mushroom farming Archives - Hydroponic Container Farms and Mushroom Farms

Sustainable Food Production Isn’t Just Possible, It’s Inevitable

The idea of adopting sustainable practices in food production to address critical environmental, social and economic challenges has until recently been seen as a pipe dream, an impenetrable barrier to progress.

There’s concern about costs and whether implementation would be widespread enough to result in noticeable change. But as tech has advanced and prices have slowly come down, this is something that’s within our grasp and something we should expect to see in our lifetimes.

Sustainable food production minimizes environmental degradation by promoting practices that conserve soil fertility, reduce water usage, and mitigate the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Prioritizing ecological balance helps safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystems and combat climate change. This is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of our planet and securing the availability of natural resources for future generations. We don’t want to be remembered as the generation that had the opportunity to do something, but squandered it.

Sustainable food production has significant social implications. It fosters equitable distribution of resources, promotes fair labor practices and supports local communities. Sustainable agriculture often involves small-scale, community-based farming that empowers local producers and reduces dependence on large-scale, industrialized farming systems. This not only strengthens local economies but also enhances food security by diversifying sources and reducing vulnerability to external shocks, such as the supply chain disruptions that crippled our food systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adopting sustainable practices in food production is essential for addressing global food security challenges. As the world’s population continues to grow, ensuring a stable and sufficient food supply is going to become more difficult. Sustainable agriculture emphasizes efficiency and resilience, optimizing yields while minimizing negative impacts on the environment. By embracing methods such as agroecology, organic farming, and precision agriculture, we can create a more robust and resilient food system capable of meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population without compromising the health of the planet. Again, this is achievable with a little bit of political will and a whole lot of education.

Sustainable food production is also economically prudent. While initial investments may be required to transition to sustainable practices, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Sustainable agriculture, like farming in controlled-climate shipping containers, reduces reliance on expensive inputs, maintains soil health for traditional growing, and promotes resource efficiency, leading to increased productivity and decreased production costs over time.

It opens up new market opportunities as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainably produced goods, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages businesses to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices. It’s already happening in the U.S. People have shown a willingness to incorporate changes into their own lives, and they’re more cognizant about where their food comes from. Taking a holistic approach isn’t some esoteric, “hippie-dippie” idea anymore. Creating an equitable future for both people and the planet, while expanding access to nutritionally dense foods, isn’t just achievable, it’s imperative.

How to Meet Food Demand for a Growing Global Population

Meeting global food needs in the coming years is going to require some ingenuity, marrying a combination of strategic changes and innovations across various aspects of the food system.

As you might have guessed, sustainable agriculture practices are at the forefront of what FarmBox Foods is doing as a company to help move that needle. It’s part of the company’s mission to promote and adopt sustainable farming practices, such as hyperlocal growing, conservation agriculture, and concepts that help minimize environmental impact and enhance long-term soil fertility. FarmBox is well aware that it’s not the entire solution, but we endeavor to play our part to the extent possible.

There are several things happening outside of our purview that we wholly support, among them: embracing precision agriculture technologies including sensors, drones and data analytics. But where we’re strongest is: optimizing resource use, improving crop yields, diversifying available foods, reducing food waste, and lowering the carbon footprint associated with agriculture.

Perhaps the company’s strongest contribution is in helping to shore up the protein needs of communities in need. Conditions are such that raising livestock has become a gamble in some areas of the world, particularly where drought plays a large role. So what can be done? Large-scale mushroom farming in a container is filling those nourishment gaps.

Much work is being done to invest in crucial research and development of climate-resilient crop varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions, helping ensure stable yields in the face of climate change.

Many nations are also implementing efficient water management practices, including drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, to conserve water resources and address water scarcity challenges.

Developing and implementing strategies to reduce food loss and waste at every stage of the food supply chain, from production and storage to distribution and consumption, is also a key area of interest for FarmBox Foods, given that our model is meant to empower individual communities with the ability to grow their own food.

