Shiitake mushrooms from Bosnia Applicant GoFresh B.V. is a producer of white button mushrooms and wants to expand its product portfolio. Together with local partner Mushroom d.o.o., which buys, processes and then sells wild mushrooms from all around Bosnia, GoFresh B.V. will set up a joint venture for the production of shiitakes in Celinac (RS), where the climate is said to be ideal for this. They will use the traditional Chinese production method of grow bags. During the last year of the project the joint venture will export 277 tons of fresh shiitake and 2.8 tons of dried shiitake. The joint venture will prepare the grow bags with substrate and mycelium. 100 outgrowers will be involved for the actual production of the shiitakes, which the joint venture will collect, process and sell to buyers throughout Europe. The project will adhere to several international standards, including HACCP, GlobalGAP, BRC and ISO 9001, while Fair Produce certification is considered.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)A draft CSR policy for the joint venture has been included in the Application and will be formalised during project implementation. The joint venture facility will be HACCP and ISO 9001 certified, the outgrower scheme will be GlobalGAP certified and both the joint venture and the outgrower scheme will be BRC certified. Fair Produce certification is being considered. The joint venture will hire at least 60% women and salaries will be 20% above minimum wage.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsSalaries will be at least 20% above the minimum wage in Bosnia. Fringe benefits include one meal per 8-hour shift and an extra meal in case of working overtime. All staff gets health insurance and paid sick leave.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeNo shiitakes are being produced yet in Bosnia. The outgrower scheme will be GlobalGAP certified, ensuring traceability. The joint venture itself will be HACCP, BRC and ISO 9001 certified. The partners will investigate the possibility of obtaining Fair Produce Certificate as well.•	Chain effectsThe project will buy most of its raw materials locally and will include 100 outgrowers for part of the production process. The outgrowers will receive a lot of training and will be certified for BRC and GlobalGAP.•	Impact on the sectorThe project will create a new sector (shiitake), so no real impact on other commercial parties in the sector. The partners state that the project will be supported by the Department of the Bosnian Agricultural Development. When Mushroom doo discussed the plans with them, they said they would provide all support needed. One way they will do this, is by providing the joint venture with agronomists, which they are training.•	EnvironmentApplying the traditional Chinese growing bag technology creates a minimal impact on the environment. This will allow the joint venture to become certified for organic production in the future. They already keep this in mind, when designing the facility. The grow bags will be recycled. Electricity will come from solar energy panels.•	Position of womenThe project will hire 60% women. Amongst the outgrowers the participation of women is expected to be even higher. The project will hire 21 women, of which two on medium-/high-level.•	Impact on food safetyNot applicable. All produce will be exported. Establishing a joint venture for the production of 277 tons of fresh shiitakes per year to be exported to customers throughout Europe, using own production combined as well as outgrower production.