A portable agricultural facility

Abstract

A portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility is provided. The facility includes an adaptable, portable superstructure having a first collapsed state and a second expanded state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, and wherein in the second expanded state, the superstructure defines one or more expandable compartments of the portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility. The facility further includes a substructure configured to operatively engage with the superstructure, wherein said substructure, when operatively engaged to the superstructure, is configured to support the superstructure.

Description

A portable agricultural facilityField of the invention

[0001] The present invention is directed to a portable facility, in particular a portable facility adapted for agricultural applications.Background of the invention

[0002] Facilities for the study and production of agricultural products typically include large buildings and a vast area of agricultural land for the growing of crops. This is required when there is a need to sustain large scales of production for the general populous. However, such settings are cost prohibitive when a smaller production scale is desired, particularly for specialised or consumer-specific agricultural products.

[0003] There is a need for facilities for the study and production of ‘micro-agricultural’ products. Such ‘micro-agricultural’ products can include culinary, non-culinary and clinical mushrooms, fungi, microgreens, sprouts, bacteria, insects and similar consumable products.

[0004] In one example, mushrooms are produced for many different uses including both culinary and non-culinary applications. Mushroom cultivation is typically undertaken in large facilities, such as warehouses, farms, and the like, which have large footprints, in order to sustain large scale of production. Whilst there is an obvious need for such large-scale production when producing culinary mushrooms, such a scale is generally not required for non-culinary applications. In particular, there is demand for mushrooms in the pharmaceutical and medical sector. Such sectors not only require a consistent supply of mushrooms, but (unlike for culinary applications) require the mushrooms to be produced in high-compliance facilities that meet the onerous standards required in these sectors. In some instances, there is also a need for high- compliance facilities for fungi microscopy purposes. Building facilities are expensive, time consuming and generally stringent municipality requirements need to be met for construction of such facilities.

[0005] As will be appreciated, the above issues are not exclusive to mushroom production, and generally apply to varying degrees to the study and production of other human consumable products.

[0006] Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgment or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and / or combined with other pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility, the facility including: a laboratory zone configured to enable the introduction of spores / spawn onto a substrate during an inoculation stage of mushroom production; a colonisation zone configured to enable growth of mycelium through the substrate during a colonisation stage of mushroom production; and a fruiting zone configured to enable the mycelium to form mushrooms during a fruiting stage of mushroom production.

[0008] In an embodiment, the laboratory zone defines a sterilised environment. Preferably, the laboratory zone is an enclosed area defining said sterilised environment. In another embodiment, the laboratory zone forms at least a portion of a larger zone, in which said laboratory zone defines a sterilised environment within the larger zone. In an embodiment, substantially the whole larger zone defines a sterilised environment. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone is further configured to enable sterilisation of the substrate. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone is further configured to enable sterilisation of work tools. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone is further configured for research and development, for work related to spectroscopy and / or for any related, parallel or derivative activity related to fungi.

[0009] The laboratory zone may include an autoclave configured to sterilise the substrate before introduction of the spores / spawn. The autoclave may be configured to sterilise work tools and / or equipment associated with microscopy and / or fungi activities. The laboratory zone may include a flow hood configured to produce a laminar flow of contaminated free air across a workspace in the laboratory zone, thereby allowing for an open sterile work area. In an embodiment, the flow hood is a horizontal laminar flow hood. In an alternative embodiment, the flow hood is a vertical laminar flow hood. Preferably, the flow hood is fan powered. In an embodiment, the flow hood includes an air filter. Preferably, said air filter is a HEPA filter. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone includes a freezer or fridge configured to store the spores / spawn. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone includes a dehydrator or freeze dryer for the post processing and / or preservation of mushroom biomass. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone includes an air filtration system mounted therein. In an embodiment, said air filtration system is configured to filter air in the laboratory zone, thereby assisting to provide said sterilised environment. Preferably, the air filtration system is mounted to a wall of the laboratory zone. The air filtration system may be a HEPA air filter, such as a UV HEPA air filter. In an embodiment, the air filtration system is configured to filter the air within the laboratory zone to a target level or range.

[0010] In an embodiment, the laboratory zone includes one or more sensors configured to detect an environmental condition within the laboratory zone. Said one or more sensors can include one or more of: a PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), humidity sensor(s), LUX (lighting level) sensor(s), motion sensor(s), thermal sensor(s), environmental & air quality sensor(s), gas sensor(s), liquid level(s) and the like.

[0011] In an embodiment, said facility includes a single laboratory zone. In another embodiment, said facility includes a plurality of laboratory zones. In an embodiment, the or each laboratory zone is a separate and distinct zone to other zones of the facility. In an embodiment, the or each laboratory zone is disposed in a separate enclosed or otherwise clearly defined area, such as a room or compartment of the facility. In another embodiment, the or each laboratory zone is disposed in a shared area, such as a room or compartment of the facility with other zones of the facility.

[0012] In an embodiment, the colonisation zone defines a sterilised environment. Preferably, the colonisation zone is an enclosed area defining said sterilised environment. In another embodiment, the colonisation zone forms at least a portion of a larger zone, in which said colonisation zone defines a sterilised environment within the larger zone. In an embodiment, substantially the whole larger zone defines a sterilised environment

[0013] In an embodiment, the colonisation zone is further configured to store inoculated substrate during the colonisation stage. The colonisation zone may include storage structure, such as shelves, configured to receive the inoculated substrate. The inoculated substrate may be contained within a receptacle (e.g. a bag, container, bin, etc.), wherein said storage structure is configured to receive said receptacle. Preferably, the storage structure is configured to receive a plurality of receptacles. In an embodiment, the storage structure is mounted to one or more walls of the colonisation zone. In another embodiment, the storage structure is provided freestanding within the storage zone. In another embodiment, the storage structure is configured to be assembled and supported within the colonisation zone. The colonisation zone may include a lighting system. In an embodiment, said lighting system includes a cultivation lighting system configured to provide a suitable amount and / or spectrum of light to the inoculated substrate to assist during the colonisation stage. In another embodiment, the lighting system includes an illumination lighting system configured to illuminate the colonisation zone. In an embodiment, the lighting system includes only the illumination lighting system. In an embodiment, the lighting system includes any singular, combination and / or range of warm light to cool light (between 1900-10000 kelvin), UV-C (200-280nm), UV-B (280-315nm), UV-A (315-400nm), RGB Visible Light (400-760nm) and / or infrared light (760-3000nm). In an embodiment, the colonisation zone includes a humidification system configured to adjust and / or maintain humidity of the air within the colonisation zone to a target level or range to assist during the colonisation stage. In an embodiment, the colonisation zone includes a temperature control system configured to adjust and / or maintain temperature of the air within the colonisation zone to a target level or range to assist during the colonisation stage.

[0014] In an embodiment, the colonisation zone includes an air filtration system mounted therein. In an embodiment, said air filtration system is configured to filter air inthe colonisation zone, thereby assisting to provide said sterilised environment.Preferably, the air filtration system is mounted to a wall of the colonisation zone. The air filtration system may be a HEPA air filter, such as a UV HEPA air filter. In an embodiment, the air filtration system is configured to filter the air within the colonisation zone to a target level or range to assist during the colonisation stage. In an embodiment, the colonisation zone includes one or more sensors configured to detect an environmental condition within the colonisation zone. Said one or more sensors can include one or more of: a PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), humidity sensor(s), LUX (lighting level) sensor(s), motion sensor(s), thermal sensor(s), environmental & air quality sensor(s), gas sensor(s), liquid level(s) and the like.

[0015] In an embodiment, said facility includes a single colonisation zone. In another embodiment, said facility includes a plurality of colonisation zones. In an embodiment, the or each colonisation zone is a separate and distinct zone to other zones of the facility. In an embodiment, the or each colonisation zone is disposed in a separate enclosed or otherwise clearly defined area, such as a room or compartment of the facility. In another embodiment, the or each colonisation zone is disposed in a shared area, such as a room or compartment of the facility with other zones of the facility.

[0016] In an embodiment, the fruiting zone defines a sterilised environment. Preferably, the fruiting zone is an enclosed area defining said sterilised environment. In another embodiment, the fruiting zone forms at least a portion of a larger zone, in which said fruiting zone defines a sterilised environment within the larger zone. In an embodiment, substantially the whole larger zone defines a sterilised environment.

[0017] In an embodiment, the fruiting zone is further configured to store colonised mycelium during the fruiting stage. The fruiting zone may include storage structure, such as shelves, configured to receive the colonised mycelium. The colonised mycelium may be contained within a receptacle (e.g. a bag, container, bin, etc.), wherein said storage structure is configured to receive said receptacle. Preferably, the storage structure is configured to receive a plurality of receptacles. In an embodiment, the storage structure is mounted to one or more walls of the fruiting zone. In another embodiment, the storage structure is provided freestanding within the fruiting zone. Inanother embodiment, the storage structure is configured to be assembled and supported within the fruiting zone. The fruiting zone may include a lighting system. In an embodiment, said lighting system includes a cultivation lighting system configured to provide a suitable amount and / or spectrum of light to the colonised mycelium to assist during the fruiting stage. In another embodiment, the lighting system includes an illumination lighting system configured to illuminate the fruiting zone. In an embodiment, the lighting system may include any singular, combination and / or range of warm light to cool light (between 1900-10000 kelvin), UV-C (200-280nm), UV-B (280-315nm), UV-A (315-400nm), RGB Visible Light (400-760nm) and / or infrared light (760-3000nm). In an embodiment, the fruiting zone includes a humidification system configured to adjust and / or maintain humidity of the air within the fruiting zone to a target level or range to assist during the fruiting stage. In an embodiment, the fruiting zone includes a temperature control system configured to adjust and / or maintain temperature of the air within the fruiting zone to a target level or range to assist during the fruiting stage.

