Doug Doerfler, Chairman Elect of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, recently spoke with Comcast Newsmakers about the economic impact of the mushroom industry on the region.

Comcast Newsmakers is a short-form news platform where leaders and innovators exchange ideas and tackle the issues facing communities across America.

More than a third of America’s mushroom production happens right here in Chester County.

“Agriculture is the greatest economic driver in Pennsylvania,” said Doerfler. “Seventy percent of our nation’s mushrooms come from Pennsylvania; 37 percent come from Southern Chester County. Kennett Square is the Mushroom Capital of the World.”

However, the industry faces challenges, particularly with labor.

“A labor shortage is the biggest concern right now,” said Doerfler. “We cannot find workers – reliable, year-round workers.”

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