ISMSNEWS Crossing borders
M
ore and more, mushrooms and mushroom related products are being traded around the world. Compost, spawn and casing soils are
being shipped long distances to accommodate the con- sumer’s desire to buy fresh and buy local, while the demand for various forms of processed mushrooms that can be shipped in a processed form con- tinues to increase. While this growth represents something largely positive for the global industry as a whole, the transportation of these items, and the barriers created by some countries raise both concerns and challenges for the industry. These products are living, breathing entities and often face challenges from plant protection and quarantine border inspectors. ISMS and it’s member scientists are often able to help explain the nature of the materials in question to the local authorities, guide them toward appropriate testing, release and approval methodologies and in general facilitate the smooth flow of such com- merce. Making government officials aware of phytosan- itary requirements, virus and other pathogen testing protocols, as well as current research on various health and safety issues relative to these materials is critical in order to insure that goods and services can flow within the mushroom business sector. This kind of support also helps both suppliers and grow- ers. Product that is well tested and subject to a reasonable level of scientific scrutiny is less likely to result in a dis- pute between the parties and should, (in theory), result in higher product quality all the way around.
Similarly, the scientific community is able to work with growers and shippers to insure the integrity of their prod- uct. For example, pesticide regulations vary widely from country to country. What may be suitable for use in one nation may not be allowed in another, and might result in shipped product being rejected as “adulterated”. Further- more, as regional growing continues to flourish, information on the safety and efficacy of many of these materials can be communicated through local ISMS member scientists as well as directly to the grower. ISMS continues to support the develop- ment of an international database that
will catalogue and maintain a collection of known mush- room pathogens. Over the last several decades, as growing technologies have evolved, new pathogens have emerged, and in turn, novel control strategies have been developed. Maintaining a collection that is available to all mushroom scientists is critical to sustaining continued growth, and in particular a strategy that focuses on the development of low risk or bio-rational pest control methods. ISMS member scientists have a unique focus; the com- mercial mushroom industry. Their ability to work together to generate, and dissimilate information benefiting the global industry is a primary mission. Their ability to work across boundaries, not only with each other, but in order to educate governmental agencies charged with protect- ing the integrity of food and agriculture is an essential part of the successful globalization of our industry.
Mark Wach, Past President ISMS (advertisement)
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