Topic: The role of the HLP as a network of European mushroom experts. Mushroom production in Europe – figures and trends
Biography:
Ulrich Groos trained as horticultural engineer, and started to work as a consultant for the regional horticultural office in 1977.
In the early eighties he learned about the cultivation of lignicolous mushrooms and he lost his heart to them. He assisted a number of local growers in the start-up phase of their business, and in 1994 he brought them together in the growers’ association HLP (Hessische Landesfachgruppe Pilzbau). While providing a very interesting forum for professionals, the HLP soon expanded into other regions of Germany, and from there to the rest of Europe. Nowadays the HLP counts approximately 110 members from 12 countries. Ulrich Groos, as the director of the Association, organizes yearly conferences and excursions, and provides professional information to growers through internet.
Thanks to these numerous international activities Ulrich Groos became a European authority on lignicolous mushrooms.