[0018] In an embodiment, the fruiting zone includes an air filtration system mounted therein. In an embodiment, said air filtration system is configured to filter air in the fruiting zone, thereby assisting to provide said sterilised environment. Preferably, the air filtration system is mounted to a wall of the fruiting zone. The air filtration system may be a HEPA air filter, such as a UV HEPA air filter. In an embodiment, the air filtration system is configured to filter the air within the fruiting zone to a target level or range to assist during the fruiting stage. In an embodiment, the fruiting zone includes one or more sensors configured to detect an environmental condition within the fruiting zone. Said one or more sensors can include one or more of: a PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), humidity sensor(s), lux sensor(s).

[0019] In an embodiment, said facility includes a single fruiting zone. In another embodiment, said facility includes a plurality of fruiting zones. In an embodiment, the or each fruiting zone is a separate and distinct zone to other zones of the facility. In an embodiment, the or each fruiting zone is disposed in a separate enclosed or otherwise clearly defined area, such as a room or compartment of the facility. In another embodiment, the or each fruiting zone is disposed in a shared area, such as a room or compartment of the facility with other zones of the facility.

[0020] In an embodiment, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone may be defined by the same zone of the facility.

[0021] In an embodiment, the facility further includes a utility system. The utility system may be operatively associated with at least one of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. Preferably, the utility system is operatively associated with each of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. The utility system may be configured to generate, store and / or supply electric power to the facility. For example, the utility system may be configured to generate, store and / or supply electric power to one or more of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. Preferably, the utility system is configured to generate, store and / or supply electric power to each of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. The utility system may be configured to treat, filter, generate and / or supply water to the facility. For example, the utility system may be configured to treat, filter, generate and / or supply water to one or more of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. Preferably, the utility system is configured to treat, filter, generate and / or supply water to each of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. The utility system may be configured to collect and / or treat wastewater and / or other affluents from the facility. For example, the utility system may be configured to collect and / or treat wastewater and / or other affluents from one or more of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. Preferably, the utility system is configured to collect and / or treat wastewater and / or other affluents from each of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone

[0022] In an embodiment, the utility system includes an electrical system configured to generate, store and / or supply electric power. In an embodiment, the electrical system is configured to be connectable to an electric power grid, wherein electricity from the electric power grid is supplied to the facility by the electrical system to, at least in part, power the facility. In another embodiment, the electrical system is configured to be operable off-grid. In such an embodiment, the electrical system may be configured to generate, store and supply substantially all electric power required to power the facility. Preferably, the electrical system is configured to be both connectable to the electric power grid and operable off-grid. The electrical system may include an electrical storage device. The electrical storage device may be in the form of a battery or other electricalenergy storage unit (e.g. a Tesla powerwall). The electrical storage device may be rechargeable. In an embodiment, the electrical system may include one or more photovoltaic cells, wherein said one or more photovoltaic (PV) cells are configured to supply electricity to the electrical storage device. In an embodiment, said one or more PV cells are mounted to an exterior of the facility, preferably to a roof or other exterior surface facing towards the sun. In an embodiment, the electrical system may include an electrical power generator. The electrical power generator may be in the form of a diesel generator. In an embodiment, the electrical system may include a fuel cell. The fuel cell may be in the form of a diesel fuel cell.

[0023] In an embodiment, the utility system includes a water supply system configured to collect, treat and / or supply water. In an embodiment, the water system includes a water storage tank configured to store and supply clean water. In an embodiment, the water supply system includes a grey water storage tank configured to receive and store wastewater. In an embodiment, the water supply system includes a water purifier configured to provide filtered water. For example, the water purifier may be configured to filter wastewater (such as wastewater from the grey water storage tank), thereby producing clean water for the facility.

[0024] In an embodiment, the facility further includes a communications system. In an embodiment, said communications system is configured to enable remote communication with and from the facility. Said communication systems may include any combination of satellite WAN services, cellular WAN services, WiFi LAN services, CFT LAN Services, Mesh networks and the like.

[0025] In an embodiment, the facility includes one or more computers. For example, one or more of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone, and the fruiting zone may include at least one computer. In an embodiment, the facility includes one or more data loggers configured to receive data from one or more sensors of the facility. Said one or more sensors of the facility may include said one or more sensors of the laboratory zone. Said one or more sensors of the facility may include said one or more sensors of the colonisation zone. Said one or more sensors of the facility may include said one or more sensors of the fruiting zone. In an embodiment, each data logger is operatively associated with at least one of said one or more computers. In an embodiment, at leastone computer of the facility is in communication with another computer of the facility. Preferably, each computer of the facility is in communication with one another.

[0026] In an embodiment, the facility includes a security system. In an embodiment, said security system includes one or more security sensors. In an embodiment, said one or more security sensors include at least one security camera. In an embodiment, said security system includes one or more alarms. Said one or more alarms may be operatively associated with at least one of said one or more security sensors. In an embodiment, the security system includes an access control system configured to enable and / or prevent access to at least one of the aforementioned zones.

[0027] As used herein, the term ‘portable’ is to be understood to mean that the facility is transportable (e.g. can be easily transported, mobile) from one location to another, typically by way of ship, train, truck or similar.

[0028] In an embodiment, the facility includes a housing, wherein said housing defines, at least in part, the laboratory zone, colonisation zone and fruiting zone. The housing may be in the form of a substantially rectangular enclosure. However, it will be appreciated that the housing may be of a different form, such as cylindrical, spherical, hemispherical, etc.

[0029] In an embodiment, the facility includes a plurality of compartments. In an embodiment, at least one compartment defines the laboratory zone. In an embodiment, at least one compartment defines the colonisation zone. In an embodiment, at least one compartment defines the fruiting zone. In an embodiment, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone are defined by the same compartment. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of compartments is differentiated from another adjacent compartment by the provision of a physical boundary between said adjacent compartments. In an embodiment, the physical boundary may be one or more divider walls, wherein said one or more divider walls delineate respective compartments. In some embodiments, delineation of adjacent compartments corresponds to delineation of adjacent zones. For example, a physical boundary may be provided between the laboratory zone and the colonisation zone, thereby clearly delineating the bounds of each zone. In another embodiment, at least one of the plurality of compartments is differentiated from anotheradjacent compartment by the provision of a non-physical boundary between said adjacent compartments. In an embodiment, the non-physical boundary may be a visual marker(s) that delineate respective compartments. In another example, where a nonphysical boundary is provided, delineation of respective compartments (or zones) is provided by location of equipment associated with a respective zone. For example, equipment associated with a laboratory zone may be disposed in a portion of a given compartment and equipment associated with a colonisation zone may be disposed in another portion of the given compartment, thereby indicating the bounds of each zone.

[0030] In an embodiment, the utility system is operatively associated with at least one of the one or more compartments. In an embodiment, the communications system is operatively associated with at least one of the one or more compartments. In an embodiment, the security system is operatively associated with at least one of the one or more compartments.

[0031] In an embodiment, the facility includes an entryway configured to provide access to and from the facility. Preferably, the entryway provides access to an entry vestibule, said entry vestibule defined by a compartment of the facility. In an embodiment, said entryway is provided at an end of the facility and said entry vestibule is disposed at or toward said end of the facility. In another embodiment, said entryway is provided at a substantially central location of the facility and said entry vestibule is disposed at or toward said substantially central location of the facility. In an embodiment, the entry vestibule is configured to provide access to one or more zones of the facility. In an embodiment, said one or more zones includes the laboratory zone. In an embodiment, said one or more zones includes the colonisation zone. In an embodiment, said one or more zones includes the fruiting zone. Preferably, said one or more zones includes each of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone. In an embodiment, the entry vestibule is a multipurpose lobby facilitating access to said one or more zones.

[0032] In an embodiment, the facility includes a superstructure, wherein said superstructure includes said housing. In an embodiment, the superstructure is in the form of an intermodal container. In another embodiment, the superstructure is in theform of purpose built structure. In an embodiment, the superstructure is configured to be transportable.

[0033] In an embodiment, the facility further includes a substructure configured to operatively engage with the superstructure, wherein said substructure, when operatively engaged to the superstructure, is configured to support the superstructure. For example, the substructure may be configured to support the superstructure above ground level. Preferably, the substructure is further configured to enable movement and / or transportation of the facility, in particular the superstructure. The substructure may be in the form of a movable chassis. For example, the movable chassis may be a skeletal trailer, a truck trailer, or similar. The movable chassis may include wheels, tracks, or other conveying means to enable movement and / or transportation of the superstructure. In an embodiment, the substructure includes one or more engagement features configured to engage with corresponding engagement features on the superstructure to facilitate secure connection of the substructure with the superstructure. In an embodiment, said engagement features of the substructure project upwardly and are configured to be received by the corresponding engagement features of the superstructure. In an embodiment, the projections are in the form of twist locks. In an embodiment, the engagement features of the superstructure are in the form of recessess or slots, preferably in the form of corner castings.

[0034] In an embodiment, the substructure includes a collapsed state and an expanded state.

[0035] In an embodiment, the superstructure includes a main body portion. Said main body portion may be a substantially rectangular structure, such as in the form of a container or box. In an embodiment, the superstructure is elongate, thereby defining a longitudinal axis thereof. In an embodiment, the main body portion generally defines an exterior boundary or volume. In an embodiment, the superstructure includes one or more expandable compartments. In an embodiment, said one or more expandable compartments are configured to extend outwardly from said main body portion when arranged in an expanded state. For example, said one or more expandable compartments may be configured to extend beyond the exterior boundary or volume when arranged in the expanded state. In an embodiment, said one or more expandablecompartments are configured to be housed or generally retained by or within the main body portion when arranged in a collapsed state. For example, said one or more expandable compartments may be configured to be received or stowed within the exterior boundary or volume when arranged in the collapsed state.