Governments worldwide are fostering international collaboration and partnerships to share knowledge, technologies, and resources to address global food challenges collectively. They’re implementing policies that promote sustainable agriculture, support research and innovation, and incentivize environmentally friendly practices. Likewise, more private sector entities are increasing education and awareness regarding sustainable and healthy food choices and promoting consumer understanding of the impact of their dietary habits on both personal health and the environment.

According to the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, we will need to produce 60 percent more food to feed a world population of roughly 9.3 billion by 2050. It’s an ambitious goal with staggering consequences if we get it wrong. Addressing global food needs requires a holistic, integrated and coordinated approach that considers social, economic and environmental factors. Sustainable and resilient food systems will play a crucial role in ensuring food security for our growing global population. Now is the time for each individual and company to calculate where and how they can contribute.

The Long-Term Impacts of Indoor Agriculture

Container farming, a version of indoor farming also known as vertical farming, involves growing crops in controlled environments within shipping containers or other enclosed spaces. The advent of this technology, which relies on sensors to control the growing parameters, holds a lot of promise, especially as climate shifts continue to farmers and ranchers in traditional settings. While it’s difficult to predict the future with absolute certainty, it’s now possible identify several potential long-term impacts of container farming.

Sustainable agriculture: Container farming offers a more sustainable and efficient way to grow crops compared to traditional outdoor agriculture. By using less land, water, and pesticides, it can help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. This could lead to a decrease in deforestation, habitat destruction and the use of harmful chemicals that end up in our food and drinking supply.

Local Food Production: Container farming allows for year-round production of fresh produce, regardless of the local climate. This can reduce the need for long-distance transportation of food and promote local food systems. It may also help address food security and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food distribution.

Improved Resource Efficiency: Container farms can make more efficient use of resources like water, energy, and space. They often use hydroponic or aeroponic systems, which consume less water than traditional soil-based farming. Advanced climate control and LED lighting systems can optimize energy use. Colorado-based FarmBox Foods uses pre-insulated to help energy draws.

Food Security: Container farming can play a crucial role in ensuring a stable food supply in areas with food scarcity or those affected by natural disasters. The ability to control growing conditions can help mitigate the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges.

Job Creation: The container farming industry is growing, creating jobs in areas such as plant science, engineering, data analysis, business planning, and farm management. This can contribute to local and regional economic development.

Technology Advancements: As container farming technologies continue to evolve, they may lead to breakthroughs in agriculture, such as improved crop genetics, pest and disease management, and data-driven decision-making. These advancements are expected to benefit traditional agriculture as well.

Reduced Food Waste: By enabling on-demand production and minimizing transportation distances, container farming can help reduce food waste — currently a significant global issue — because food arrives on the plates of consumers much sooner after being harvested.

Educational Opportunities: Container farming can serve as a valuable educational tool, teaching people about plant biology, technology, and sustainable farming practices. Schools, universities, and community organizations use container farms to engage students and the public, including the South Carolina Governor’s School of Science and Math, Delaware State University, the EPIC Campus in Littleton, Colo., and more to come.

Space Exploration: Container farming concepts have been explored for space missions, such as Mars colonization, where growing food in a controlled environment is essential due to harsh environmental conditions. Research in this area may have applications for future space exploration.

The long-term impact of container farming is likely to be positive, with the potential to transform agriculture, reduce its environmental footprint, and address food security issues. But it will depend on continued technological advancements, cost reductions and successful integration into existing food production systems for it to make a sizable impact as we head into an uncertain agricultural future.

Remediate Soil with Mycelium Substrate

Soil remediation is a critical environmental practice aimed at restoring or improving the quality of soil that has been contaminated or degraded by various pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum products and industrial chemicals. The importance of soil remediation cannot be overstated due to its numerous ecological, agricultural, and human health benefits. Mycelium substrates, specifically mycoremediation, have emerged as a promising and sustainable approach to assist in soil remediation.

