By Geert Lemmers, geert.lemmers1@gmailcom COMPOST
Investing in compost production: basic rules and pitfalls (1)
Investing in expanding existing plants, or building new modern compost companies, is not something to be taken lightly. These projects invariably come with a hefty pri- ce tag of millions and multiple factors play a role. Geert Lemmers, who now has his own independent Compost Consultancy, has gained wide ranging experience with similar projects as production manager at Prochamp, compost consultant at Sylvan and Head of Compost at Monaghan. In a three-part series he takes us from concept to completion and commissioning.
A
s a consultant I was fortunate to have been able to visit many different mushroom substrate production companies in different regions. In this role I often acted as a sparring partner for people with plans to invest in the mushroom sector or plans to expand their exis- ting business operations. In this article I want to guide you through the many components that I believe are key to ensuring the success of your
investment. Due to the inherent, wide diversity of raw materials, systems and climates, I have to sketch broad outlines in some places, but where possible I will try to go into more detail. The majority of the projects I am involved in are expansions to existing, operating compost yards. The focus here is on updating/improving existing systems. This requires a different approach to what is known as ‘greenfield’ construction, but the thought process and attention to detail are similar. The points addressed in this article therefore apply to both types of projects.
This is the first of three topics to be examined. The following two will be published in coming editions:
1. Preparation and thought process. 2. Layout and design of the compost yard. 3. Building and commissioning.
This article does not specifically discuss the organisation and people who operate the com- pany. However, I would just briefly like to men- tion that the secret of producing good quality, consistently stable substrate depends for at least 80% on the people who work at your company. Motivation, attention to detail and knowledge are key contributing factors!
Before the first poles are driven in the ground, there’s a lot to consider! Pile driver at work at Hubei Yuguan Agricultural S&T in 2019.
34 MUSHROOM BUSINESS
1. Preparation/ thought process The concept and preparation are, of course,
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