The Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Mushroom Processing and Research Center (MPRC) and the Bicol Entrepreneur for Mushroom Agriculture Cooperative (BEMAC) held a focus group discussion on September 10, 2024, to strengthen their partnership and boost the mushroom industry in the region.
The meeting centered on various topics related to mushroom production, including the upcoming Mushroom Festival, where cooperative will showcase its diverse mushroom products. The MPRC and BEMAC also agreed to collaborate on mushroom production, with the MPRC providing technical assistance, oyster mushroom spawns, and access to its facilities.
To address the issue of pests infesting mushroom growing houses, BEMAC members shared their experiences and strategies for combating the problem. The MPRC also contributed effective methods to prevent and control infestations.
Other topics discussed during the FGD included the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the university and BEMAC, the sharing of mushroom farming techniques and technologies by BEMAC members, and the display of mushroom products like “kropek” and soap. Notably, BEMAC donated a Thai oyster mushroom strain to the MPRC.
Following the FGD, BEMAC members visited Jale Biotech Farm in Sipocot, Camarines Sur, to observe mushroom growing practices and pasteurization techniques.
The collaboration between MPRC and BEMAC is expected to significantly contribute to the growth and development of the mushroom industry in Bicol, providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and farmers. | 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘑𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘈𝘭𝘺𝘴𝘴𝘢 𝘈𝘣𝘰𝘨𝘢𝘥𝘰 & 𝘈𝘪𝘭𝘺𝘯𝘦 𝘈𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢
