Introducing Jamaicans to the Fascinating World of Fungi

Benjamin Baldi came to Jamaica in January 2020 as a response to the need of an agriculture training institution to expand its knowledge of mushroom production to train students who can become farmers in the future. “People of all ages were drawn to the oddity of the topic. When they began to realize the prevalence of these organisms in our ecosystems and the potential that lies within the mycelial network, they couldn’t help but become absorbed into the fascinating world of fungi.” said Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer Benjamin Baldi.

Mr. Baldi invested time in understanding the dynamics of the mushroom supply chain in Jamaica and realized that “a real concern is not having a consistent source of spawn.” Baldi then said that “Ebony Park could master spawn production and disseminate that information to all who wish to know.” Ebony Park Academy is a multidisciplinary institution that has a high priority in agricultural training. The institution trains approximately 500 adults annually who then move directly into the work environment or further studies at local tertiary institutions. Although they already had a grow house, they lacked the knowledge necessary to formulate a practical and theoretical training program for students.

During his assignment, Benjamin conducted a site inspection of the grow house on location at Ebony Park, estimated the potential of the facility for large-scale mushroom production, and gave recommendations on reconfigurations to maximize yields. He taught several groups of classes and went on a field trip to visit neighboring mushroom growers. Baldi conducted both practical and theoretical presentations and in addition created an outline for a proposed curriculum on Mushroom Production, the very first in the island.

 "Coming to Jamaica has given me the source of adventure, vitamin D, and connection that I have been yearning for. I choose to work with farmers for a plethora of reasons but primarily because of the idea that to be a cultivator is one of the noblest of lifestyles a human could do. Jamaica has multiple farmers across the land already getting their hands involved with cultivation, which is a good sign that the market is growing. To work alongside those individuals is powerful. To make a choice to grow the food and medicine for loved ones and for other unknown beings is not an easy career. It is commonly more of a struggle than a job at all.

 

I plan to continue to learn with this network, to share information where I can. All in the name of growing alongside the plant and fungi kingdom. This is what I have seen here in Jamaica: Individuals who wish to help their communities, people invigorated by politics and empowered by music. Still, this is a developing nation on an island so importation can cost a pretty penny. However, the countrymen are strong and resilient, finding resources where they can. I hope to work alongside them again. The humans I met are here to help empower people while reconnecting with the soil."