Mushroom composting vocational training (Dutch)

A broad foundation in composting for mushroom cultivation

The vocational training in mushroom composting provides information for the new manager, developing into farm managers or existing farm managers, who wish to gain a broader orientation in order to optimize their own processes. The training gives a broad insight into the different processes on the compost farm.

E-learning

This e-learning consists of several modules, focused on the steps in the composting process. You complete the e-learning on a desktop, laptop or on the app on your mobile. You complete one module of the e-learning each time before coming to a practical in-person meeting.
You first read part of the book Mushroom Signals (integrated in each module). After that, you get questions to see if you understood the content well. Then you will get practical practice cases: questions that will make you look at practical issues in logical steps, think about them and find solutions. You will receive immediate feedback on all questions. At the end of all modules a exam is taken. This will give you a good basic knowledge, which will be discussed and deepened during the meeting. If you have any questions, you can ask your trainer directly by email, but also during the meetings.

Inperson meeting on the compost yards

During the on-farm sessions, we dive deeper into the subject matter and connect theory with daily practice. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences: what challenges do you encounter, and how do you solve them?

You will work closely with fellow participants on practical assignments, including evaluating different samples of raw materials and compost. A key element is forming and presenting your own well-substantiated opinions.

Company visits are organized at several composting companies that actively contribute to the course, offering valuable insight into real-world operations. An important part of each afternoon is a farm tour, guided by the participants themselves, creating an interactive and hands-on learning experience.

Exam

After you have attended all the meetings you will take an exam. This exam consists of a theoretical exam and an oral exam at your own company. During the oral exam you have to be able to explain the composting process on your own farm. What you can adjust in the process to produce a homogeneous good compost. The exam will be administered by an external examiner.

Online information meeting for participants and supervisors of the course composting 2026-2027

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2024, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

During this informational meeting, Mark den Ouden, the trainer of the course, will explain the structure of the course and what is expected of the students. There will, of course, be room for questions. Both students and their supervisors are invited to this evening. The meeting will conclude with drinks.

DRAFT PROGRAM:

1 Introduction Mushroom cultivation.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

		For meeting, you make the e-learning: Essentials (average of 6 hours)
13:00	13:45	Introduction and Introduction, explanation of training
13:45	15:00	Introduction to growing mushrooms 1
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	16:45	Tour of mushroom farm
16:45	17:15	Introduction of raw materials

17:30	21:00	“Social evening”: getting to know each other better over dinner

2 Raw materials module

Thursday, December 10, 2026

		Before meeting you will take the e-learning module: Commodities (2 hours)
13:00	15:00	The different raw materials are discussed, and especially how to assess with the fluctuations in the raw materials and how to deal with them to obtain a homogeneous substrate.
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	17:00	Tour of the visiting company, focusing on raw materials
17:00	17:15	Closing and summary of the raw materials component
17:15	17:30	Introduction pre-wet and mixing raw materials

3 Module pre-wet and mixing

Thursday, January 7, 2027

		Before meeting you will take the e-learning module: Pre-wetting and mixing (2 hours)
13:00	15:00	The “Pre-wetting and mixing” module covers how to best assess and pre-treat, the constantly varying raw materials, especially straw and horse manure. It also discusses the recipe for the optimal proportions of the various raw materials to produce the desired amount of compost.
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	17:00	Tour of the visiting company, focusing on raw material processing: prewetting and mixing of raw materials.
17:00	17:15	Closing and summary of the prewetting and mixing section
17:00	17:30	Introduction Module Caramelization

4 Module Caramelization

Thursday, February 4, 2027

		Before meeting you will take the e-learning module: Caramelization (1.5 hours)
13:00	15:00	In the “Caramelization Process” module, you will discover which temperature ranges are essential for compost and how to influence these temperatures. This module covers the entire process, including aerating, watering and converting the compost. You’ll also learn how to assess compost quality and get practical tips for minimizing odor nuisance. These insights are essential for optimizing the composting process and minimizing environmental impacts.
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	17:00	Tour of the visiting company, focusing on the caramelization process.
17:00	17:15	Closing and summary of the component caramelization process
17:15	17:30	Introduction module phase 2, tunnel filling, Pasteurization and conditioning.

