The Bureau of Plant Industry—Crop Research and Production Support Division (BPI-CRPSD) successfully conducted its annual Basic Mushroom Production and Cultivation Training for the staff of 3G Country Farms in Nasugbu, Batangas, last February 5-7, 2025. This activity aimed to update farm workers on the latest mushroom cultivation techniques and equip them with the skills needed to grow mushrooms sustainably.

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This training is part of a decade-long partnership between BPI and 3G Country Farms. The training is held yearly to ensure the workers are up to date with the best practices in the industry.

The training included lectures and hands-on activities. Dana Trish Ann Fino, CRPSD’s Technical Staff, explained the entire mushroom farming process, from the basics to more advanced management of mushroom fruiting bags. She also discussed important topics like environmental control, pest management, and mushroom harvesting.

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Furthermore, Mark Joy Nono, CRPSD’s Data Controller, led a practical session on creating substrates, essential for growing healthy mushrooms.

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The training also included a farm tour, where participants learned about the whole process, from preparing the cultures and grain spawns to making fruiting bags. This gave them both knowledge and practical application of their learning.

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BPI-CRPSD has been supporting 13-15 local group beneficiaries since 2013 and has provided training and 500 to 1,500 fruiting bags each, which has helped them grow mushrooms and improve their livelihoods.

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(022625-35)