Here are some key points on the importance of soil remediation and how mycelium substrates can help:

Environmental Protection: Contaminated soil can have severe adverse effects on the environment. It can lead to soil erosion, groundwater pollution, and harm to local ecosystems. Soil remediation helps mitigate these negative impacts, contributing to overall environmental protection and conservation efforts.
Agricultural Productivity: Healthy soil is essential for agriculture, as it provides the necessary nutrients and support for plant growth. Soil contamination can lead to reduced crop yields and food safety concerns. Remediated soil can restore fertile ground for farming, ensuring food security and quality.
Human Health: Contaminated soil can pose serious health risks to humans, especially if the contaminants leach into the water supply or are taken up by plants in the food chain. Soil remediation helps safeguard public health by reducing exposure to harmful substances.
Biodiversity: Many soil-dwelling organisms, including microorganisms, insects, and plants, depend on a healthy soil environment. Soil remediation efforts aim to protect and restore these ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
Land Reclamation: Remediated soil can be repurposed for various land uses, including residential, commercial, and recreational purposes. This repurposing of land can revitalize urban areas and promote sustainable development.

Now, let’s explore how mycelium substrates plays a role in soil remediation, which FarmBox Foods customer BLH Farm has been doing since acquiring a Gourmet Mushroom Farm:

Mycoremediation: Mycoremediation is a bioremediation technique that employs fungal mycelium, the thread-like vegetative part of fungi, to break down or absorb contaminants in the soil. Mycelium has several properties that make it effective in soil remediation:

Biodegradation: Mycelium can secrete enzymes that break down complex organic molecules, making them more easily metabolized by other microorganisms and reducing the toxicity of contaminants.
Metal Accumulation: Some species of fungi have the ability to accumulate heavy metals in their mycelium. This can help to immobilize or concentrate metals, preventing them from leaching into groundwater or affecting plant growth.
Soil Structure Improvement: Mycelium can also improve soil structure by binding soil particles together, increasing soil porosity, and enhancing water retention.
Carbon Sequestration: As fungi grow and decompose organic matter, they contribute to carbon sequestration, which can help mitigate climate change.
Low Environmental Impact: Mycoremediation is often considered an environmentally friendly approach because it typically requires minimal external inputs and doesn’t produce harmful byproducts.

While mycelium substrates offer promising solutions for soil remediation, it’s essential to note that their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the type and extent of contamination, the specific fungi species used, and environmental conditions. That being said, mycoremediation is often used in combination with other remediation techniques to achieve optimal results. Additionally, research and development in this field continue to expand our understanding of how fungi can be harnessed for sustainable soil remediation practices.

Exploring the wonderful world of mushrooms

Edible mushrooms have been consumed by humans for thousands of years and are a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world, but there’s still much to be learned about their nutritional benefits and potential for reducing the risk of chronic illnesses.

Luckily, the science community is putting a greater focus on fungi, which has become a more ubiquitous element of dishes across many cultures in recent years.

Mushrooms belong to a separate kingdom of organisms from plants and animals. They have unique nutritional profiles and are a good source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins (such as B vitamins and vitamin D), and minerals, such as selenium, copper, and potassium.

Some commonly consumed edible mushroom varieties include shiitake, oysters, portobello, cremini, enoki, trumpets, button, lion’s mane and more. Edible mushrooms are used in a wide range of culinary preparations, including soups, stir-fries, sauces, stews, salads, and even as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Mushrooms are typically low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for those watching their weight or following a low-fat diet.

Edible mushrooms are known for their umami flavor, which is a savory taste sensation often described as “meaty” or “earthy.” The unique flavor profile makes them a versatile ingredient in many dishes.

Mushrooms are the only non-animal food source of vitamin D. When exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light, they can naturally synthesize vitamin D, which can be beneficial for individuals with limited sun exposure.

Some edible mushrooms, such as shiitake and maitake mushrooms, have been studied for their potential health benefits, including immune system support and anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, lion’s mane has been identified as a booster for cognitive function.

FarmBox Foods has designed and manufactured a high-output, all-in-one mushroom cultivation container, which comes with a ribbon mixer to create your own substrate, a steam cabinet to pasteurize the substrate, a clean lab, incubation room, and a fruiting room. It’s a centerpiece of the Colorado company’s suite of containerized farms. It allows for commercial scale growing of oysters, lion’s mane, enoki, chestnut, trumpet, reishi and more.

