Mushrooms
Many types of mushrooms can be grown. Most mushrooms grown in our region of New York are Shiitake or Oysters, both considered "specialty mushrooms" by the USDA. These mushrooms are grown in a variety of outdoor, indoor, and hybrid systems including on logs, in the ground, in raised beds, or in blocks contained in buckets or plastic bags. Crops are sold fresh, dry, powdered, or incorporated into value-added products.
Things to Consider When Adding Specialty Mushrooms to Your Farm
Lori Koenick, Extension Support Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Let's set aside the familiar button, cremini, and portabella mushrooms (all in the same species of Agaricus mushrooms) and focus on a different and growing segment of the mushroom industry: specialty mushrooms. The USDA defines "specialty mushrooms" as any non-Agaricus mushroom, which includes Shiitake, Oyster, Lion's Mane, and many more.
Specialty mushroom production benefits include new income sources, crop diversification, utilization of unused space or waste streams, and building soil health. These mushrooms are grown in a variety of low-cost ways in outdoor, indoor, and hybrid systems including on logs, in the ground, in raised beds, or in blocks contained in buckets or plastic bags.
Upcoming Events
Intro to Food Safety and GAPs Training
February 19, 2025
via Zoom,
This virtual workshop will serve two purposes:
- For produce farms just interested in learning about farm food safety, this program will introduce principles and best practices.
- For produce farms look for a GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) training needed to meet buyer demands for audit/certification, this program will provide that as well.