In addition to the Antilles mushroom farm in Trinidad, which is operating successfully, some policymakers hope to establish an entire industry—not only in Martinique but also throughout the Caribbean through partnerships with our neighbors.
Founded in 2003, the Antilles Mushroom Farm is a small operation that produces oyster mushrooms using sugarcane bagasse from the Galion factory in Trinidad.
Over time, genuine demand from local consumers has emerged to the point where production sometimes struggles to keep up. Therefore, it would be necessary to shift into a higher gear, building on the Trinitian model.
The “Myconova” Project”
Using European funds, particularly through the Interreg program, the goal is to allocate 1.3 million euros to develop an entire production chain for organic mushrooms—edible for humans, as well as species and byproducts that can be used to fertilize the soil—in order to eliminate the need for chemical herbicides. This brand-new project, led by the Martinique Regional Nature Park, is called “Myconova.”.
Contacts have already been made with the Neisson distillery, which also produces bagasse. Another idea is to have several Caribbean cities work on the same project. Contacts with Cuba are in the works.
The project could really pick up steam in the coming days in September.
According to officials at the Natural Park, this economic sector—based on promoting the island’s mycological heritage—will offer Martinique new opportunities in the agri-food, agritourism, and mycotourism sectors.
Source: https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/martinique/creation-veritable-filiere-champignon-martinique-621892.html