5 Module Phase 2 Pasteurization and Conditioning

Thursday, March 4, 2027

		Before meeting you will take the e-learning module: Pasteurizing and Conditioning (2 hours)
13:00	15:00	Phase 2: Tunnel filling, pasteurization and conditioning, we talk about the process performed in a phase 2 tunnel. Although you primarily control the process, how the tunnel is filled is crucial to the success of the process. In this module, you’ll learn about the influence of filling height, the proper way to fill a tunnel, and common mistakes that can have major consequences. You’ll also discover what to adjust during the process in each of the six steps and what to do if the tunnel does not become free of ammonia.
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	17:00	Tour of the visiting company, focusing on the Phase 2 process.
17:00	17:15	Closing and summary of the phase 2 component, Pasteurization and conditioning process
17:00	17:30	Introduction module Enten

6 Module spawning

Thursday, April 8, 2027

		Before meeting you will take the e-learning module: Grafting (1.5 hours)
13:00	15:00	During this meeting we dive in, on the production process of spawn attention to diseases and pests, hygiene, management, and the spawning work itself. We will cover in detail how spawn is produced, what the quality characteristics are and what quantity is needed. Trichoderma is also covered: where it comes from and what exactly it is. In addition, we discuss other diseases and abnormalities that can result from mistakes during spawning. An essential part of this session is hygiene: we discuss how to clean effectively and how to motivate your team to clean the machines consistently and thoroughly. We will also analyze spawning operations and their impact on production, to give a complete picture of the crucial aspects during spawning.
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	17:00	Tour of the visiting farm, focusing on spawning (preparation of spawning).*
17:00	17:15	Closing and summary of the component phase 2, spawning.
17:15	17:30	Introduction module phase 3, Mycelium growth through compost

*because of hygiene rules will not be able to watch the spawning itself

7 Module Phase 3: Myceliumgrowth through the compost

Thursday, May 13, 2025

		For meeting you will take the e-learning module: Mycelium growth through compost (2 hours)
13:00	15:00	In the module phase 3, mycelium growth through the compost, all factors that influence the growing process are discussed in detail. You will learn what influence you can have on the quality of the grow-through compost. An important aspect is the use of supplement: what it is, why it is added, and what to take care for when using it. Finally, we talk about loading and transporting the compost to the customer. This will cover the aspects that customers care about so that you can ensure a product that meets their expectations.
15:00	15:15	Break
15:15	17:00	Tour of the visiting farm, with a focus on the Phase 3 process and loading of mycelium growth compost.
17:00	17:15	Closing and summary of the Phase 3, mycelium growth into the compost.
17:15	17:30	Explanation of oral exam on own farm

8 Oral exam on own compost yard

From May 18-21, 2025

Before June 6

Two days before the oral exam, the digital exam, which contains questions from all modules, must be successfully completed.

Oral exam takes 1 hour.

The participant gives a tour of the farm and explains how the process on the farm is set up and on which he can explain the different processes on the farm.

(Hygiene, disease and pests in mushroom cultivation are integrated into the modules)

Certificate ceremony

Friday, May 21 from 19:00 – 21:30

(Hygiene, disease and pests in mushroom cultivation are integrated into the modules)

Target group

Are you a new aspiring to a career in composting or are you already working in the industry and want to broaden your basic knowledge? This course will help you make more informed decisions on a daily basis. By making small adjustments and avoiding mistakes, you can improve production and ensure more homogeneous compost. If this is your target, then this course is definitely for you! Do you recognize yourself in this description? Then enroll and focus on your growth!

Industry accredited Training

This vocational is specifically focused on primary mushroom production. These courses are basically open to employees and employers in the mushroom industry.

The Branche support finds its origin in the joint recognition of the need for training and is supported by the Vakgroep paddenstoelen of L.T.O. and the Sector Commissie Paddenstoelen of Colland.

Language

The course is given in the Dutch language. There is a possibility to follow the e-learning in the English language.

Travel time

The price of the course takes into account a maximum travel time of 1.5 hours from the Mushroom Office location for taking the exam. If the travel time is longer, there will be a charge for additional travel time.

Number of participants

The course is organized with a minimum number of 10 participants and has a maximum of 15 participants.

General conditions

The amounts are excluding VAT. All deliveries are subject to the general terms and conditions of Mushroom Office.

Ask your question

"*" indicates required fields

X/Twitter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Training

Name*

Email*

Company

Country

Date:	Thursday 8 October 2026 - Friday 21 May 2027
Location:	The Netherlands
Trainer:	Mark den ouden
Certifications:	Yes
Duration:	8 days
Language:	Dutch

Mushroom composting vocational training (Dutch)

Course information

A broad foundation in composting for mushroom cultivation

Online information meeting for participants and supervisors of the course composting 2026-2027

1 Introduction Mushroom cultivation.

2 Raw materials module

3 Module pre-wet and mixing

4 Module Caramelization

5 Module Phase 2 Pasteurization and Conditioning

6 Module spawning

7 Module Phase 3: Myceliumgrowth through the compost

8 Oral exam on own compost yard

Certificate ceremony

Ask your question

Contact us

What our customers are saying