Instead of neglected walls — a modern mycelium, and instead of agricultural machinery — shelves with champignons. The family of Viktoriia Pozniak from Rivne Oblast has turned a former calf barn into a profitable family farm. Today, up to 10 tonnes of fresh mushrooms are harvested here every month, reports Suspilne, writes agronews.ua.

Viktoriia Pozniak has considerable experience in growing champignons — she has been engaged in this business for over ten years. The idea of creating her own production arose from a desire to develop a family business where everyone has their own role.

"The old calf barn was completely reconstructed and rebuilt as a mushroom farm. We are already working now. This is a family business, my parents help a lot. If needed, I additionally call in girls who help me cut when I physically cannot manage on my own," shares the farm owner.

The abandoned building underwent a complete transformation: it was equipped with special microclimate control systems, as mushrooms require strict adherence to temperature conditions and humidity levels. Growing champignons is a clearly calculated process and requires daily control. Ready-made briquettes with sown mycelium are brought to the farm, after which the main work begins.

"We purchase briquettes in which the mushroom mycelium itself grows, sown with champignon spores. The ready-made briquettes are laid out, for two weeks a certain temperature and certain humidity are maintained — the germination process takes place. After two weeks, the film is cut, casing soil is applied separately, water and fertiliser are added," explains Viktoriia Pozniak.

After that comes the stage of active growth and harvesting. Harvesting is done by hand, as the mushroom must retain its ideal marketable appearance.

The price of mushrooms varies depending on the type and sorting category, but demand remains consistently high. The harvested products are sorted and immediately sent to buyers so that the champignons reach the table as fresh as possible. The main sales destinations are the Rivne market Dykyi, as well as local cafes and restaurants that constantly order fresh products.

In Cherkasy Oblast, farmers harvest raspberries in November and sell them at a higher price