[0036] In an embodiment, said one or more expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion in their expanded state. For example, the or each expandable compartment may define a laterally extending wing with respect to the main body portion. In an embodiment, said main body portion includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, wherein at least one expandable compartment extends laterally from the main body portion at or towards the first longitudinal end in its respective expanded state. In an embodiment, at least one expandable compartment extends laterally from the main body portion at or towards the second longitudinal end in its respective expanded state. In an embodiment, two expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion at or towards the first longitudinal end and two expandable compartment extend laterally from the main body portion at or towards the second longitudinal end in their respective expanded states. In such an embodiment, the two expandable compartments at or towards the first longitudinal end preferably extend from opposed longitudinal sides of the main body portion. In such an embodiment, the two expandable compartments at or towards the second longitudinal end preferably extend from opposed longitudinal sides of the main body portion. Thus, in such an embodiment, the expandable compartments define four laterally extending wings with respect to the main body portion. In an embodiment, the entryway is positioned between two laterally extending wings. Preferably, the entryway is positioned between two laterally extending wings that extend from the same side of the superstructure.

[0037] In an embodiment, said one or more expandable compartments are each defined, at least in part, by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls are configured to be arranged or otherwise assembled into a respective compartment. In an embodiment, said plurality of walls are movable into a compartment configuration. In an embodiment, said plurality of walls are provided by said superstructure, wherein in a first collapsed state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are substantially received within said boundary or volume defined by the main body portion of thesuperstructure, and wherein in a second expanded state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are arranged or otherwise assembled to form said one or more expandable compartments that extend beyond the boundary or volume defined by the main body portion of the superstructure.

[0038] In an embodiment, in the first collapsed state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are folded in towards the main body portion. Preferably, the plurality of walls are disposed in a stacked or nested arrangement when in the first collapsed state. In an embodiment, in the second expanded state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are folded out away from the main body portion. One or more pivotable connections may be provided between walls of the plurality of walls. For example, the one or more pivotable connections may be hinged connections.

[0039] In an embodiment, the plurality of walls of each of the one or more expandable compartments includes a first, side wall opposite an internal wall of the superstructure (e.g. a wall of the main body portion), a second, front wall, a third, rear wall opposite the second, front wall, a fourth wall defining a base of the expandable compartment, and a fifth wall defining a ceiling of the expandable compartment. In an embodiment, at least one of the plurality of walls are connected to the superstructure (e.g. the main body portion). In an embodiment, said at least one of the plurality of walls is pivotally connected to the main body portion. In an embodiment, said fourth wall is pivotally connected to the main body portion. In an embodiment, said fifth wall is pivotally connected to the main body portion. In an embodiment, said second wall is pivotally connected to the main body portion. In an embodiment, said third wall is pivotally connected to the main body portion. Preferably, each of the second, third, fourth and fifth wall are pivotally connected to the main body portion. In an embodiment, said first wall is pivotally connected to fourth wall.

[0040] In an embodiment, at least some of the plurality of walls defining a single compartment are interconnected.

[0041] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines, at least in part, the laboratory zone. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines, at least in part, the colonisation zone. In anembodiment, at least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines, at least in part, the fruiting zone. In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines the entry vestibule. In an embodiment, the laboratory zone is defined by the combination of at least one of the one or more expandable compartments and a portion of the main body portion of the superstructure. In an embodiment, the colonisation zone is defined by the combination of at least one of the one or more expandable compartments and a portion of the main body portion of the superstructure. In an embodiment, the fruiting zone is defined by the combination of at least one of the one or more expandable compartments and a portion of the main body portion of the superstructure.

[0042] In an embodiment, at least one of the one or more expandable compartments includes one or more supports configured to support, at least in part, said at least one of the one or more expandable compartments above ground level. In an embodiment, said one or more supports includes at least one support leg. Preferably, said one or more supports includes a plurality of support legs. In an embodiment, said at least one support leg is pivotally mounted to the wall defining the base of the expandable compartment. In an embodiment, said at least one leg is movable between a first, stowed position and a second, extended position. In an embodiment, said at least one leg is disposed in the second, extended position when the superstructure is in the second expanded state and said plurality of walls are arranged as a respective expandable compartment. In an embodiment, said at least one leg is disposed in the first, stowed position when the superstructure is in the first collapsed state and said plurality of walls are substantially received within the boundary defined by the main portion of the superstructure.

[0043] In an embodiment, at least a portion of said utility system is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the electrical system is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure. In an embodiment, said power generator is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure. In an embodiment, said fuel cell is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the water supply system is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure. In an embodiment, the water storage tank is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure. In anembodiment, the grey water storage tank is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure.

[0044] In an embodiment, the facility further includes a storage zone configured to store cargo or other goods associated with the facility. In an embodiment, the storage zone is configured to store one or more of supplies, components, work in progress goods, finished goods, equipment and the like.

[0045] In an embodiment, the facility further includes a lifting system configured to move cargo between ground level and the facility. In an embodiment, the lifting system includes a loading platform pivotally mounted to the facility, wherein the loading platform is movable between a first, stowed configuration and a second, operable configuration. Preferably, said loading platform is arranged substantially parallel with the ground when in said operable configuration. In an embodiment, said loading platform is pivotally mounted to the superstructure. In particular, said loading platform may be pivotally mounted to the main portion of the superstructure. In an embodiment, said loading platform is pivotally mounted to the substructure. In an embodiment, the lifting system includes a drive mechanism configured to move said loading platform between said stowed and operable configuration. The drive mechanism may be configured to move said loading platform in a substantially vertical direction. The drive mechanism may be hydraulically powered or electrically powered. The lifting system may be in the form of a liftgate. In an embodiment, the lifting system is disposed adjacent the storage zone (e.g. compartment) of the facility.

[0046] In an embodiment, the portable facility may be portable by having wheels, tracks or alternatively, by being loadable onto another means of transportation, such as for example and without limitation a truck or tractor trailer. In an embodiment, when the superstructure is in the collapsed state, the facility is configured to be housed in a transport container. In an embodiment, when the superstructure is in the collapsed state, the superstructure is configured to be housed in a transport container. In an embodiment, when the substructure is in the collapsed state, the substructure is configured to be housed in a transport container. In an embodiment, when the superstructure is in the collapsed state, the superstructure and the substructure is configured to be housed in a transport container. For example, the transport containermay be an intermodal container. In an embodiment, the transport container is a standard ISO dimension shipping / ocean containers. In an embodiment, the superstructure is designed to be the same dimensions as standard ISO dimension shipping / ocean containers. All embodiments are designed to ship via intermodal methods including ocean freight, rail freight, truck freight, and the like.

[0047] In an embodiment, one or more pieces of equipment associated with the laboratory zone are pre-installed in the main body portion. In other words, said one or more pieces of equipment are already installed in the main body portion whilst the superstructure is in the collapsed state. In an embodiment, one or more pieces of equipment associated with the colonisation zone are pre-installed in the main body portion. In other words, said one or more pieces of equipment are already installed in the main body portion whilst the superstructure is in the collapsed state. In an embodiment, one or more pieces of equipment associated with the fruiting zone are preinstalled in the main body portion. In other words, said one or more pieces of equipment are already installed in the main body portion whilst the superstructure is in the collapsed state. In an embodiment, one or more pieces of equipment associated with the storage zone are pre-installed in the main body portion. In other words, said one or more pieces of equipment are already installed in the main body portion whilst the superstructure is in the collapsed state. In an embodiment, one or more pieces of equipment associated with the utility system are pre-installed in the main body portion. In other words, said one or more pieces of equipment are already installed in the main body portion whilst the superstructure is in the collapsed state.

[0048] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy kit, including: an adaptable, portable superstructure having a first collapsed state and a second expanded state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, and wherein in the second expanded state, the superstructure is configured to form a mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility.

[0049] It will be appreciated that features disclosed with respect to the first aspect of the invention are also applicable with respect to the second aspect of the invention, including different combinations of features disclosed.

[0050] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility, including: providing an adaptable, portable superstructure in a first collapsed state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, the superstructure including a main body portion; forming at least one expandable compartment by extending said at least one expandable compartment outwardly from said main body portion such that the superstructure assumes a second expanded state, wherein the superstructure is configured to form a mushroom cultivation facility in the second expanded state.

[0051] It will be appreciated that features disclosed with respect to the first and second aspects of the invention are also applicable with respect to the third aspect of the invention, including different combinations of features disclosed.

[0052] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility, including: an adaptable, portable superstructure having a first collapsed state and a second expanded state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, and wherein in the second expanded state, the superstructure defines one or more compartments of the portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility; and a substructure configured to operatively engage with the superstructure, wherein said substructure, when operatively engaged to the superstructure, is configured to support the superstructure.

[0053] In an embodiment, said facility is a micro-agricultural product cultivation and / or microscopy facility. In an embodiment, said micro-agricultural product can include oneor more of culinary, non-culinary and clinical mushrooms, fungi, microgreens, sprouts, bacteria, insects and similar consumable products.

[0054] In an embodiment, the facility may include one or more of the aforementioned zones, including one or more of the aforementioned features associated with each of the aforementioned zones. In an embodiment, when in the second expanded state, the facility may include one or more of the aforementioned zones, including one or more of the aforementioned features associated with each of the aforementioned zones.

[0055] It will be appreciated that certain features of the aforementioned zones defined with respect to mushroom production can be suitably adapted for the production of another micro-agricultural product. For example, it will be appreciated that various references herein relating to spores / spawn in mushroom production can be interchanged with seed or other micro-agricultural pre-cursor product depending on the desired micro-agricultural product the facility is adapted to cultivate. Thus, in an embodiment, the laboratory zone may be configured to enable the preparation of seed, spores / spawn or other micro-agricultural pre-cursor product for the production of a micro-agricultural product. In another example, references to the fruiting zone can be interchanged with ‘the growing zone’, wherein said growing zone can include one or more features of the aforementioned fruiting zone. The growing zone can include, for example, the zone where microgreens and sprouts are grown, or where insects are allowed to develop (e.g. from egg / larva / pupa to adult). The facility may include one or more distinct zones for the desired micro-agricultural product the facility is adapted to cultivate. Such zones can include germination, cultivation, and harvesting zones, wherein these zones can include one or more features associated with other aforementioned zones. In some embodiments, a particular zone may be defined by more than one functional step in the cultivation process. For example, a single zone could act as both a germination zone and a colonisation zone.

