0009 - growing mushrooms

Last changed: 2019/11/15 11:42 

SITUATION

Proposal Name: Growing Mushrooms

Initiated By: Rory

Submission date: 02JAN2018

Background: Resource recovery from on-farm wastes is an important and often neglected activity. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus Ostreatus) are a fast-growing protein-rich crop that can be grown on cellulosic waste materials such as straw, crop residues and woodchips.

Summary of proposed changes: I propose FBFSR Inc purchase mushroom spawn from a wholesale supplier, and experiment with different growing substrates. I further propose that FBFSR Inc build a small greenhouse, for maturation of the fungi and further resource recovery (CO2 for plants, compost for plants).

How will this proposal advance the objectives of the Association? We will gain knowledge of how to produce nutrious and tasty mushrooms from farm wastes, and how to further recover value from on-farm waste.

What direct or indirect conflicts of interest does the initiating member or any other member have in this proposal? No

Will or might this proposal lead to the Association trading while insolvent? no debts will be incurred, necessary capital is available from Soilmagic revenues

What are the proposal's effects on other legal, reputational or financial risks? If we offer the resulting mushrooms or compost for sale, we need to be very confident in their quality. Testing of resultant products is an essential part of this project.

TIMINGS

What date would the proposed project begin? 07JAN2018

What date would it be in useful operation? 07FEB2018

What date would it be retired? 06JAN2020

RESOURCES

What resources will it require? Money, materials, labour etc.

For each resource,

  • Will it be donated? By the initiating member, or another person?
  • if it will not be donated, can it be supplied from goods on hand?
  • if not, can it be purchased with existing Association funds?
  • if none of these, who will be called on to pay for it?
  • Can the required labour be sourced internally via the TaskMarket ?
  • if not, can the required labour be recruited as members?
  • if not, how will they be paid?
  • Mushroom spawn
    • Will be purchased - fund with Soilmagic revenues (~$50)
  • Pressure sterilizer
    • Will be donated by Rory
  • Jute sacks
    • Will be donated by Phil
  • Wood chips, straw, coffee grounds, other wastes
    • Straw will be donated by Rory
    • Wood chips will be donated by Phil
    • Coffee grounds will be donated by Rory and Phil
    • Other wastes as available.
  • Greenhouse framing tubes
    • Will be purchased from Soilmagic revenues (~$300)
  • Greenhouse frame joints
    • We have stock on hand
  • Greenhouse panel fixings and adhesives
    • Purchase with Soilmagic revenues (~$300)
  • Greenhouse panels
    • Purchase with Soilmagic revenues (~$800)
  • Greenhouse land footprint (30 m2)
    • Will be loaned by Phil
  • Labour - sterilising and bagging substrate (8 hours / month)
    • Will be donated by Rory
  • Labour - monitoring mushroom growth and taking remedial action as required (8 hours / month)
    • Will be donated by Rory
  • Labour - harvesting and packaging mushrooms (8 hours / month)
    • Will be donated by Rory
  • Labour - dispersal of compost, growing of greenhouse plants (12 hours / month)

Will the project require its own bank account?

No

What planned activities will the project require?

What contingent activities will the project require?

METHOD

Step by step plan, with contingencies, and operating instructions

OUTCOMES

What resources and knowledge will the project produce?

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