Join Professor Barry Pryor from the University of Arizona Extension Services on a mushroom cultivation workshop on Saturday, February 15th at 1-5 pm at the U of A Controlled Environment Agricultural Center in Tucson. This is an opportunity to learn about growing mushrooms for the purpose of small-scale commercial production.

If you have basic experience with growing mushrooms, this workshop will show you what you would need to take it to the next level.  It's a great opportunity to learn from Dr. Pryor's years of mushroom cultivation experience and testing of various substrates and growing environments. In addition to learning about the how to's of mushroom cultivation, workshop participants will be able to get some hands on practice with sterile technique, spawn production and substrate inoculation.  You will also be able to take home a grow bag of your own. Lastly, participants will be able to explore the Pryor Laboratory and both see the current mushrooms being fruited as well as learn of the equipment and techniques they use for mushroom production and research.

For those interested in learning more about selling cultivated mushrooms, an Arizona Dept of Agriculture representative will also come and speak about the GHP/GAP quality certification program. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Handling Practices (GHP) are programs to verify that fruits, vegetables, and fungi are produced, packed, handled, and stored as safely as possible to minimize risks of microbial food safety hazards.

The course costs $20 for AMS members. There are 30 spots available. If you are interested, please register for this event!

Any cancellations will include a $5 cancellation fee per registration. No refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of the event.

Professor Pryor runs the Pryor Lab out of the UofA School of Plant Sciences. The Pryor lab is engaged in both applied and basic mycological research, such as studying how different locally available substrates affect production of mushroom fruiting of various species. Professor Pryor also plays a big role in running the Arizona Mushroom Growers Association, which provides a number of valuable resources for those interested in cultivating mushrooms. 

Please register now to join us for this fantastic opportunity!