[0056] Thus, a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate other such examples where terminology used herein may be interchanged with different terminology depending on the desired micro-agricultural product the facility is adapted to cultivate.

[0057] It will be appreciated that features disclosed with respect to the first, second and third aspects of the invention are also applicable with respect to the fourth aspect of the invention, including different combinations of features disclosed.

[0058] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy kit, including: an adaptable, portable superstructure having a first collapsed state and a second expanded state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, and wherein in the second expanded state, the superstructure is configured to form an agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility.

[0059] It will be appreciated that features disclosed with respect to the first, second, third and fourth aspects of the invention are also applicable with respect to the fifth aspect of the invention, including different combinations of features disclosed.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming an agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility, including: providing an adaptable, portable superstructure in a first collapsed state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, the superstructure including a main body portion; forming at least one expandable compartment by extending said at least one expandable compartment outwardly from said main body portion such that the superstructure assumes a second expanded state, wherein the superstructure is configured to form an agricultural cultivation facility in the second expanded state.

[0061] It will be appreciated that features disclosed with respect to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects of the invention are also applicable with respect to the sixth aspect of the invention, including different combinations of features disclosed.

[0062] As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprising", "comprises" and"comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.

[0063] Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.Brief description of the drawings

[0064] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mushroom cultivation facility in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0065] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 1 (with the upper wall removed for clarity);

[0066] Figure 3 is a top view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 1 (with the upper wall removed for clarity);

[0067] Figure 4 is a rear view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 1 (with the rear wall removed for clarity);

[0068] Figure 5 is a front view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 1 (with the front wall removed for clarity);

[0069] Figure 6A is a perspective view of a mushroom cultivation facility in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, in a collapsed state;

[0070] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 6A in an expanded state with partial see-through view into the facility;

[0071] Figure 7 is a top, sectional view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 6A;

[0072] Figure 8 is a top view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 6B (with the upper wall removed for clarity);

[0073] Figures 9A-9B are rear perspective views of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 6B in the expanded state;

[0074] Figure 9C is a rear view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figures 9A-9B but with the rear door open;

[0075] Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 6B in the expanded state;

[0076] Figures 11 A-C provide side, bottom and top views of a substructure of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figures 6A-6B;

[0077] Figure 12 is a fungiculture and / or mushroom cultivation process diagram.;

[0078] Figures 13A-13B are upper and lower perspective views, respectively, of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figure 6B in the expanded state; and

[0079] Figure 14 is a partial view showing a connection between a superstructure and substructure of the mushroom cultivation facility of Figures 6A-6B.Detailed description of the embodiments

[0080] Reference is made to Figures 1 and 2, which provides a portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility 10. In the embodiments discussed and depicted herein, facility 10 provides an all in one commercial mushroom production facility that can be transported globally, and be installed and operational within a few hours. However, it will be understood that facility 10 can have broader application, and in particular application extending to other micro-agricultural product cultivation. Micro- agricultural products as used herein generally refers to one or more of culinary, non- culinary and clinical mushrooms, fungi, microgreens, sprouts, bacteria, insects and similar consumable products.

[0081] Facility 10 is adapted for high-compliance mushroom production, enabling the produced mushrooms to be utilised in pharmaceutical and / or medical grade applications. However, it will be appreciated that facility 10 can also be utilised for more general applications as mentioned previously, including mushroom production for both culinary and non-culinary applications.

[0082] Facility 10 includes a superstructure 20, provided here in the form of a typical intermodal container. However, it will be appreciated that the superstructure may be ofdifferent form. One of the advantages of facility 10 is that it provides all the necessary equipment and conditions to produce mushrooms at a commercial scale, but within a much smaller footprint than typical mushroom production facilities. Further, as will become more apparent to the skilled reader, the ability to provide a ready-made mushroom production solution for high-compliance applications provides a great advantage over typically larger footprint facilities, which are required to meet the same onerous high-compliance standards, as well as municipality requirements for constructions of such facilities. Conversely, facility 10 is already adapted to meet the high-compliance regulatory standards and can be easily setup on an existing site without the need for additional permits and approvals that a new build would require.

[0083] Superstructure 20 includes a front wall 12, an opposing rear wall 14, a first, entry side wall 16, an opposed second side wall 18, a lower wall 13 and an opposed upper wall 15. Thus, in the present embodiment, superstructure 20 is substantially in the shape of a rectangular prism. First, entry side wall 16 is provided with an access door 22 positioned towards a rear end 28 of superstructure 20, as well as a retractable step ladder 23 to enable simple access to door 22. Door 22 includes access control (such as RFID, NFC, biometric and the like) to provide access to the interior of superstructure 20 to individuals with approved access credentials. It will be appreciated that other forms of access control can be provided or, in some cases, no access control is provided.Access door 22 is also provided with a security door sensor (not shown) to detect for unauthorised access, as well as security cameras 24, which are provided at multiple locations of superstructure 20. In the present embodiment, two security cameras 24 are provided at opposed ends of first side wall 16, and two security cameras 24 are provided at opposed ends of second side wall 18. More or fewer cameras can be included. Security cameras 24 can be of any suitable form, such as CCTV cameras, auto tracking cameras, Artificial Intelligence Analytical zones and the like.

[0084] Facility 10 further includes a substructure 30, provided here in the form of a skeletal trailer. However, it will be appreciated that the substructure may be of different form such as a custom made purpose built trailer, tracks, sled or floating vessels. Substructure 30 is configured to operatively engage with superstructure 20, thereby supporting the superstructure 20 above ground level, and also enable transportation of superstructure 20 between different locations. In the skeletal trailer form, it will beunderstood that substructure 30 is effectively a movable chassis that can be coupled with a tractor unit of a semi-trailer truck or similar, thereby making facility 10 transportable by road. Substructure 30 includes typical skeletal trailer components, such as frame, wheels, etc.

[0085] Superstructure 20 houses a plurality of compartments associated with the production of mushrooms.

[0086] Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3, which provide a view of superstructure 20 with upper wall 15 removed for clarity. Upon entry through access door 22, there is provided a first compartment in the form of entry vestibule 40. As best shown in Figure 4 (having rear wall 14 removed), entry vestibule 40 houses various components including: water storage tank 43, flammable materials storage box 44, water purifier 45, wall mounted UV HEPA filter 46, a humidification system 47, split HVAC head unit 48 and a wall mounted administrative computer 49. Administrative computer 49 can store various information such as entry logs, status conditions, etc. Water storage tank 43 and water purifier 45 form part of the water supply system that is configured to collect, treat and supply water to facility 10. Wall mounted UV HEPA filter 46 is provided to ensure that the internal environment in facility 10 is substantially free of dust, pollen, mold, mushroom spores, bacteria and any other airborne particles in order to provide a sterilised environment. Humidification system 47 is configured to control the humidity within the internal environment of facility 10 (this need not necessarily be of entry vestibule 40). Access door 41 is provided to enable access between entry vestibule 40 and the adjacent compartment, which is separated from entry vestibule 40 by a divider wall. Door 41 includes access control (such as RFID, NFC, biometric and the like) to provide access to the adjacent compartment to individuals with approved access credentials. Entry vestibule 40 further includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras (not shown).

[0087] Adjacent entry vestibule 40 is provided a second compartment in the form of a laboratory bay 50. Laboratory bay 50 is configured to enable the introduction of spores / spawn onto a substrate during an inoculation stage of mushroom production. To this end, laboratory bay 50 includes various pieces of equipment associated with the safe storage and handling of the key materials required to grow mushrooms - thesubstrate material and the spores / spawn - as well as providing a controlled, sterilised working environment. As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, different substrate material can be used, in part dependent on the type of mushroom to be grown. Examples of suitable substrate materials include straw, soil, coco coir, vermiculite, coffee grounds, logs, manure, rice, rye grains, composts, woodchips, and birdseeds.

[0088] Laboratory bay 50 houses various components including: an autoclave 52, a horizontal flow HEPA hood 53, a lab fridge / freezer 54, dehydrator / freeze dryer 55, split HVAC head unit 56, a wall mounted administrative computer 57, workstation 58 and wall mounted UV HEPA filter 59. Autoclave 52 is configured to sterilise the substrate before introduction of the spores / spawn. The spores / spawn can be safely stored in lab fridge 54 until they are used for inoculation. UV HEPA filter 49 is configured to filter air in laboratory bay 50, thereby assisting to provide a sterilised environment within laboratory bay 50. This is particularly important in pharmaceutical and medical grade applications for the produced mushrooms. Access door 51 is provided to enable access between laboratory bay 50 and the adjacent compartment, which is separated from laboratory bay 50 by a divider wall. Similar to door 41 , door 51 includes access control (such as RFID, NFC, biometric and the like) to provide access to the adjacent compartment to individuals with approved access credentials. Laboratory bay 50 further includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments there may be multiple laboratory bays.

[0089] Adjacent laboratory bay 50 is provided a third compartment in the form of a colonisation and fruiting bay 60. Bay 60 includes a colonisation zone configured to enable growth of mycelium through the substrate during a colonisation stage of mushroom production, and a fruiting zone configured to enable the mycelium to form mushrooms during a fruiting stage of mushroom production. It will therefore be appreciated that in this embodiment, the colonisation and fruiting stages of mushroom production occurs within the same compartment. However, in other embodiments, different compartments can be used for the colonisation and fruiting stages. It will also be appreciated that in some embodiments there may be multiple fruiting / colonisation bays.

