Beginning in 2016, we have been growing mushrooms in a little forest in Asturias (North-west Spain). We mainly grow shiitake mushrooms using a traditional japanese method, based on the natural conidtions and substrates where mushrooms grow in nature. These mushrooms grow in high-humidity areas under the shade of the forest canopy. Mushrooms cultivated this way are high quality and sustainable.
Our shiitake mushrooms are inoculated in oak logs that have been obtained from a selective cull and pruning process on our own forest farms; careful wood extraction is fundamental to our philosophy of working in an environmentally-conscious manner- sustainable management of native forests increases their value and promote their conservation.
Our forest is not big enough to continue developing our project. We need new forest farm to continue our work. The aim of this crowdfunding campaign is to support part of the purchase of a new farm, as well as buildings necessary to the mushroom-growing process. This new farm will create two new jobs that will contribute to rural development based on a sustainable way of life.
Main features and goals of the crowdfunding campaign
Our mushrooms are the result of several lines of work:
- Employing the forest natural enviroment we produce a healthy, organic and high quality product.
- We promote local and small market instead of the mainstream market companies.
- A sustainable management of the native forest to get our mushroom substrate give a new valuable resource to forest.
- We promote the environmental education trough workshops, guided visits and mushroom courses.
- We offer the posibility to “do it yourself” with our mushroom cultivation kits and tools.
Why this is important
Our philosophy is to promote environmental awareness and give value to native forest. We belive in a sustainable agrifood developing model in rural areas.
Our activity is mainly related with local and rural developement, however have bigger influence and general interest by defending a sustainable food production model and promote a healthy way of live and eating.
Team and experience
Leandro Meléndez is a biologist with a master's degree in Biological resources conservation techniques. He has worked as a field technician in various nature reserves and protected areas and participated in several climate change and species conservation studies. In 2013 he started the Fungi Natur project, growing shiitake mushrooms on an initial 100 logs in a small village in Asturias in Northwest Spain.
In 2017 Gerard Nierga and Macario Iglesias incorporated to Fungi natur looking for a more natural way of life. Gerard and Macario have collaborated with several projets related with organic farming, permaculture and social economy. Macario used to work has an architect specializet in natural materials and bioconstruction.