It’s worth noting that while many mushrooms are edible and safe to consume, there are also poisonous varieties. It is crucial to have proper knowledge and identification skills or to rely on trained experts when foraging wild mushrooms.

Exploring the Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in various cultures around the world, and ongoing research shows we’re only scratching the surface when it comes to fully understanding the benefits of fungi.

Immune support is one of the advantages of regularly consuming certain mushrooms. Reishi, turkey tail and maitake have been shown to enhance immune function.

Some mushrooms, including lion’s mane, chaga, and cordyceps, may possess anti-inflammatory properties, and many types of mushrooms (shiitake, oysters and porcinis) are rich in antioxidants, which help combat stress and protect cells from damage. Likewise, adaptogens are composed of substances that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being.

But perhaps of the driving forces behind the recent surge of interest in mushrooms is cognitive health. Lion’s mane, in particular, has been studied for its potential to support brain health, and is believed to promote nerve growth. It may also have neuroprotective effects, potentially benefiting memory and focus.

Cordyceps have long been used in traditional Eastern medicine to enhance energy levels, endurance, and athletic performance. They are also thought to improve oxygen utilization and support the respiratory system. According to Healthline.com, they also have the potential to slow the growth of tumors.

Some types of fungi, such as shiitake, contain dietary fiber and compounds that may promote digestive health. Shiitake mushrooms also contain a compound called lentinan, which has been studied for its potential anti-tumor properties, although nothing conclusive has been declared by health experts.

Further scientific research is needed to validate the effectiveness of ingesting mushrooms. But professional and amateur chefs alike continue to come up with creative ways to incorporate mushrooms into the diets of consumers by crafting delicious sides and fanciful vegan dishes. And one of the biggest plusses is that mushrooms aren’t seasonal; most commercially available fungi grows all year long in warehouses or containerized, controlled-climate environments.

Evolving Labor Trends Turn Mushroom Farming into Viable and Profitable Option

Evolving Labor Trends Turn Mushroom Farming into Viable & Profitable Option

Nearly everyone has heard about recent workplace trends said to have arisen from the pandemic, like “quiet quitting,” when in fact people have been re-assessing their priorities and career choices for years in an effort to strike a more equitable work-life balance.

There’s generally more awareness about workers leaving their jobs in pursuit of something more fulfilling. Finding a passion and turning it into a lucrative source of income is the goal, and turnkey solutions like container-based mushroom farming are receiving more recognition and acceptance as a low-overhead avenue to success.

Starting a career in farming might sound daunting, but a Denver-area company called FarmBox Foods makes it accessible, even for those with no prior experience in agriculture. FarmBox Foods manufactures high-yield Gourmet Mushroom Farms inside insulated shipping containers, allowing people to grow popular varieties of mushrooms year-round and create multiple revenue streams in the process. The privately owned company also trains you how to do it.

It’s a viable solution for those who don’t have millions of dollars to invest in a new business venture. There’s no need to buy farmland (the containers have a footprint of 320 square-feet) and all of the necessary equipment for start-to-finish mushroom cultivation is included. And customers can even finance the container farms, which generate more than $1.2 million in profits over their projected 10-year lifespan.

The farms open up opportunities for sustainable food production in places that currently lack access to fresh food, including islands. More than 90 percent of food consumed on islands is imported, which increases costs, reduces quality and results in food miles that impact the environment.

“It’s something that people can really pour their heart and soul into,” said Rusty Walker, CEO of FarmBox Foods. “It’s not just a new career. It allows you to live and work where you want to and get a good return on your investment while doing something that gives back to the community.”

The controlled-climate mushroom farms use a digital control panel and a network of sensors to monitor and automatically adjust conditions inside the farm for optimal growing. The farms can grow nearly 20 varieties of mushrooms, including lion’s mane, oysters, king trumpets and reishi, and yield around 400 pounds of mushrooms per week.

To learn more about purchasing or leasing a Gourmet Mushroom Farm, or to schedule an in-person or virtual tour, visit farmboxfoods.com/gourmet-mushroom-farm/.