[0090] Bay 60 includes wall mounted, adjustable and / or portable storage shelving 61 provided along opposed, longitudinal sides thereof, wherein shelving 61 is configured to support a plurality of bags or bins containing the inoculated material. Bay 60 houses various other components including: cultivation lighting system (not shown) configured to provide suitable amount and spectrum of light to the colonised mycelium, various sensors including PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors and lux sensors (not shown), data loggers (not shown) configured to receive data from the sensors, wall mounted UV HEPA filter 62, a humidification unit 63, split HVAC head unit 64 and a wall mounted administrative computer 65. UV HEPA filter 62 helps to provide a controlled, sterilised environment in bay 60, whilst humidification unit 63, which is operatively associated with humidification system 47, provides control of the humidity within bay 60 for mushroom growth. Bay 60 further includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras. Bay 60 also includes waterproof flooring and / or floor drains. It will be noted that this can be provided in all bays if desired.

[0091] Adjacent bay 60 is provided a fourth compartment in the form of a utilities cabinet 70. Utilities cabinet 70 is accessible from a front end 29 of superstructure 20, specifically via opening of swing doors 71 (which when closed form front wall 12). As best shown in Figure 5, utilities cabinet 70 includes an electrical system configured to generate, store and supply electric power to facility 10. The electrical system includes a diesel generator 72, a diesel fuel cell 73, an electrical panel 74 with WiFi smart breakers, and an electrical storage device 75 (a Tesla powerwall with controller in this embodiment, or with equipment of similar functionality contemplated in other embodiments). Temperature and power level sensors are provided to monitor the electrical system. The electrical system can be configured to connect to the electrical grid, in addition to having on-board power generation capability. The electrical system can be provided with the necessary switching, circuit breakers, surge protection and multi-bus technology to enable appropriate switching between mains and back-up power depending on the desired operation of the electrical system of facility 10.

[0092] Utilities cabinet 70 further includes a HVAC heat pump 76, which is installed on a high capacity movable shelf, configured to cool the utilities cabinet 70 (other ventilation means can be provided to assist with cooling), a security control panel 77configured to control the security features of facility 10, and parts of a communications system 78 configured to enable remote communication with and from facility 10. Communications system 78 includes a Starlink controller and receiver, a cellular controller and receiver, a GPS receiver and a multisource WAN router. However, it will be appreciated that communications system 78 can include other types or methods of communication including WiFi, Bluetooth, 3-wire serial, SigFox or other proprietary systems placed in independent, redundant and / or mesh configurations. Some of the communications systems can be provided on upper wall 15 of superstructure 20. Divider wall 79, between utilities cabinet 70 and colonisation and fruiting bay 60, is heat resistant to substantially limit the transfer of heat from utilities cabinet 70 to colonisation and fruiting bay 60.

[0093] It will be appreciated that in operating facility 10, it may be desired to allow only certain individuals privilege to access all areas of facility 10, whilst other individuals may have more limited access. For example, a particular individual may only have access to entry vestibule 40 and laboratory bay 50 through doors 22 and 41 , respectively, and not access to colonisation and fruiting bay 60. Implementation of different access privileges is envisaged using the aforementioned access control, although similar implementations can be utilised.

[0094] Reference is made to Figures 6A-6B, which provides a portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility 100. Facility 100 is similar in many respects to facility 10, and therefore these similarities will not be discussed in great detail. As mentioned previously, whilst the embodiments discussed and depicted herein relate to mushroom cultivation, it will be understood that facility 100 can have broader application, and in particular application extending to other micro-agricultural product cultivation.

[0095] Superstructure 20 of facility 10 was generally in the form of a typical intermodal container. In contrast, as will be described in further detail below, superstructure 120 of facility 100 is in the form of a purpose-built structure having a plurality of movable walls that when suitably arranged form a plurality of expandable compartments. This enables superstructure 120 to assume an expanded state for operations on-site, and a collapsed state during transport to the site. As will be appreciated, in the collapsed state,superstructure 120 has a smaller footprint for ease of transportation, whilst in the expanded state, superstructure 120 has a larger footprint, thereby providing greater space for operations of the facility. It will be readily apparent that facility 100 has improved mushroom production capability relative to facility 10. In the present embodiment, superstructure 120 has a footprint of about 26 sqm (approx. 280 sqft) in the collapsed state, and a footprint of about 68 sqm (approx. 730 sqft) in the expanded state. Superstructure 120 can be coupled to a tractor unit of a semi-trailer truck 300 via substructure 200 (further on this below), thereby making facility 100 transportable by road. In the present embodiment, superstructure 120 is cartridgised and can be placed within and / or transported inside a standard intermodal shipping / ocean container.

[0096] Figure 7 provides a top section view of superstructure 120 in the collapsed state. Superstructure 120 includes a main, substantially rectangular prism-shaped body 102. Body 102 generally defines an exterior boundary or volume in which the movable walls 130 that form the expandable compartments are received when they are stowed away (ie. when superstructure 120 is in the collapsed state). The movable walls can be a series of hingedly connected walls that are folded inwards towards body 102, effectively being stacked against each other, when stowed away. In one embodiment, the walls may be connected to one another by a geared continuous hinge. However, it will be appreciated that other hinge arrangements can be utilised. To move between the collapsed state of superstructure 120 and the expanded state, the movable walls may be manually manoeuvred into position to form the various compartments, or the walls may be moved by a powered system. In one example, as shown in Figures 13A-13B, one or more of movable walls 130 are moved into position using hydraulic rams 138.

[0097] As best shown in Figure 7, movable walls 130 are folded inwards towards body 102, effectively being stacked against each other, when stowed away. The outermost wall in the collapsed state is upper wall 132 of the expanded compartment. Upper wall 132 is pivotally mounted to body 102, and is configured to fold out and upwards. The wall inboard of upper wall 132 in the collapsed state is lower wall 133 of the expanded compartment. Lower wall 133 is pivotally mounted to body 102, and is configured to fold out and downwards. The wall inboard of lower wall 133 in the collapsed state is outer side wall 134 of the expanded compartment. Outer side wall 134 is pivotally connected to lower wall 133, and is configured to fold out and upwards relative to lower wall 133.Finally, the walls inboard of outer side wall 134 in the collapsed state are the respective front and rear end walls 135, 136 of the expanded compartment. Front and rear end walls 135, 136 are each pivotally connected to body 102, and are configured to fold out and forwardly or rearwardly, respectively.

[0098] Lower wall 133 of each expandable compartment is provided with a plurality of support legs 139 (see Figure 6B) configured to support said expandable compartment. Support legs 139 can be pivotally mounted to lower wall 133 such that in the collapsed state of superstructure 120, support legs 139 are provided in a stowed position, and when superstructure 120 is in the expanded state, support legs 139 can be moved into an extended position for engagement with the ground. Alternatively, lower walls 133 can include a plurality of receiving portions (not shown) configured to securely receive legs 139. In one example, lower walls 139 can include a pocket or slot configured to receive an upper portion of leg 139, wherein a fastening element, such as pin, can be utilised to lock leg 139 in place. It is envisaged that legs 139 are extendable, with hydraulics provided to enable leg to be lowered towards a supporting surface (e.g. the ground). Legs 139 may be extended via a manual crank mechanism or a receiving element may be provided, said receiving element configured to be engaged by a powered drive (e.g. a drill) to enable powered extension of leg 139. It is envisaged that the respective lower walls of the expandable compartments will be suitably levelled using the adjustability provided by legs 139.

[0099] In order to arrange movable walls 130 into respective expandable compartments, the following series of steps is followed: (1 ) the upper wall 132 is folded out and upwards, (2) the lower wall 133 is folded out and downwards, (3) outer side wall 134 is folded out and upwards relative to lower wall 133, and (4) front and rear end walls 135, 136 are folded out and forwardly and rearwardly, respectively. In the embodiment of Figures 13A-13B, it is envisaged that hydraulic rams 138 can raise / lower upper wall 132, lower wall 133 and outer side wall 134, with front and rear end walls 135, 136 moved into position manually. Each wall is then suitably sealed and secured to adjacent walls in order to retain the expandable compartments in the expanded state.

[0100] In the depicted embodiment, there are four main expandable compartments - two compartments extending laterally and away from a rear end of body 102, and twocompartments extending laterally and away from a front end of body 102. The two compartments extending laterally and away from a rear end of body 102 extend from opposing longitudinally extending sides of superstructure 120, and the two compartments extending laterally and away from a front end of body 102 extend from opposing longitudinally extending sides of superstructure 120. Thus, in such an embodiment, the expandable compartments define four laterally extending wings with respect to body 102.

[0101] Reference is made to Figure 8, which provides a view of superstructure 120 with the upper walls removed for clarity. Superstructure 120 includes a centrally located entryway 122 having an entry platform 124 that folds out and downwards from body 102, and a retractable step ladder 123 to enable simple access to access door 134. Door 134 includes access control (such as RFID, NFC, biometric and the like) to provide access to the interior of superstructure 120 to individuals with approved access credentials. Access door 134 is also provided with a security door sensor (not shown) to detect for unauthorised access, as well as a security camera.

[0102] Expanded superstructure 120 houses a plurality of compartments associated with the production of mushrooms.

[0103] Upon entry through access door 134, there is provided a first compartment in the form of entry vestibule 140. Entry vestibule 140 is a substantially rectangular compartment when viewed in plan, and is disposed substantially in the centre of main body 102. Entry vestibule 140 can include: a wall mounted UV HEPA filter (not shown), split HVAC head unit (not shown), a wash basin 147, a wall mounted administrative computer 149 (e.g. display screen), access control unit, video head unit, communications unit, mesh network, rack server, etc. Access doors 141 , 142, 143, 144, 145 are provided to enable access between entry vestibule 140 and adjacent compartments. Doors 141 , 142, 143, 144 145 each include access control (such as RFID, NFC, biometric and the like) to provide access to the respective compartment to individuals with approved access credentials. Entry vestibule 140 further includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras.

