UMDIS Mushroom Agency recently hosted a webinar with Andriy Gladkih— an expert, consultant and trainer in mushroom harvesting and farm organization. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Andriy shared practical advice for improving mushroom harvesting practices, technology and managing farm teams effectively. This article summarises the insights of the webinar.

People matter now, robots are the future.

Despite ongoing conversations and developments of robots in agriculture, around 90% of mushrooms are still picked by hand. Mushrooms, particularly those for the fresh market are delicate. They require careful harvesting and handling. While robotics and automation has made promises for years, machines still struggle to meet the quality consumers expect.

Due to the recent labour shortages understanding and managing the human side of harvesting is more important than ever. The performance of human labour depends on factors like motivation, proper training, and effective management.

Why motivation  matters

One of the points Andriy made was  motivation. Workers may not be drawn to the job out of a love for mushrooms or money, but creating a positive work environment can make a difference.

While wages are important, creating the right environment plays a large role in boosting productivity.  Money gets people started. A positive atmosphere and supportive culture keep them engaged. When workers feel appreciated, they’ll not only aim to do their job well—they’ll do it with pride.

Recognizing workers’ efforts, offering clear goals, and fostering a sense of pride in their work can significantly boost productivity. Motivation isn’t just about individual workers, either; a well-coordinated team is key to achieving the best results.

Training and harvesting  can make the difference

Skilled pickers can make a difference between profits and losses. A good picker should not only be fast but also ensure quality and preservation of the beds. Continous training and refresher courses exposes the workers to new skills, equipment and technology.

Do you need a trainer on your farm?

Training is important, but whether a farm needs a dedicated trainer depends on its size. For small farms with only a few workers, the need for a trainer might not be as pressing. However, for larger teams of 10 or more, having someone focused solely on training can make a big impact.

A good trainer doesn’t just teach the technical side of picking. They also foster enthusiasm among workers. We call it the ‘mushroom disease’—it’s when pickers start enjoying their work and take real pride in producing high-quality mushrooms.

How do you train new pickers?

Farhan, a mushroom farm owner from Pakistan, raised a question about the best way to train pickers. Andriy’s answer is simple: start slow and build confidence gradually.

Training new pickers takes patience and a structured approach. Begin by asking them to pick just two mushrooms at a time. Once they’re comfortable and ask for more, increase to three. It’s important not to overwhelm them with advanced skills right from the start. That could lead to boredom and disengagement. Start with manageable challenges, such as harvesting the second or third flush, and allow them to stay at this level for about a week. This will make them  comfortable and build confidence in their skills.

Once they’ve found  rhythm and their bodies are adjusting to  physical demands, it’s time to gradually introduce more complex tasks. Around the 2nd week, you can introduce them to separation during the first or second flush. That’s the turning point. It may take more effort for big teams and thats where a trainer comes in.

To help them see the results of their work, ensure that they’re picking from the same beds each day. This way, they can note the impact of their previous efforts and track their progress.

Another important thing is constant support and guidance. Regularly demonstrate the correct techniques, check their posture, and provide corrections as needed. Continuous feedback is important for improvement.

Regarding the picking technique itself. The best method is as follows: Start with your little finger for the easiest mushroom. For the next mushroom, use your middle fingers, and for the final one, pick with your index finger and thumb. This technique has been proven to be  effective for mushroom picking.

Here is a key lesson: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” — Japanese Proverb, Andriy Gladkih.

Is speed more important than quality?

Lina Turovska is a harvesting expert and trainer who have led many mushroom harvesting  courses with UMDIS. Lina  shared her concerns about balancing speed and quality. Some farms skip separation during the harvesting process to save time but wondered if this trade-off was worth it.

Separation might seem to slow things down initially. Proper separation ensures quality and avoids uneven picking peaks. Farms that rush through this process face issues with quality on the third and fourth days of harvesting, Andriy shared. Farms focusing solely on speed often find themselves losing more in the long run.

Why harvesting organization is important

The role of supervisors

There is a difference between a harvesting supervisor and a trainer. Many farms often confuse these roles. Supervisors focus on motivating the team, managing the pace of work, and meeting yield targets. Trainers, on the other hand, focus entirely on teaching new skills and ensuring workers follow proper techniques.

Effective supervision is important on mushroom farms. It’s not enough to promote the most experienced picker to a supervisory role. Supervisors need leadership and social skills to inspire their teams. They need to identify problems, and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.

Supervisors should ensure worker comfort while picking. Andriy highlighted the importance of ergonomics on the farm, pointing out that small changes in posture, equipment, or workspace organization can make a big difference in quality, yields and efficiency.

Keep it simple

For larger farms, keep the organizational structure straightforward. Dont overcomplicate things. Andriy   recommends a setup with managers, picking managers, supervisors and regular consultation or training with a harvesting and organization expert. In very large farms, dividing the farm into smaller, more manageable units can improve efficiency.

Supervisors who oversee too many workers often struggle to maintain quality. Keeping the ratio manageable—around 20 to a maximum of 30 workers per supervisor—allows them to spend time with each picker, check their progress, and address issues promptly.

Technology has its limits

While tools like picking lorries and specialized shelving systems and automation can improve efficiency, they are not a cure-all. Watch out on robotics for the next 10 years. Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Well-trained and motivated workers are still the most important factor in achieving consistent results.

Even with advanced equipment, farms need to focus on creating a supportive environment for their worker. Proper training in harvesting skills (including the use of tools and technology), clear goals, good management, and organization are what truly drive success.

Join our hands-on harvesting and organization training in Poland

“Small changes in how workers are managed and trained can lead to big improvements. Farms that invest in their people, focus on quality, and stay open to learning and technology will be better positioned for success in this competitive industry.” — Andriy Gladkih

Want to learn more from Andriy Gladkih? UMDIS is hosting a three-day mushroom harvesting and organization course in Poland on 3rd to 5th February 2025. This practical course will cover everything from picking techniques to motivation systems, technology and farm organization.Fill the form on our website. Maximize your trip and learn from two of the best experts in Europe in less than 2 weeks. On the same venue ( FUNGUS S.C. BRACIA MARCINIAK Wioska 2, 64308, Poland), Woijtek Konieczny will lead white and brown mushroom growin course —11th to 13th February. Participants will  receive handouts and presentations by UMDIS supporters Agro-Projects, Christiaens Group, and GrowTime Engineering.

Watch the webinar recording with Andriy Gladkih on the UMDIS YouTube channel.

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