EAST LANSING, MI –The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) will be hosting a webinar titled “Wild Foraged Mushrooms: The Rules at Farmers Markets” on Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m. EST. Registration for the webinar is free. The webinar will be hosted by MIFMA in partnership with Michigan Department of Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan American Mycological Information (MAMI) and the Institute for Sustainable Living, Art and Natural Design (ISLAND).
Those looking to sell mushrooms for consumption are required by law to be an expert regarding the wild-foraged mushrooms they identify and sell. MDARD, MAMI, MIFMA and ISLAND recently certified over 80 foragers through a stringent and thorough workshop and exam process. Individuals looking to receive certification had to pass the exam with 80% or higher to earn certification. The workshop was designed to ensure foragers will, upon successful completion, qualify to meet the requirements of the Michigan Food Law to harvest, broker and sell wild-foraged mushrooms in the state; whether they sell directly to the public, restaurants or retailers. Organizations and businesses such as restaurants, grocers and farmers markets who either buy direct from mushroom foragers 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. Successful completion of the program is recognized by MDARD as sufficient to qualify for an Expert Mushroom Identifier Card issued by the State. Certification as an Expert Mushroom Identifier will last for five years, after which recertification will be necessary.
The webinar agenda will cover the importance of this information as it pertains to farmers markets and market managers, labeling requirements, Cottage Food information, certification cards and what they look like, and an overview on what types of mushrooms foragers can sell.
With questions, please email samantha@mifma.org or call 517-432-3381.