Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification - NORTH CAROLINA - SEP 27-28, 2025 - VIRTUAL

This 5-year certification course meets the state health department criteria for the foraging and selling of wild mushrooms in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Rhode Island.

Transitioning to Online Zoom Format (Until further notice):

Due to the convenience and demand for virtual access, this class will now be held entirely online via Zoom, making it easier for anyone across the country to attend! You will receive the same high-quality instruction, study materials, and interactive learning experience—all from the comfort of your own home.

Upon registration, participants will receive a study guide and class slides one month in advance of the course. These materials will help you prepare for the live Zoom sessions and the final exam. You will have 1 week to complete the online exam. 

No refunds will be available after the study materials have been sent via email. 

Class Highlights:

• Interactive Online Format: Join the class from anywhere with live, virtual lessons and real-time Q&A.
• Comprehensive Study Materials: Access your study guide and slides a month ahead to ensure you’re fully prepared.
• Certification for Safe Wild Mushroom Foraging and Selling: Upon successful completion of the course and exams, you’ll receive your 5-year certification.
• Limited Enrollment: Class size is limited to 40 participants to ensure a personalized and engaging experience. No refunds available, but transfers to another class may be possible in emergencies.

Course Schedule (subject to change):

Day 1:

• 9:00 AM: Virtual Arrival and Registration
• 9:15 AM: Permit Overview, Exam Description, and Mushroom Foraging Guidelines
• Topics: Safe harvesting, storage, packaging, and regulations across different states
• Focus: Handling and processing for resale, avoiding toxins, and ensuring safety
• 10:30 AM: Virtual Mushroom Hunt and Collection Overview
• 12:00 PM: Break (Lunch on your own; please bring your own)
• 1:00 PM: Gallery of Tested Species and Lookalikes (Interactive online discussion)
• 3:00-4:00 PM: Specimen Dissections and Discussion (fresh and dried examples)
• 4:00-5:00 PM: Review and Preparation for Exam

Day 2:

• 9:00 AM-12:00PM: Gallery of Permitted Mushroom Species and Features

Instructor:
Kenny Rupert has been building his mycological expertise for over 23 years, studying the nuances of fungi identification while keeping up with the ever-changing taxonomy.  He has held positions as the business manager and wild edibles teacher for No Taste Like Home, teacher for Mushroom Mountain's Wild Mushroom Certification class, and local mushroom expert and manager for Wild Purveyors.  He is the administrator of several identification groups throughout the United States and a few internationally.  Today he leads mushroom tours all over North Carolina and across the southeast.

Course Details:

• When: September 27-28, 2025 (SAT 9:00AM-5:00PM EST-SUN 9:00AM-12:00PM EST)
• Where: Online via Zoom (Link provided after registration)
• Cost: $325
• Accommodations: Virtual—attend from wherever you are!