All Ireland & UK Mushroom Conference

“Harnessing Innovation” Conference Programme
On Thursday the 15th of October 2015, the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan, Republic of Ireland will once again become the venue for the All Ireland and UK Mushroom Conference & Trade Show. This year’s conference sponsored by Bord Bia will welcome mushroom growers from right across Ireland and the UK.
The theme for the conference ‘Harnessing Innovation’ reflects the progressive and innovative spirit of the industry. The conference offers growers a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge base through exposure to the latest technology, and to network with other growers, composters and suppliers. The conference on the 15th will be followed by farm walks on the 16th. As always, the conference will include a varied programme of talks, presentations and farm walks. Amongst others there will be attention for the MushTV research project, benefits of management software and market analysis.

Tradeshow The ever popular tradeshow will run alongside the conference, where all major Industry exhibitors will showcase the latest equipment, machinery, IT systems, renewable energy technology, packaging, supplies and growing facilities. The conference website http://mushroomconference2015irelandanduk.com/ is now live for exhibitors to book their stands, or alternatively contact Martin Mahon by email at mushroomconference2015@gmail.com.

Conference Programme
11.00 Trade Show & Registration 
14.00 - 14.30 Conference Opening: 
Chairperson Michael Neary (Bord Bia) 
Government Department Representatives TBC 
14.30 - 15.30 Session 1 – Chairperson James Holmes (AHDB, Horticulture) 
Key Research Messages from MushTV Dr Helen Grogan, 
Teagasc Mairéad Kilpatrick, AFBI, Loughgall Biocoal from Spent Mushroom Substrate Tim Dolden, 
Loritus Production Management Software Hazel Codd, Codd Mushrooms 
15.30 – 16.15 Tea/Coffee – sponsored by Northway Mushrooms 
16.15 – 17.30 Session 2 – Chairperson Donal McCarthy (CMP) 40 years of Irish mushrooms Gerry Walsh, 
Teagasc (Retired) Growing Systems Abroad Brendan Burns, 
Sylvan Food Innovation and Market Review Michal Slawski, 
Bord Bia “3 Ways To Get People to Eat More Mushrooms” Stephen Allen, Monaghan Mushrooms 
18.00 Finger food and light refreshments – Sponsored by CMP 
19.00 Trade Show & Conference Closes