Pasteurization Production Masterclass
Group consulting
Pasteurized Substrate for Oyster Mushrooms: Take your skills to the next level
Master the art of bulk pasteurization: A unique 5-day learning experience in Greece, perfect for experienced growers and driven newcomers.
We invite you to take part in an immersive program focused on the production of pasteurized substrate for Oyster Mushrooms.
Designed for both beginners and experienced professionals, this in-depth advisory program provides the knowledge and hands-on expertise needed to refine your process and improve efficiency. Whether you’re looking to streamline production or solve persistent challenges, this masterclass will provide practical solutions and insights to optimize your pasteurization process.
All of this unfolds within Kechagi Mushrooms, Manitaria, a full-scale production facility specializing in tunnel pasteurization and Pleurotus substrate production, giving you direct access to real-world expertise and operations.
Ready to thrive together?
Join our Pasteurization Production Masterclass and learn from experts who live and breathe real-world solutions.
The masterclass
A 5-Day program built on decades of Pasteurization Expertise.
This guidance program follows the same steps as our Substrate and Wood Fungi Production Course, but with a specialized focus on pasteurization. The topics are tailored to cover pasteurization in greater depth, offering more hands-on practice and advanced insights. We provide a truly comprehensive learning experience – no shortcuts, just the real deal.
Details
- Unique learning environment: For the 2026 edition, we are hosted by the company Κεχαγιά, Kechagi Mushrooms (Manitaria) in Greece
- Nearest airport: Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), Greece
- Training language: English
- A specialised 5-day programme dedicated to: Pasteurised substrate production, specifically tailored for Oyster Mushroom cultivation
- Better quality with smaller groups: we opt for a maximum of 16 participants (minimum 12)
- Designed for professionals wanting to refine or optimise their process, for beginners or investors entering pasteurized substrate production & for past participants of the Substrate & Wood Fungi Production Course seeking deeper, non-overlapping insights
- 2 750 (excl. VAT)
The program
This masterclass is highly practical and hands-on. Since you will be following the production process on-site, we maintain a certain level of flexibility in the daily program. The masterclass is reality-based and will be adapted to the actual production flow of Kechagi Mushrooms (Manitaria’s) facility. Each day will be structured with a balance of theoretical sessions, hands-on practice, site visits, and process checks.
In general, you will go through all the steps of the production process throughout the week. You will gain a deep understanding of both the theory and its real-world application. During the sessions, there is a lot of time for your personal questions.
Raw Materials & alternatives
Cutting & Watering
Join us to refine your skills, enhance process control, and discover new ways to improve efficiency in pasteurized substrate production.
The company Κεχαγιά (Kechagi Mushrooms, Manitaria)- a leading producer in the region and our unique hands-on learning environment for this edition.
The company operates 70 growing rooms covering a total surface of 20,000 m². Their compost yard produces 200 tonnes of Phase II compost every week, ensuring a consistent and high-quality substrate supply. With an annual production of 1,500 tonnes of Oyster Mushrooms, Kechagi is a benchmark in efficiency, process optimisation, and long-term quality focus.
Kechagi Mushrooms, Manitaria, is owned by Athanasios Kexagias, whose long-term vision has shaped the continuous growth and professionalism of the farm.
Daily operations are led by Nikolaidis Christos, grower and manager, who plays a key role in production decisions and process control. Christos is known for actively sharing his expertise: during the Masterclass he provides several sessions himself and continuously adds valuable, experience-based insights. His openness and hands-on guidance make this site an exceptional environment for deep, practice-driven learning.
Take a moment to meet our valued partner
Raw materials to harvest: Learn from the best
This hands-on masterclass, guided and developed by our MyAc expert Christelle Chevalier and Orazio Tietto, General Manager of Azienda Agricola, blends theory and practice to cover every stage of the process – from selecting raw materials to incubation. Participants will also visit an oyster mushroom farm to see firsthand how oyster mushrooms are produced in real-world conditions.
Learning the production techniques on-site
Special highlights
- Mushroom Farm Visit: As part of the journey, we’ll visit a mushroom farm where Oyster mushrooms are cultivated. This visit will provide valuable insights into how pasteurized substrate is used in a commercial setting.
- Practical Focus: This expert-led program goes even further in hands-on learning than our other valuable on-site courses, with a significant portion dedicated to practical learning, ensuring participants leave with the confidence and skills to implement what they’ve learned. You have the opportunity to use the tunnel, you see the incubation, you gain insight into the duration of each proces and more.
