to be longer.
First explain to a picker that a longer stem can give them up to 10% higher pick rate without working faster. Just look at the stem and do not cut it of completely. Then translate the 10% extra to a 10% higher salary. The farm by the way has a 10% higher production. If they understand that, the power is in repeating. Not just in spoken word but also in visual signs. Make a project of this. For one complete week only instruct on stem length in the rooms and do this on individual level. So no shouting through the room but address every picker personally. The next part is a good photo which is shown for a week on all possible places. In the canteen, on the tables, in the corridor and even in the toilets. Just for a week because after a week they do not see the photo anymore. The next week another subject is chosen.
And for the supervisor: the power is in repeating. Tell them once, twice and keep going on. If the pickers see you, they immediately think of stem length. This way it is imprinted in their way of thinking and it is much easier to have success.

So Keep It Super Simple and act like a parrot.