Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification in Michigan

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Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification Programs Scheduled for Spring in Michigan

Midwest American Mycological Information (MAMI), in partnership with the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Institute for Sustainable Living, Art and Natural Design, will offer two educational courses this spring to train and certify foragers who commercially harvest and sell wild mushrooms in Michigan. Successful completion of the program is recognized by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as sufficient to qualify as an approved mushroom identification expert.

Michigan’s Food Code requires that mushroom species picked in the wild must be obtained from sources where each mushroom is individually inspected and found to be safe by an approved mushroom identification expert. Organizations and businesses such as restaurants, retail grocery stores and farmers markets who either buy direct from mushroom sellers or provide space from which such people may sell, are required by law to ensure all sellers of wild-foraged mushrooms do so in accordance with federal and state law.

The certification program is designed to ensure a participant will, upon successful completion, qualify to meet the requirements of Michigan to harvest, broker and sell wild-harvested mushrooms in the state. The full-day training session will focus on the biology and morphological characteristics used in the identification of mushrooms, as well as a review of every species of wild-foraged mushroom approved for sale in Michigan. The day will include hands-on work with specimens, direct interaction with mycologists, and a written exam at the end of the day.

Participants must study all materials beforehand and come prepared to pass the test. The workshop should be considered a review session to confirm what has already been studied, and to clarify with mycologists any information that may not be clear after reviewing the study material. A study guide and sample test are available on MAMI’s website atwww.midwestmycology.org.

A test score of 80 percent or higher is required to receive a certification as an approved mushroom identification expert, and the certification is valid for five years. Refunds will not be issued to those who do not pass the test.

Cost for the training, which includes lunch, is $175 per person for those who wish to be certified. Farmers, farmers market managers, chefs, restaurant owners, purchasing agents for grocers, and others who may have interest in attending a workshop but not necessarily in obtaining certification, may attend for the reduced rate of $85.

Registration for the wild mushroom foraging certification workshops  is available online at www.midwestmycology.org. Payment must be made in advance when you register. Space is limited so register early.

Training dates and locations for the Wild Mushroom Foraging Certification:

Saturday, April 23, 2016
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan (exact location TBD)
Registration 8:30 am; Training Session 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday, April 30, 2016
Les Cheneaux Culinary School, Hessel, Michigan
Registration 8:30 am; Training Session 9 am – 5 pm

For more information, contact Chris Wright, Midwest American Mycological Information, at chris@midwestmycology.org, or visit www.midwestmycology.org.