BIOSCHAMP Final Event: Paving the Way for a Greener Mushroom Industry
The EU-funded BIOSCHAMP project held its Final Event at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), gathering key industry stakeholders to discuss the future of sustainable mushroom cultivation. The event highlighted BIOSCHAMP’s goal to develop a low-peat casing for the mushroom industry, reducing the need for pesticides while improving productivity, sustainability, and profitability in the European mushroom sector. Discussions also focused on the challenges of peat use and the transition away from chemical pesticides, with two innovative low-peat solutions for mushroom casing soils presented.
- The BIOSCHAMP project’s Final Event focused on the future challenges of peat in Europe and the readiness of European agriculture for a pesticide-free future.
- Two sustainable alternatives to traditional peat-based casing soils were unveiled, which use less peat to promote an eco-friendlier mushroom industry.
- The event gathered industry experts, policymakers, producers, and researchers, fostering valuable exchanges and collaborations.
Innovative Project Results: Sustainable Alternatives to Peat-Based Casing Soils
Yesterday, Madrid became the epicentre of a pivotal discussion in the mushroom industry, as it hosted the Final Event of the BIOSCHAMP project titled “Present And Future Of Casing Soils And Pesticides In The Mushroom Sector”.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the BIOSCHAMP project’s results, showcasing two innovative solutions designed to reduce peat usage in mushroom cultivation. The first solution is based on Sphagnum moss, offering a lower-peat alternative that maintains the quality and productivity standards required by the industry. The second solution uses fermented grass fibres, introducing a renewable and sustainable component to casing soil mixtures. Both solutions represent significant advancements towards reducing the use of fossil resources in mushroom farming and are poised to play a role in shaping a more sustainable mushroom industry.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including industry experts, policymakers, mushroom producers, and researchers, like Roxanne van Rooijen (Kekkilä-BVB), Helen Grogan (Teagasc), Ivanka Milenkovic (Ekofungi), Herminia De la Varga (Fertinagro Biotech), Ignacio de Anchorena (BASF) and Natalia Nogueira (Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) among others, who engaged in fruitful discussions and networking opportunities. This gathering provided a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaborations, and exploring the potential for these innovative solutions to be implemented across the industry.
About BIOSCHAMP: Innovating for a Sustainable Mushroom Industry
The BIOSCHAMP project is committed to developing an integrated approach to the challenges facing mushroom cultivation. By focusing on creating a sustainable, low-peat casing for the industry and reducing the need for chemical pesticides, BIOSCHAMP aims to improve productivity, sustainability, and profitability within the European mushroom sector. While further research may be required to bring these solutions to market, the hope is that these innovations will lead to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the mushroom industry.
