CONTENTS Status Quo 8 18 8
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SAMFA conference in KwaZulu Natal Euromycel workshop Przygon Double anniversary in Switzerland Touring phase IV operations ‘What’s going on’ in Horst Pictures from the Mushroom Days My Farm: Van Roij Champignons (NL)
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The 33rd edition of the Mushroom Days is behind us. With no fewer than 83 exhibitors (59 Dutch and 24 foreign companies), this unique international event showcased the latest developments, products and services. This edi- tion clocked up a total of 2,200 visitors from 62 countries, who were welcomed by the 475 people manning the various stands. That means more than 2,600 professionals representing the sector. The organisers have labeled this edition as exception- ally successful, and I would agree justifiably so. Despite a few slight hitches, such as the lack of seating at the welcome dinner and the high catering prices, the three days in May at the Brabanthallen proceeded smoothly and pleasantly, with the general impression of the stands being well organised and professional. The majority of exhibitors were also satisfied; with high quality visitors and a convivial atmosphere, even though the foot traffic seemed a little less than in previous years. The huge international appeal gives the participating companies the chance to organise special activities with national and international customers and business relati- ons prior to or after the event. For instance, the Christi- aens Group has given a two-day professional workshop in Horst for some years now just before the Mushroom Days. The farm walk arranged by DLV Plant Mushrooms, which brought coach loads of visitors to the climate neutral mushroom farm ’t V
oske in Uden are another example.
And.... Cultivation tips AdVisie
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Cultivation tips DLV Plant Mushrooms 33 Service
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Cover foto: A chef at the CNC stand prepares delicious mushrooms stuffed with risotto, at the Dutch Mushroom Days in May. Photo: Hetty Bruinse
This approach works well, as in the past a balanced com- bination of lectures, farm walks and visiting the trade fair was difficult to achieve. However, visitors from abroad are keen to optimally utilise their time in the Netherlands, or Europe, to visit other companies, capitalise on networking opportunities and gain as much information as possible from sources other than the trade fair. The Mushroom Days, and the parallel programmes, are a good reflection of developments that have become ap- parent in the mushroom sector in recent years – and not only in a technical sense. So much experience and know- ledge distilled per square metre really brings visitors up to date on ‘the status quo’ so to speak. The increasing trend of closer cooperation and mergers between ever-larger companies suddenly becomes visible when suppliers share a stand, and sometimes companies have merged since the last edition. Another trend reflected at the event was the emphasis on energy saving measures deployed at farm level and in the supply industry. The lecture given by Leo van Griensven ‘Mushrooms: a healthy business’ also mirrored the huge potential of the health beneficial properties of mushrooms, another aspect that has received a lot of attention recently. Once again it became clear that research is driving huge advances, and that there are plenty of opportunities, but the big breakthrough has yet to come (authorisation re- quirement, lack of clinical trials performed on humans). According to van Griensven no opportunity should be overlooked to promote the health message. ‘Keep driving the point home !’ The importance of this was reiterated during the workshop, where representatives from Mon- terey and Monaghan spoke on marketing successes and how to reach consumers. And another notable fact was the high number of Chinese visitors. Agaricus cultivation is starting to take off in China, but the Chinese mushroom sector is eager to see Western investment, knowhow and visitors to its events in return. Point noted! Maybe in two years’ time at the next Mushroom Days we will be able to see if, and to which extent, their call has been answered.
Roel Dreve Tel. +31 (0)6 23617575
roel@mushroombusiness.com www.mushroombusiness.nl
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