How Gourmet Mushrooms Are Grown

Gourmet mushrooms are commercially grown in three stages. The ability to control temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange is key to any cultivator’s success, and proper infrastructure is required to meet the different parameters required in each stage of growth.

Stage 1: Petri Dishes

Mushrooms live most of their lives in a vegetative state called mycelium. In nature, mycelium grows in soil or decaying wood where it absorbs vital nutrients. These nutrient-rich conditions can be replicated in a laboratory setting using a specially formulated gel, called agar, that can be customized for a particular mushroom species. The commercial mushroom growing process begins by placing a small bit of mushroom mycelium onto a petri dish, and within several weeks the mycelial tissue replicates itself and covers the entire surface of the petri dish—this is referred to as colonization.

After a petri dish has been fully colonized by mycelium, cultivators can proceed in two directions:

Divide the agar into small pieces and transfer the pieces to new petri dishes, where the mycelium will continue to expand (one petri dish covered with mycelium can serve to start about 80 new petri dishes). These new petri dishes can then be used for further propagation, or they can be used for the second option:
Distribute the cut-up pieces of mycelium into receptacles of sterilized grains.

Petri dishes at different stages of colonization

Step 2: Grains

After being introduced to sterilized grains (typically wheat, millet, and sorghum), the mycelium will begin to replicate and grow, metabolizing all available nutrients. This process typically takes several weeks so the mycelium can adjust to its new environment and nutrient availability. With these nutrients, however, comes the risk of contamination by other fungi and bacteria. Grains must be sterilized carefully prior to being inoculated with mycelium. Any lapse in attention during the inoculation process can lead to contamination and a lost grain bag (contamination can also go unnoticed, leading to problems later in the cultivation process). Once a grain bag is fully colonized with mycelium, the bag can be used for two purposes:

Propagating the myceliated grains into other sterilized grain bags, or:
Introducing the myceliated grains into bags of substrate suitable for growing the mycelium into its next stage—the production of fruiting bodies (mushrooms).

Step 3: Fruiting Substrate

There are many substrate options for growing mycelium out to its final stage, where it produces mushrooms. Commercial cultivators in the West typically use hardwood sawdust supplemented with agricultural waste products—this can include soybean hulls, wheat bran, rice bran, sugarcane bagasse, and coffee grounds. Cultivators prepare substrate bags by mixing the dry inputs with a specific volume of water and then placing them in an autoclave for sterilization. After the substrate bags have cooled, cultivators shake the grain bags to break them up and then distribute them in small amounts to the sterilized substrate bags. The inoculated substrate bags will then remain in a temperature-controlled room for several weeks; the mycelium moves from the grains throughout the substrate colonizing it completely during this time. After the substrate bags are completely colonized, the substrate bags move into the fruiting chamber, where cultivators cut them open and expose them to lower temperatures, high humidity, and fresh air. After several weeks, mushrooms will be fully formed and ready for harvest. Depending on the species, several harvests can be picked from each bag. After a bag has produced its mushrooms, the substrate can be composted or added to soil where it will continue to produce small quantities of mushrooms.

View The FarmBox Gourmet Mushroom Container Farm

View Mushroom Farm

How to Grow Mushrooms – 5 Steps to Success

Have you been considering growing your own gourmet mushrooms, but just don’t know where to start? Well, it’s time to ditch your mushroom grow kit, and let us show you how you can grow gourmet mushrooms on your own. But first, let’s cover a few basics.

Why should I grow mushrooms?

Even though mushrooms are on the Clean 15 list, that doesn’t mean that they are actually pesticide free! A study done by the FDA shows that 26% of imported mushrooms had more than the allowable amount of pesticides, even thiabendazole, a carcinogen, and a developmental and reproductive toxin.

Pesticides are not our only concern with commercial mushrooms. Gourmet mushrooms are expensive and can be hard to find at your local store, but don’t let that stop you from capitalizing on the many benefits mushrooms provide!

Is it difficult to grow mushrooms?

