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