On May 29-30^th, the Third Workshop for Phase-1 Compost Producers will be held in Helvoirt, The Netherlands, preceding the Dutch Mushroom Days on May 31-June 1^st .

In 2002 and 2004 similar stimulating workshops on Phase-I Composting Technology for Mushroom Cultivation, were organised. This year, the workshop will be organized by Applied Plant Research,  and is supported by Christiaens Group, AdVisie and C point.

Aim of this third workshop is to integrate and exchange practical and technological knowledge of composting for mushroom cultivation: production of compost of constant composition and quality in the required time and amounts; environmental constraints; requirements from the demand chain.

The workshop is meant for compost producers and researchers and consists of 8 sessions (90 min) that are introduced by invited speakers from industry and science. The number of participants is limited to approx. 60 persons.

Speakers

Speakers include: Gerben Straatsma (Applied Plant Research) / Biotechnological use of lignocellulose; processes, equipment, future developments; David Beyer (PennState) / Quality and characteristics of raw bulk materials; Jan Gielen (C point) / Smart use of climate data for the cultivation and composting processes; Con Hermans (Advisie) / Trouble shooting, a systematical approach for process improvement; Gerben Straatsma / Nutrition of the growing mushroom, the law of the minimum; Jos Buth (C point) / Phase-III in tunnels, does it fit to all growing systems?

A workshop discussion will be held on Avian influenza; on the spot inventory of experiences of producers with alternatives for poultry manure.

The workshop is held in Helvoirt, close to Hertogenbosch (s), in conference centre De Guldenberg

The costs for the workshop, including coffee, meals and one overnight stay in De Guldenberg, from the morning of Monday May 29 until the evening of Tuesday May 30, are € 970.

For more information: e-mail: els.josten@wur.nl