Whether you’re an aspiring mushroom grower or a seasoned cultivator looking to refine your techniques, this masterclass offers the perfect blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application to help you succeed.
Our next edition
REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN SOON
Early Bird:
REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN SOON
CONCLUDED
Interested in the next edition?
Tell us you’re interested
The next edition of this masterclass has not yet been scheduled. We are currently assessing interest and planning future opportunities.
If you would like to stay informed about upcoming dates and locations, please leave your details below and we will make sure you are among the first to hear the news.
What you'll dive into
- Raw Materials: Learn how to select and prepare the best raw materials for optimal substrate quality.
- Fermentation: Understand the role of fermentation in substrate preparation and how to manage this phase effectively.
- Pasteurization: Gain practical and theoretical knowledge on pasteurization techniques to create a substrate free from contaminants.
- Spawning: Learn the process of integrating mushroom spawn into the substrate for successful colonization.
Some more topics?
- Block Formation: Master the techniques for forming substrate blocks that promote healthy mycelium growth.
- Incubation: Understand the incubation phase, including environmental controls and monitoring for optimal results.
- Hygiene: Discover best practices for maintaining hygiene throughout the production process to ensure high-quality substrate.
The in-depth guidance is thoughtfully designed to combine
Theory
Gain an in-depth understanding of the scientific principles behind each stage of substrate production. Topics will include substrate composition, pasteurization techniques, conditions for optimal mycelium colonization and the microbiological factors that influence production success.
Practice
Participate in hands-on workshops to experience the entire production process firsthand. You’ll have the opportunity to engage directly with the tools, materials, and techniques used in professional pasteurized substrate production, manage the entire process from start to finish.
Experts of this edition
Orazio Tietto
Christelle Chevalier
Extra information
The company Kechagi Mushrooms, Manitaria is your unique learning environment.
This Google Maps link will guide you to the group consulting location.
The production unit is located in Kilkis 61100, with the growing rooms situated 12 km from the city in the small village of Pedino. The compost yard, where the training will take place, is 1.5 km from the center of Pedino.
We recommend two hotels in Kirkis, within 15 km of the course location:
The Habitat Hotel and Kristonia Hotel.
Both hotels are surrounded by cozy bars and restaurants, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow participants in the evenings. Whether you prefer gathering in a nearby horeca location or the comfort of your hotel lobby, the choice is yours!
While we recommend the two selected hotels for their convenience and proximity, booking one of them is not mandatory. The town offers plenty of other accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget.
Your course fee includes:
- Daily lunch at a traditional Greek restaurant, offering a light yet satisfying meal.
- Unlimited refreshments during breaks, including coffee, tea, snacks, fresh fruit, water, and juices.
- A widweek releaf dinner on wednesday evening to catch up with fellow participants and instructors.
Please note: All other dinners are at your own expense, allowing you the flexibility to explore local dining options.
If you arrive by plane, the nearest airport is Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG).
To get from the airport to Kilkis (where the recommended hotels are located), there are several transport options available, which you can book directly with the providers. To assist you, here are some resources to explore different transportation possibilities:
- Transport options from Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) to Kilkis
- Transport options from nearby airports to Kilkis
If you choose to travel by public transport (bus, train, taxi), you can also make use of our optional shuttle service from the two selected hotels in Kilkis to the course location (see the previous bullet for details).
Would you prefer more flexibility during your stay? Renting a car is a great option. You’ll find many car rental services available. For reference, you can check out Hellas Chauffeur, where rental prices start at approximately €128 for five days. Of course, you are free to choose any other provider that suits your needs!
For those who do not have private transportation (via rental car or personal vehicle), we offer an optional shuttle service for added convenience.
Since the recommended hotels are located in Kilkis, about 15 km from the masterclass location, this shuttle service will transport participants between the two designated hotels in Kilkis and the Mycelia Academy masterclass venue.
The shuttle operates twice daily, in the morning and evening, ensuring you arrive on time for the masterclasses.
The service is available for €75 per person per masterclass.
The shuttle service fee will be billed directly by Mycelia Academy.
This service is entirely optional. If you prefer, you are welcome to arrange your own transportation to and from the masterclass venue. For more details on transport options, please check the next bullet.
For participants staying in other hotels:
Participants who choose accommodations other than the two recommended hotels are still welcome to use the shuttle. However, please note:
- Pick-up and drop-off will only take place at the two designated hotels in Kilkis.
- If you stay elsewhere, you will need to arrange your own transport to and from one of these hotels to use the shuttle service.