[0104] Adjacent entry vestibule 140 and provided at a front end 105 of superstructure 120 is a second compartment in the form of a laboratory bay 150. It will be appreciated that laboratory bay 150 comprises one of the expandable compartments of superstructure 120, but also includes a front portion of main body 102. As was the case with laboratory bay 50, laboratory bay 150 is configured to enable the introduction of spores / spawn onto a substrate during an inoculation stage of mushroom production in a controlled, sterilised working environment. To this end, laboratory bay 150 includes similar equipment to laboratory bay 50 - an autoclave 152, a horizontal flow HEPA hood 153 with lab fridge / freezer 154 (provided as a single unit and / or in a stacked configuration), dehydrator / freeze dryer (not shown), split HVAC head unit (not shown), a wall mounted administrative computer 157, workstation 158 and wall mounted UV HEPA filter 159. Access door 141 is provided to enable access between laboratory bay 150 and entry vestibule 140. Laboratory bay 150 includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras.

[0105] Laboratory bay 150 can be hermetically sealed with suitable sealing between the various walls of the compartment(s). In one example, magnetic seals may be used. In another example, interlocking mechanical seals may be used. Other means to seal the laboratory bay 150 may also be utilised.

[0106] As laboratory bay 150 is partly defined by one of the expandable compartments, it will be appreciated that in setting up facility 100 onsite, parts of laboratory bay 150 will need to be suitably arranged after the expandable compartment is in the expanded state. However, advantageously, various equipment of laboratory bay 150 - in the present embodiment, autoclave 152, horizontal flow HEPA hood 153, a lab fridge / freezer 154, dehydrator / freeze dryer (not shown), split HVAC head unit (not shown), wall mounted administrative computer 157, and wall mounted UV HEPA filter 159 - are installed and ready for use (save for utilities connections) whilst superstructure 120 is in the initial, collapsed state. This means that there is no additional need to arrange and install these pieces of equipment when setting up facility 100 for use, nor is there a need to separately deliver these pieces of equipment to site. Such equipment is installed and operable upon receipt of facility 100 to the worksite. This equipment is generally disposed in the front portion of main body 102.

[0107] Adjacent entry vestibule 140 at front end 105 of superstructure 120 and opposite laboratory bay 150 is a third compartment in the form of a colonisation bay 160. It will be appreciated that colonisation bay 160 comprises one of the expandable compartments of superstructure 120, but also includes a front portion of main body 102. Colonisation bay 160 is configured to enable growth of mycelium through the substrate during a colonisation stage of mushroom production. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, facility 100 is provided with a separate and distinct colonisation bay. Colonisation bay 160 includes storage shelving 161 configured to support colonisation blocks 165 containing the inoculated material. Colonisation bay 160 also houses various other components including: cultivation lighting system (not shown) configured to provide suitable amount and spectrum of light to the colonising mycelium (if required), various sensor(s) including PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), environmental sensor(s), humidity sensor(s) and lux sensor(s) (not shown), data loggers configured to receive data from the sensors, wall mounted UV HEPA filter 162, a humidification system (not shown), and split HVAC head unit (not shown). Access door 142 is provided to enable access between colonisation bay 160 and entry vestibule 140. Colonisation bay 160 also includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras. Bay 160 also includes waterproof flooring and / or floor drains. It will be noted that this can provided in all bays if desired.

[0108] As colonisation bay 160 is partly defined by one of the expandable compartments, it will be appreciated that in setting up facility 100 onsite, parts of colonisation bay 160 will need to be suitably arranged after the expandable compartment is in the expanded state. However, advantageously, various equipment of colonisation bay 160 - in the present embodiment, cultivation lighting system, one or more of the aforementioned sensors, wall mounted UV HEPA filter 162, humidification system (not shown), and split HVAC head unit (not shown) - are installed and ready for use (save for utilities connections) whilst superstructure 120 is in the initial, collapsed state. This means that there is no additional need to arrange and install these pieces of equipment when setting up facility 100 for use, nor is there a need to separately deliver these pieces of equipment to site. Such equipment is installed and operable uponreceipt of facility 100 to the worksite. This equipment is generally disposed in the front portion of main body 102.

[0109] Adjacent entry vestibule 140 and provided at a rear end 106 of superstructure 120 is a fourth compartment in the form of a fruiting bay 170. It will be appreciated that fruiting bay 170 comprises one of the expandable compartments of superstructure 120. Fruiting bay 170 is configured to enable the mycelium to form mushrooms during a fruiting stage of mushroom production. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, facility 100 is provided with a separate and distinct fruiting bay. Fruiting bay 170 includes storage shelving 171 configured to support production blocks 175 containing the colonised material. Fruiting bay 170 also houses various other components including: cultivation lighting system (not shown) configured to provide suitable amount and spectrum of light to the colonised mycelium, various sensor(s) including PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), environmental sensor(s), humidity sensor(s) and lux sensor(s) (not shown), data loggers configured to receive data from the sensors, wall mounted UV HEPA (not shown), a humidification system (not shown), and split HVAC head unit (not shown). Access door 143 is provided to enable access between fruiting bay 170 and entry vestibule 140. Fruiting bay 170 also includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras. Bay 170 also includes waterproof flooring and / or floor drains. It will be noted that this can provided in all bays if desired.

[0110] As fruiting bay 170 is substantially defined by one of the expandable compartments, it will be appreciated that in setting up facility 100 onsite, parts of fruiting bay 170 will need to be suitably arranged after the expandable compartment is in the expanded state. However, advantageously, various equipment of fruiting bay 170 - in the present embodiment, cultivation lighting system, one or more of the aforementioned sensors, wall mounted UV HEPA filter 162, humidification system (not shown), and split HVAC head unit (not shown) - are installed and ready for use (save for utilities connections) whilst superstructure 120 is in the initial, collapsed state. This means that there is no additional need to arrange and install these pieces of equipment when setting up facility 100 for use, nor is there a need to separately deliver these pieces of equipment to site. Such equipment is installed and operable upon receipt of facility 100 to the worksite. This equipment is generally disposed in a rear portion of main body 102.

[0111] Adjacent entry vestibule 140 at rear end 106 of superstructure 120 and opposite fruiting bay 170 is a fifth compartment in the form of another fruiting bay 180. Access door 144 is provided to enable access between fruiting bay 180 and entry vestibule 140. It will be appreciated that fruiting bay 180 comprises one of the expandable compartments of superstructure 120. Fruiting bay 180 is substantially the same as fruiting bay 170. Advantageously, having two fruiting bays substantially increases the mushroom production capacity of facility 100.

[0112] Adjacent entry vestibule 140 and provided at rear end 106 of superstructure 120 is a sixth compartment in the form of a storage bay 190. It will be appreciated that storage bay 190 includes a rear portion of main body 102. Storage bay 190 is configured to store pallets 191 of supplies, components, consumables and / or packaged mushrooms for delivery from facility 100. Storage bay 190 also includes flammable materials storage box 194 and water purifier 195 configured to provide purified water to wash basin 147, which is located on the opposite side of divider wall 192 between entry vestibule 140 and storage bay 190. Access door 145 is provided to enable access between storage bay 190 and entry vestibule 140. Storage bay 190 also includes other security features including security motion sensors and security cameras.

[0113] Storage bay 190 includes a loading door 196, opposite access door 145, configured to provide access between the exterior of facility 100 and storage bay 190. Door 196 is in the form of a roller shutter door, although it will be appreciated that other forms of doors may be employed. As best shown in Figures 9A-9C, a liftgate 198 is pivotally mounted at rear end 105 of superstructure 120, and is configured to carry pallets or other cargo between storage bay 190 and ground level. This enables loading and unloading of nearby transport vehicles and / or easy access to the packaged mushrooms for transport away from facility 100. In the present embodiment, liftgate 198 is designed to carry up to or in excess of 1360 kg (3000 lb). However, it will be readily appreciated that this is only exemplary. Security features, including security cameras 199, are provided adjacent door 196.

[0114] With reference to Figure 10, provided at front end 105 of superstructure 120 is a seventh compartment in the form of a utilities compartment 110. It will be appreciated that utilities compartment 110 includes a front portion of main body 102. Utilitiescompartment 110 is accessible from the exterior of superstructure 120, specifically via access door 111. Door 111 is in the form of a roller shutter door, although it will be appreciated that other forms of doors may be employed. Utilities compartment 110 includes part of an electrical system configured to generate, store, distribute and supply electric power to facility 100. The parts of the electrical system provided in utilities compartment 110 include an electrical panel with WiFi smart breakers (not shown), converters / inverters, surge protectors, meters, emergency shutoffs, and an electrical storage device 115 (e.g. a Tesla powerwall with controller in this embodiment or with equipment of similar functionality contemplated in other embodiments). Utilities compartment 110 further includes various sensor(s) including PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensor(s), temperature sensor(s), environmental sensor(s), humidity sensor(s) and lux sensor(s) (not shown), one or more of which are provided to monitor the electrical system. Utilities compartment 110 further includes a HVAC heat compressor 116 configured to cool the utilities compartment 110 (other ventilation means can be provided to assist with cooling), a security control panel (not shown) configured to control the security features of facility 100, and a communications system configured to enable remote communication with and from facility 100. The communications system includes a Starlink controller and WAN receiver 117, a cellular controller and WAN receiver 119, a GPS / GNSS receiver 114, and a server rack (not shown). However, it will be appreciated that the communications system can include other types or methods of communication including WiFi, Bluetooth, 3-wire serial, SigFox, other satellite communication controller, or other proprietary systems. Utilities compartment 110 further includes an extension shelf 113 pivotally mounted to facility 100 and configured to seat HVAC heat compressor 116 in use. Security features, including security cameras 112, are provided adjacent door 111.

[0115] As best shown in Figures 11A-11 C, facility 100 further includes a substructure 200, provided here in the form of a custom-built skeletal trailer. However, it will be appreciated that the substructure may be of different form. Substructure 200 is configured to operatively engage with superstructure 120, thereby supporting the superstructure above ground level, and also enable transportation of superstructure 120 between different locations. In the skeletal trailer form, it will be understood thatsubstructure 200 is effectively a movable chassis that can be coupled with the tractor unit of semi-trailer truck 300, thereby making facility 100 transportable by road.

