In Romania we visited oyster farm Bispora Trade. It has 6 modern growing rooms. Mushrooms here are grown on the racks (actually usual champignon racks), there are control computers, climate control systems.
Bispora Trade started to operate in 2014 as champignon production. After four years the owners decided to switch to oysters from button mushrooms. As the owner Corina Tiganas tells – for her to produce oysters is much easier. And that is not about making the right temperature or humidity.
- The reason why we turned to oyster mushrooms – is that it is much easier to pick them, and less of pickers are needed. Picking is the largest problem, – tells Corina to UMDIS.
But according to her – there is another, even more complicated process for all types of mushrooms than picking.
- Hardest and the most expensive process is done on the mushroom farm is to pack mushrooms, – explains Corina.
Good advantage of oyster mushrooms to button is longer shelf life – so the producer can have more time to sell mushrooms in the fridge.
- However mushroom business is hard anyway, – tells Corina Tiganas. – We start working at 5 am, we finish daily routine at 10 pm. No days off, no Easter, no Christmas. It is exhausting regardless of what type of mushroom you choose to produce, – shares Corina Tiganas.
Bispora Trade is not the largest Romanian oyster farm – however it is one of two biggest traders of oyster mushrooms in Romania. They sell their own oysters, and also oysters bought from other producers, including those largest Hungarian.
Corina`s company sell mushrooms just in Romania.
- I can sell more, maybe 3 times more, and also abroad – but I do not have enough mushrooms. The demand is much higher, – explains Corina.
Also she tells that five-six years ago in Romania supermarkets changed their policy, trying to make the assortment and quality equal for every shop. For example all Lidl supermarkets should look the same. So, the supplier needs to supply amount that is needed for all the shops. With 6 growing rooms that Corina has – it is quit impossible, so she needs to buy from other producers to be able to cooperate with buyers.
UMDIS Mushroom Information Agency visits farms in Europe and the world, if you want to welcome us – send us the letter to inna.ustilovskaja@gmail.com.
