The former East Block countries are often associated with poverty and dreariness. On a recent visit to Hungary the extent of the change taking place is evident, although there is still much to be done as far as mushroom growing goes. At an international study congress held recently in Budapest, composter Bio Fungi encouraged further modernisation.

Whether you visit a department store in Paris, Amsterdam or Budapest, there isn't that much difference. A huge range of goods and all offered for prices that are nearly at the same levels. The influence of globalisation is felt here too.

It’s a different matter however with fresh vegetables. The assortment and quality of particularly the mushrooms on offer are a good indication of the current state of affairs.

Hungary produces around 40,000 tons of mushrooms annually, of which 10,000 tons is destined for domestic consumption. As prosperity grows there is plenty of room to increase home consumption.  30,000 tons is exported, mainly to Austria and Southern Germany. The increasing competitive pressure from (once again) the Polish threatens to make Hungary lose this position, in spite of the logistic advantages.

Cultivation mainly takes place in sheds or caves. In the caves in particular, the cultivation and hygiene conditions are far from ideal. To combat infections agents are used with a smell that jogs our collective memory, but which were banned years ago in the Netherlands. Hungarian growers still face a long journey ahead.

This was precisely the perspective of compost producer Bio Fungi, who organised a series of meetings from 17th to 21st January in Budapest for interested customers. ‘If the Hungarian mushroom growing sector wants to play any role on the European stage, then a modernisation program must be initiated’, was the principle idea. Massive attendance by growers from the entire Balkan region underlines the broad support base for this statement.

International meeting

The study meetings were split into two groups. Monday and Tuesday for the Hungarian growers and Wednesday and Thursday for their colleagues from former Yugoslavia. Friday saw some trips to various companies for the Hungarians and a closing debate.

Chaired by Arpad Mutsy and Atilla Sugar, directors of Bio Fungi who also interpreted,  Henk van Gerwen (Advisie) gave a fascinating lecture on the practical aspects of mushroom growing. He was assisted by Noël Orsoni (Euromycel mushroom spawn), Jan Roemerman (Christiaens Controls) with a clear explanation of the importance of a good climate system in relation to quality and Wim Joosten (Substradd) on how essential good quality raw materials and market-directed production are. Finally Jos Hilkens of Advisie provided some financial advice.

One of the main conclusions was that in order to satisfy European quality standards, like the French before them, the Hungarians will have to come out of their caves.

Hungary has an excellent reputation to maintain regarding veterinary and agricultural safety. This is why until now the country has managed to stay free of destructive diseases such as Avian Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease. It’s therefore understandable that the government imposes strict controls on mushroom compost production, which uses animal manure as an ingredient. Bio Fungi's have a state of the art compost facility, with virtually no odour emission.

The importance of European integration for Hungary, after EU accession a major item in the media, was clearly illustrated by the attention devoted to the congress by the Hungarian television, who even sent a crew twice to report on the proceedings in Budapest.