Diversifying edible wild mushroom cultivation with native species in Catalonia

The EIP-Agri project in Catalonia developed industrial cultivation protocols for eight native edible wild mushrooms, including *Agrocybe aegerita*, *Fistulina hepatica*, and *Grifola frondosa*, using locally sourced substrates like chestnut and holm oak sawdust. Led by Bolet Ben Fét with partners IRTA and the University of Barcelona, the 2019–2021 initiative optimized inoculum production and cultivation conditions (20–25°C, 60–65% humidity), with pilot success for three species. The project promoted recycling of forestry residues, reduced reliance on imported strains, and advanced sustainable agroforestry practices, supporting biodiversity and market diversification through scalable, eco-friendly methods.