[0116] Substructure 200 includes an elongate, skeletal chassis frame 201 configured to engage with and support superstructure 120. A plurality of wheels 203 are rotatably connected to a rear end of frame 201 and enable substructure 200 to be transportable between different locations. Whilst there are four wheels provided in the depicted embodiment, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of wheels can be provided.

[0117] Substructure 200 is manufactured separately to superstructure 120. For transport purposes, substructure 200 can be configured to be stacked in a nested arrangement with like substructures. For example, multiple substructures 200 can be stacked on top of each other and together placed within and / or transported inside a standard intermodal shipping / ocean container to a destination where they will be connected to a superstructure. In addition or alternatively, the substructures can be rolled on and rolled off a delivery vessel by way of the wheels of substructure 200. When transporting facility 100 (i.e. the connected superstructure / substructure) from location to location, facility 100 can be rolled on and rolled off the delivery vessel.

[0118] Substructure 200 includes a plurality of storage bays configured to be mounted to or formed with frame 201 . As best shown in Figure 11 B, the plurality of storage bays are generally disposed in a central region of frame 201 . The storage bays can include hinged doors that provide access to the contents of the respective storage bay.

[0119] The plurality of storage bays include a hydraulics bay 214 configured to house various components of a hydraulic system of facility 100. Hydraulics bay 214 is disposed on a service side 118 of facility 100. Hydraulics bay 214 can include a hydraulic pump and hydraulic controls, including remote or tethered control of the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system is operatively associated with hydraulic rams 138, which allow the raising / lowering of the relevant movable walls 130 to form the various expandable compartments of facility 100, as well as liftgate 198.

[0120] The plurality of storage bays further include a generator bay 206 configured to house the diesel generator of facility 100. Generator bay 206 is disposed on service side 118, adjacent to hydraulics bay 214. It will be understood that generator bay 206 ispositioned so that when superstructure 120 and substructure 200 are connected together, access to generator bay 206 is provided by virtue of the gap between adjacent expandable compartments 160, 180. This simplifies access to generator bay 206, particularly in circumstances where maintenance work is required. The diesel generator can be up to a 15kVa, although other forms of diesel generator can be utilised. In some embodiments, the diesel generator can be structurally mounted within generator bay 206, whereas in other embodiments the diesel generator can be placed onto a pull-out shelf. It will be appreciated that the door of generator bay 206 has been omitted to reveal the diesel generator stored within.

[0121] The plurality of storage bays further include a leg storage bay 206 configured to house legs 139. Leg storage bay 206 is disposed adjacent to generator bay 206 and spans between service side 118 and an entry side 116, thereby providing access to legs 139 from either side of substructure 200. This is convenient for when legs 139 are to be installed with the expandable storage compartments. Whilst not shown, it is envisaged that leg storage bay 206 will include internal racking configured to support the plurality of legs 139 (about 14-16 legs), as well as any other equipment utilised to suitably equip legs 139 to the expandable compartments.

[0122] The plurality of storage bays further include an air compressor bay 212 configured to house various components of an air compressor system of facility 100. Air compressor bay 212 is disposed on entry side 116 of facility 100, opposite to hydraulics bay 214. Air compressor bay 212 can include an air compressor and an air vacuum.

[0123] The plurality of storage bays further include a water bay 210 configured to house various components of a water system of facility 100. Water bay 210 is disposed on entry side 1 16 of facility 100, adjacent to air compressor bay 212 and opposite to generator bay 206. Water bay 212 can include one or more of a water pump, water pressure tank, water filtration system and a water heater.

[0124] The plurality of storage bays further include a skirt storage bay 218 configured to house various components of a skirt system of facility 100. Skirt storage bay 218 is disposed above the other storage bays and spans between service side 118 and entry side 116, thereby providing access to the skirt from either side of substructure 200.Whilst not depicted, it is envisaged that the space underneath the expandable compartments can be utilised for storage or other activities, and that there may be circumstances where it is desired to shield this space from the external environment. To this end, vinyl skirts / curtains can be hung from an outer periphery of the lower walls of the expandable compartments to ‘close off’ the space underneath the expandable compartments. It is envisaged that industrial snaps can be attached to the lower walls of the expandable compartments, and the skirts hung via the snaps. The skirt can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The skirt can act in some cases as a thermal break or other environmental exclusion so that the external environment is not impacted outside of the overall footprint of the expanded facility. Skirt storage bay 218 can therefore house the skirts, as well as the snaps or other equipment associated with installation of the skirts. When the skirts are installed, skirt storage bay 218 can be utilised as general storage space. In one example, the space underneath the expandable compartments can be utilised to store pallets.

[0125] As would be clear from the above, one of the advantages of substructure 200 is that it is configured to support various utility components of facility 100. Thus, unlike facility 10, where on-board space is lost in favour of having the utility components within the confines of superstructure 20, various utility components are moved out of superstructure 120 and are mounted or otherwise disposed at substructure 200. In the depicted embodiment, mounted to substructure 200 is water storage tank 202, grey water storage tank 204, the diesel generator, and diesel fuel cell (and accompanying fuel pump). Water storage tank 202 and grey water storage tank 204 are mounted between hydraulics bay 214 and air compressor bay 212. By utilising substructure 200 in this way, greater space is available in superstructure 120 for mushroom production. It will be understood that utility generation in substructure 200 can be connected to superstructure 120 via quick connect valves and connectors as required. Substructure 200 also includes a plurality of support legs 137 of similar form to support legs 139 to provide additional support to superstructure 120 in the expanded state.

[0126] It is to be noted that the aforementioned tanks can be interchangeable. It is envisaged that condensate water from the HVAC units may be deposited to the external environment, or captured and recirculated. Water tank 202 can include an inlet for hose connections, and grey water storage tank 204 can be gravity fed in and out. Water canbe sucked out by the water pump, pressurised, and made available for mist humidifiers for the relevant compartments and basins.

[0127] With reference to Figure 14, one manner in which superstructure 120 is connected to substructure 200 is illustrated. In this embodiment, superstructure 120 includes corner castings 125 (similar to that of typical shipping containers) configured to engage with corresponding locking mechanisms of substructure 200. In the depicted embodiment, the locking mechanisms are in the form of twist locks 207 that extend upwardly from frame 201 , specifically from longitudinal rails of frame 201 . Thus, twist locks 207 are suitably formed in specific locations that correspond with the locations of the corner castings on the superstructure 120. Twist locks 207 can be integrally formed with frame 201 or otherwise connected thereto. Superstructure 120 is rested upon an upper surface of substructure 200, with a respective corner casting 125 engaged with a respective twist lock 207. Connection between superstructure 120 and substructure 200 can be temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. A person skilled in the art will understand that different mechanical connections (e.g. fasteners, welds, etc) that can be utilised to provide the desired form of connection.

[0128] The fungiculture process that can be undertaken at facilities 10, 100 will now be briefly described with reference to Figure 12. Many of the steps of the fungiculture process will not be set out here as a person skilled in the art will be familiar with this process. The below description serves to outline some of the implementation steps of the fungiculture process and in particular how facilities 10, 100 serve to provide a custom all in one commercial mushroom production facility.

[0129] As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, there are various stages of mushroom production. A first stage is the spawning stage. Spawn, which is a blend of spores and nutrient sources, is bagged or binned in a sterilised environment in preparation of inoculation. Spawn provides initial nourishment for the mushroom production process. In the earlier described embodiments, the spawning stage is conducted in laboratory bays 50, 150 due to the sterilised environment they provide.

[0130] A second stage of mushroom production is the inoculation stage. This involves spawn being added to a substrate (as earlier described) that is mixed with water andsealed in a bag or bin. Mycelium uses the substrate for energy and nutrients as it continues to grow. In the earlier described embodiments, the inoculation stage is conducted in laboratory bays 50, 150 due to the sterilised environment they provide to reduce the possibility of mold, bacteria or other fungi from competing with mushrooms for the substrate’s nutrients.

[0131] A third stage of mushroom production is the colonisation stage. The inoculated material is placed in environmentally optimal conditions, with favourable light conditions most conducive to allowing mycelium to completely colonise the substrate. The length of time for this can vary depending on the mushroom cultivar and the growing conditions, but generally ranges anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. In the case of facility 10, the colonisation stage is conducted in colonisation and fruiting bay 60, whilst in facility 100, the colonisation stage is conducted in dedicated colonisation bay 160.

[0132] A fourth stage of mushroom production is the fruiting stage. This involves opening the bag or bin in a temperature-controlled fruiting zone to expose the colonised substrate to fresh air, humid conditions and optimal lighting. Pinheads will start to form, eventually growing into mature mushrooms. The length of time this can take varies depending on the mushroom, but generally ranges anywhere between a week to a few months. In the case of facility 10, the fruiting stage is conducted in colonisation and fruiting bay 60, whilst in facility 100, the fruiting stage is conducted in dedicated fruiting bays 170, 180.

[0133] Some mushroom varieties can be regrown in successive harvests, known as flushes. Each flush will typically yield a diminishing return until the flush is spent and then ultimately recycled.

[0134] The harvested mushrooms can be packaged and transported away from the facility 10, 100. In the case of facility 100, the harvested mushrooms can be stored in storage bay 190 for transport away from facility 100.

[0135] The above description of facilities 10, 100 illustrate a portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility that has been adapted for mushroom production. As will be readily appreciated, facilities 10, 100 can be utilised more generally for thecultivation of micro-agricultural products. In some cases, facility 10, 100 can be utilised just as described for cultivating other micro-agricultural products. In other cases, one or more of the zones can be removed / replaced / repurposed to suit the micro-agricultural product to be cultivated. As part of this general repurposing, the facilities or specific compartments or zones of the facilities can include different equipment, the facility can have a different configuration / layout, or other changes to the facility can be made as desired by an end user.

