January 18, 2025 – Fujian Pioneers Cross-Strait Standardization of Edible Mushroom Cultivation Techniques
Fujian Province is actively advancing a pivotal pilot project aimed at achieving standardization of edible mushroom cultivation techniques across the Taiwan Strait. For a long time, differences in mushroom cultivation techniques between the two sides have persisted, necessitating a solution to bridge these gaps and establish common standards. In response, the Jiuhu Mushroom Research Institute in Longhai District and the Zhangzhou Standardization Association have collaborated to propose a mutual learning approach, leveraging each side’s strengths.
This pilot project has witnessed close cooperation between Taiwan and the mainland during the standard development phase, involving joint topic selection, research, comparison, and adoption of standards. During the implementation phase, advanced standards from both sides are adopted reciprocally, while for standards in uncharted territories, both sides jointly develop and implement them. This innovative collaboration has brought about a groundbreaking advancement in the standardization of edible mushroom cultivation techniques across the Strait.
Under the guidance of the Fujian Provincial and Zhangzhou City Market Supervision Bureaus, the project has established a unique working model that “starts with group standards, encourages cross-strait expert consultation, and jointly promotes industrial development,” as understood by AsiaMB. This model aims to create a highly inclusive and widely applicable system of mutually recognized and interoperable standards for both sides.
Take the polypropylene plastic bags used in mushroom cultivation as an example. Various specifications exist in the mainland, whereas Taiwan only utilizes one size, 17 centimeters. Experimental comparisons have revealed that the 17cm bags exhibit superior performance, effectively increasing yields by 10% compared to other sizes. Additionally, the single specification requires less investment in automation equipment, helping to reduce mushroom farmers’ cultivation costs. As a result, the group standard has standardized the plastic cultivation bags to the 17cm size, which is now being promoted for use in the mainland.