About 5 years ago, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Mr Ooi, who operated a very small mushroom farm on top of Gunung Jerai. At that point, his business was in a desperate condition. But his passion for farming, especially organically was extremely high. I can see it in his eyes. He was very sad that he may have to stop doing what he loved most.
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The mushroom farm started about 15 years ago as a joint venture between investors from China and Malaysian entrepreneurs. Gunung Jerai was selected after 2 years of study of the climate conditions there which fulfilled the requirements for growing Shiitake mushrooms. Organic and sustainable farming was not on the agenda then. Commercial success was the main priority. The enterprise had since failed due to lack of knowledge for growing in a tropical mountain environment. With the departure of the foreign investors, Mr Ooi was left with keeping the farm operating on his own.
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It was then that our partnership began. The plan? To review the farm but this time using truly organic and sustainable principles.
1 comment:
i'm very excited to learn about shitake from you...sifu!
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