[0136] In some implementations, a ‘one size fits all’ facility may be provided with an end user utilising only specific features of the facility depending on their desired use case. In another implementation, the facility could be custom supplied, with features specific to the end user’s desired use case. For example, in circumstances where the facility is used to grow microgreens, a colonisation zone of the form earlier described may not be required, with a germination zone instead provided. This could also include provision of a different configuration / layout of the facility (including more floor space for certain zones relative to other zones). In an insect farming application, there may be distinct zones provided for different stages of insect development, with each zone having different features suited for those specific stages (e.g. certain zones may have temperature / humidity controls, whilst other zones may not).

[0137] In some implementations, semi-trailer truck 300 can form part of facility 100. For example, truck 300 may be utilised to provide additional utilities for facility 100 (e.g. additional power / hydraulic / compressed air generation to augment services already provided).

[0138] In some implementations, different power generation sources may be utilised, such as solar and / or wind, with facility 100 suitably adapted to facilitate such power generation sources (e.g. provision of solar panels, wind turbines, etc.).

[0139] Thus, herein described is a novel portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility formed of a portable and expandable / collapsible superstructure that is simple to transport to a desired location, and a substructure configured to operatively engage and support the superstructure.

[0140] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility, including: an adaptable, portable superstructure having a first collapsed state and a second expanded state, wherein in the first collapsed state the superstructure is transportable from one location to another, and wherein in the second expanded state, the superstructure defines one or more expandable compartments of the portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility; and a substructure configured to operatively engage with the superstructure, wherein said substructure, when operatively engaged to the superstructure, is configured to support the superstructure.

2. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 1 , wherein the facility includes a plurality of compartments.

3. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of compartments is differentiated from another adjacent compartment by the provision of a physical boundary between said adjacent compartments.

4. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facility includes an entryway configured to provide access to and from the facility, wherein the entryway provides access to an entry vestibule, said entry vestibule defined by a compartment of the facility.

5. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 4, wherein said entryway is provided at a substantially central location of the facility and said entry vestibule is disposed at or toward said substantially central location of the facility, wherein the entry vestibule is configured to provide access to one or more zones of the facility.

6. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the substructure is further configured to enable movement and / or transportation of the superstructure.

7. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 6, wherein the substructure is in the form of a movable chassis.

8. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the superstructure includes a main body portion, wherein the main body portion generally defines an exterior boundary or volume, and wherein the one or more expandable compartments are configured to extend beyond the exterior boundary or volume when the superstructure is arranged in the second expanded state.

9. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 8, wherein said one or more expandable compartments are configured to be housed or generally retained by or within the main body portion when the superstructure is arranged in the first collapsed state.

10. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said one or more expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion when the superstructure is arranged in the second expanded state, wherein the or each expandable compartment defines a laterally extending wing with respect to the main body portion.11 . The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said main body portion includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, wherein two expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion at or towards the first longitudinal end when the superstructure is arranged in the second expanded state, and two expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion at or towards the second longitudinal end when the superstructure is arranged in the second expanded state.

12. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more expandable compartments are each defined, at least in part, by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls are configured to be arranged or otherwise assembled into a respective compartment.

13. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 12 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 11 , wherein said plurality of walls are provided bysaid superstructure, wherein in the first collapsed state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are substantially received within said boundary or volume defined by the main body portion of the superstructure, and wherein in the second expanded state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are arranged or otherwise assembled to form said one or more expandable compartments that extend beyond the boundary or volume defined by the main body portion of the superstructure.

14. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein in the first collapsed state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are folded in towards the main body portion and are disposed in a stacked or nested arrangement.

15. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more expandable compartments includes one or more supports configured to support, at least in part, said at least one of the one or more expandable compartments above ground level.

16. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facility further includes a utility system, wherein the utility system is configured to: generate, store and / or supply electric power to the facility; and / or treat, filter, generate and / or supply water to the facility; and / or collect and / or treat wastewater and / or other affluents from the facility.

17. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of the utility system is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure.

18. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facility includes a laboratory zone configured to enable the preparation of seed, spores / spawn or other micro-agricultural pre-cursor product for the production of a micro-agricultural product.

19. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facility includes a growing zone configured to enable the formation of the micro-agricultural product.

20. The portable agricultural cultivation and / or microscopy facility of claim 18 and claim 19, wherein the laboratory zone and / or the growing zone are each defined by at least one of the one or more compartments.21 . A portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility, the facility including: a laboratory zone configured to enable the introduction of spores / spawn onto a substrate during an inoculation stage of mushroom production; a colonisation zone configured to enable growth of mycelium through the substrate during a colonisation stage of mushroom production; and a fruiting zone configured to enable the mycelium to form mushrooms during a fruiting stage of mushroom production.

22. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 21 , wherein the laboratory zone defines a sterilised environment.

23. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 22, wherein the laboratory zone includes an air filtration system configured to filter air in the laboratory zone, thereby assisting to provide said sterilised environment.

24. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the laboratory zone includes an autoclave configured to sterilise the substrate before introduction of the spores / spawn.

25. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the colonisation zone is further configured to store inoculated substrate during the colonisation stage.

26. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the colonisation zone includes a humidification systemconfigured to adjust and / or maintain humidity of the air within the colonisation zone to a target level or range to assist during the colonisation stage.

27. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the colonisation zone includes a temperature control system configured to adjust and / or maintain temperature of the air within the colonisation zone to a target level or range to assist during the colonisation stage.

28. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the fruiting zone is further configured to store colonised mycelium during the fruiting stage.

29. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility any one of claims 21 to 28, wherein the fruiting zone includes a cultivation lighting system configured to provide a suitable amount and / or spectrum of light to the colonised mycelium to assist during the fruiting stage.

30. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein the fruiting zone includes a humidification system configured to adjust and / or maintain humidity of the air within the fruiting zone to a target level or range to assist during the fruiting stage.31 . The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the fruiting zone includes a temperature control system configured to adjust and / or maintain temperature of the air within the fruiting zone to a target level or range to assist during the fruiting stage.

32. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 31 , further including a utility system operatively associated with at least one of the laboratory zone, the colonisation zone and the fruiting zone.

33. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein the facility includes a housing, wherein said housing defines, at least in part, the laboratory zone, colonisation zone and fruiting zone.

34. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 33, wherein the facility includes a plurality of compartments, wherein at least one compartment defines the laboratory zone, wherein at least one compartment defines the colonisation zone, and wherein at least one compartment defines the fruiting zone.

35. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 34, wherein the facility includes an entryway configured to provide access to and from the facility, wherein said entryway provides access to an entry vestibule, wherein said entry vestibule is defined by a compartment of the facility.

36. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 35, wherein said entryway is provided at a substantially central location of the facility and said entry vestibule is disposed at or toward said substantially central location of the facility.

37. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 21 to 36, wherein the facility includes a superstructure, preferably in the form of a purpose built structure.

38. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 37, further including a substructure configured to operatively engage with the superstructure, wherein said substructure, when operatively engaged to the superstructure, is configured to support the superstructure.

39. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 38, wherein the substructure is configured to enable movement and / or transportation of the superstructure.

40. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 39, wherein the substructure is in the form of a movable chassis.41 . The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the superstructure includes an elongate main body portion, said main portion thereby defining a longitudinal axis thereof.

42. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 41 , wherein the main body portion generally defines an exterior boundary or volume.

43. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 42, wherein the superstructure includes one or more expandable compartments.

44. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 43, wherein said one or more expandable compartments are configured to extend outwardly from said main body portion when arranged in an expanded state such that said one or more expandable compartments extend beyond the exterior boundary or volume when arranged in the expanded state.

45. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 44, wherein said one or more expandable compartments are configured to be housed or generally retained by or within the main body portion when arranged in a collapsed state such that said one or more expandable compartments are received or stowed within the exterior boundary or volume when arranged in the collapsed state.

46. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 44 or claim 45, wherein said one or more expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion in their expanded state.

47. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 46, wherein the or each expandable compartment defines a laterally extending wing with respect to the main body portion.

48. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 47, wherein two expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion at or towards a first longitudinal end thereof and two expandable compartments extend laterally from the main body portion at or towards a second longitudinal end thereof in their respective expanded states, wherein the expandable compartments define four laterally extending wings with respect to the main body portion.

49. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 48, wherein an entryway of the facility is positioned between two laterally extending wings that extend from the same side of the superstructure.

50. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 43 to 49, wherein said one or more expandable compartments are each defined, at least in part, by a plurality of walls, wherein said plurality of walls are configured to be arranged or otherwise assembled into a respective compartment.51 . The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 50, wherein said plurality of walls are provided by said superstructure, wherein in a first collapsed state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are substantially received within said boundary or volume defined by the main body portion of the superstructure, and wherein in a second expanded state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are arranged or otherwise assembled to form said one or more expandable compartments that extend beyond the boundary or volume defined by the main body portion of the superstructure.

52. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 51 , wherein in the first collapsed state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are folded in towards the main body portion, and in the second expanded state of the superstructure, said plurality of walls are folded out away from the main body portion.

53. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of claim 52, wherein one or more pivotable connections may be provided between walls of the plurality of walls.

54. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the plurality of walls of each of the one or more expandable compartments includes a first, side wall opposite an internal wall of the superstructure, a second, front wall, a third, rear wall opposite the second, front wall, a fourth wall defining a base of the expandable compartment, and a fifth wall defining a ceiling of the expandable compartment.

55. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 43 to 54, wherein at least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines, at least in part, the laboratory zone, wherein at least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines, at least in part, the colonisation zone, and whereinat least one of the one or more expandable compartments defines, at least in part, the fruiting zone.

56. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 43 to 55, wherein at least one of the one or more expandable compartments includes one or more supports configured to support, at least in part, said at least one of the one or more expandable compartments above ground level.

57. The portable mushroom cultivation and / or fungi microscopy facility of any one of claims 43 to 56, wherein at least a portion of said utility system is mounted to or otherwise disposed in the substructure.

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