The College of Agriculture of the North La Union Campus (NLUC conducted a two-day training on Oyster Mushroom Production. The event took place at the NLUC Board Room on December 18-19, 2023.

The Training was done in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bacnotan, La Union, which provided the funding. The primary objective of this training was to enhance the participants’ technical knowledge and increase the number of mushroom growers in Bacnotan.

The first day of the training focused on basic knowledge about mushrooms, choosing the right species for beginners, and care management techniques. The participants also had a chance to discuss issues, problems, and recommendations concerning mushroom culture and production. Dr. Analyn V. Sagun, and Ms. Maridell P. Bane-eng, faculty members of DMMMSU-NLUC’s College of Agriculture, led the discussions and demonstrations.

The second day of the training delved into more technical topics such as grain spawn production, fruiting bag production, sterilization of fruiting bags, and inoculation and incubation of grain spawn and fruiting bags. The day ended with a farm visit to CJ Farm in Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union.

The training culminated with a simple ceremony where participants were awarded certificates of completion and closing remarks delivered by Dr. Maria Elaine P. Boguen, the Head of the Extension Unit at DMMMSU-NLUC. Dr. Boguen took the opportunity to commend the participants for their eagerness to learn, active participation in discussions and practical activities, and overall commitment to enhancing their skills. She also expressed her satisfaction with the successful implementation of the training, praising the collaborative efforts of the organizing team and the support from the LGU-Municipality of Bacnotan.

The combined efforts of DMMMSU-NLUC and the LGU-Municipality of Bacnotan have provided an invaluable learning opportunity for the locals, laying the groundwork for a future focused on sustainable agriculture. (Krizia Ann E. Ramirez)