Although it may seem tricky at first, once you understand the basics of growing mushrooms, the process is pretty simple! Take care to prevent contamination, monitor temperature and humidity, and you will be enjoying fresh, homegrown, gourmet mushrooms before you know it!

Is it dangerous to grow mushrooms?

Nope! Follow our guidelines below and wear a respirator when you are exposed to mushrooms that are in the fruiting phase – this is when they release spores. If you are going to be using a pressure cooker or autoclave, be sure to adhere to all of the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 1: Prepare your substrate

When it comes to choosing a substrate, you have quite a few options. We have seen the best results using sawdust, soybean hulls, wheat bran, rice bran, peanut hulls, sugarcane bagasse, or straw. Although this is far from a comprehensive list, the options above are tried and tested and should provide you with great results!

Depending on the substrate, it may be beneficial to chop up your substrate before beginning the hydrating process — this will cut down on the time needed to hydrate and thoroughly mix your substrate.
The next part is to hydrate the substrate. The water to dry mix ratio will be specific to your chosen substrate, so be sure to add the correct volume of water.
After you have finished prepping your substrate, divide it evenly into mushroom bags. Fold the opening of the bag over to seal the substrate so it is ready for the next step.

Step 2: Sterilization

Sterilization is a very important part of the process. If not done correctly, your substrate can become contaminated and the contamination will compete with your mushrooms for nutrients.

There are two main ways to sterilize substrate:

Atmospheric steam sterilization: This process involves keeping the bag of substrate immersed in steam for several hours until sterilization is reached. This method takes longer but is the safer option and the one we prefer.
Autoclave or pressure cooker: Using this method is faster, but it is essential to take proper precautions whenever using an autoclave or pressure cooker.

Don’t forget to let your sterilized substrate cool completely before inoculating! You can even let your substrate cool overnight, although we don’t recommend letting it sit for longer than 24 hours.

Step 3: Inoculate the substrate

Be careful not to contaminate your grain spawn or substrate bags during this step. Pay close attention to your work during this process, since it is easy to introduce contaminants during inoculation. Contamination can easily go unnoticed, leading to problems later in the cultivation process.

After cooling the substrate, it’s time to inoculate. We recommend inoculating in a cleanroom or under a HEPA flow cabinet. This ensures that no mold spores, yeast, or bacteria will enter the bag and contaminate it. If you don’t have access to a HEPA flow cabinet, consider building or buying a still air box.
Add the grain spawn to the substrate bag using a sterilized spoon or another sterilized tool. Try to put the same amount of grain spawn into each bag.
Seal the bag closed using an impulse sealer. Don’t force any air out of the bag before sealing — this not only allows for air exchange but also makes mixing much easier.
Thoroughly mix the substrate and grain spawn until you have a uniform mixture.

Step 4: Incubation

During incubation, the mycelium moves from the grains throughout the substrate colonizing it completely. Incubation time will vary depending on the species of mushrooms you are growing.

Place the inoculated substrate bag in a room with the temperature set to the mid to low 70’s (Fahrenheit).
Incubation usually takes between 2 and 3 weeks depending on species.

Step 5: Fruiting

After the substrate bags are completely colonized, the fruiting process can begin.

Take the colonized substrate bags to a room with high humidity with the temperature set to the low to mid 60’s.
Cut the bag open, exposing the mycelium to oxygen. At this point, the temperature drop and high humidity will act as biological triggers telling the mycelium to begin forming mushrooms.
After about 2 weeks (just keep an eye on them), you will have mature mushrooms that are ready to be picked! Depending on the species, several harvests can be picked from each bag. After a bag has produced its mushrooms, the substrate can be composted or added to soil where it will continue to produce small quantities of mushrooms.

Not that hard, right? The ability to control temperature, humidity, and fresh air exchange is key to successfully growing mushrooms, and proper infrastructure is required to meet the varying needs of different mushroom species.

When you’re ready to take things to the next level, give us a call! Our Gourmet Mushroom Farms are equipped with everything you need to grow mushrooms on a large scale, and our amazing team is here to help you every step of the way.

View The FarmBox Gourmet Mushroom Container Farm

View Mushroom Farm