TL;DR
WeMush released WOLS, an open specification for encoding mushroom cultivation specimen data into machine-readable QR codes. The standard and reference libraries aim to provide vendor-agnostic traceability, privacy options, and research-grade data formats for farms, labs, and home cultivators.
What happened
The WeMush project published the WeMush Open Labeling Standard (WOLS), an open-source specification that defines how cultivation specimen data is encoded into QR codes and related formats. WOLS describes a core data model for specimen labels (id, spec version, type, species, stage, timestamps and optional fields such as strain, genetics, batch and organization) and supports multiple encodings: compact URIs, embedded JSON payloads, and an encrypted form with signatures. Official client libraries and reference implementations are available for JavaScript/TypeScript and Python, plus a container/CLI image; Go and Rust implementations are listed as planned. The specification is governed by a steering committee chaired by Mark Beacom and is published under CC BY 4.0 for documentation and Apache 2.0 for code. WeMush operates a proprietary platform that implements WOLS and offers both a free tier and paid premium services.
Why it matters
- Standardized, machine-readable labels could reduce reliance on spreadsheets and paper for cultivation records.
- Privacy-preserving options and signatures allow organizations to share verifiable data while protecting proprietary strains.
- A common format enables interoperability between farms, research labs, consumer tools and equipment vendors.
- Research-grade fields and export formats support reproducibility and statistical analysis across studies and operations.
Key facts
- WOLS is an open-source specification for encoding cultivation specimen data in QR codes.
- Core data model includes required fields (id, version, type, species, stage, created) and optional fields (strain, genetics, batchId, organization, custom, signature).
- Supports multiple encodings: compact URIs, embedded JSON payloads, and an encrypted format with signatures.
- Official client libraries released for JavaScript/TypeScript and Python; a container/CLI image is available. Go and Rust implementations are planned.
- Specification and documentation licensed under CC BY 4.0; reference implementations and client libraries use the Apache 2.0 license.
- Governance is managed by a steering committee chaired by Mark Beacom; several committee seats are listed as open.
- WeMush Platform is a proprietary implementation that implements WOLS and offers a free tier plus premium features.
- Adoption example listed: Mush Ohio using WOLS for production tracking since 2025.
- Specification version 1.0.0 is noted as released (December 2025).
What to watch next
- Planned Go and Rust reference implementations and their release timelines (confirmed as planned in the source).
- Filling of the open steering-committee seats and any governance decisions that follow.
- Broader industry adoption beyond the single listed example — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- QR code: A two-dimensional barcode that encodes information for quick scanning by cameras and smartphones.
- Open standard: A publicly available specification designed for interoperability and not restricted by vendor lock-in or licensing fees.
- Cryptographic signature: A digital mechanism that authenticates the origin and integrity of data using cryptographic keys.
- Lineage tracking: Recording parent–child relationships and genetic or production history for specimens or batches.
- Substrate: The material or medium on which fungi are cultivated, often described by composition and formulation.
Reader FAQ
Is WOLS open-source and free to use?
Yes. The specification and documentation are under CC BY 4.0 and reference code is Apache 2.0.
Does WeMush own WOLS outright?
WOLS is published as an open standard; WeMush provides a proprietary platform that implements the standard.
Are client libraries available today?
Official JavaScript/TypeScript and Python client libraries and a container/CLI image are listed as released; Go and Rust are planned.
Has WOLS been widely adopted across the mushroom industry?
Not confirmed in the source.
WeMush Open Labeling Standard (WOLS) An open-source specification for encoding cultivation specimen data in machine-readable QR codes. Vendor-agnostic. Privacy-preserving. Research-grade. 🍄 Read the Full Specification | 📖 View Online |…
Sources
- Show HN: WOLS – Open standard for mushroom cultivation tracking
- Understanding mushroom farm environment using TinyML- …
- A Guide to Tracking Inventory for Mushroom Farms
- IOT BASED SMART AUTOMATED MUSHROOM …
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