Upcoming Webinars Help Explain Mushroom Growing & Foraging Regulations

February 1, 2021/Steve Gabriel

Join our Specialty Mushrooms project for two free educational webinars that address often asked topics as we help support mushroom production in rural and urban landscapes. Specialty mushrooms are defined by USDA as any species not belonging to the genus Agaricus (button, crimini, portabella).  

Our team has been working with regulatory agencies in New York and other states, and is offering these events to highlight important information for those looking to sell wild foraged mushrooms or buy/sell logs for mushroom cultivation. Both these practices have impacts on local economics, public health, and the sustainability of forested lands. 

Attendance is free and the live webinars will be recorded and posted to our YouTube page for later viewing. These two webinars will kick off monthly webinars in 2021 on a variety of topics in mushrooms and agroforestry. 

You can sign up now to receive connection details to these webinars and be notified of future dates and topics. Questions can be directed to Steve Gabriel, the Specialty Mushrooms project coordinator, at sfg53@cornell.edu.

Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification in New York

Wednesday, February 17, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

The harvest and sale of wild mushrooms must be identified by an “approved expert” according to New York state law. Foragers can become approved by attending a certification course, passing a test, and implementing measures for traceability. Join Steve Gabriel from Cornell Small Farms to understand the details of regulations in New York and hear from Tradd Cotter of Mushroom Mountain about their certification offering along with John Michelotti of Catskill Fungi, who will be the instructor for the trainings coming to New York (online) in 2021.

Sourcing Logs for Mushroom Cultivation

Wednesday, March 31, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

As more people look to cultivate woodland mushrooms, there is a demand for high quality logs for use as a material. Often those who want to grow don’t have access to a woodlot, and those with woods are interested in opportunities to generate a side income. Join us to learn about the specifications for buying or selling logs for mushrooms including species, handling, pricing, and transport regulations. We will also share updated resources including reviving a map and database of contacts for the northeast US helping connect buyers and sellers. Co-sponsored by the Cornell Agroforestry Program Work Team.

Steve Gabriel

Steve is an Extension Specialist focused on specialty mushroom production and agroforestry. Throughout his career, Steve has taught thousands of people about the ways farming and forestry can be combined to both benefit the ecology and economies of small farms.  He is also a farmer, author, hiker, and musician.
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