A new report by the Avondale-based American Mushroom Institute details how mushrooms are “an integral part of our nation’s agriculture community,” writes Fran Maye for the Daily Local News.

According to the report – entitled “The Economic and Fiscal Impacts of the Mushroom Industry” – the nation’s mushroom industry has a $3.1 billion economic impact through sales of mushrooms, supplies, and other indirect spending. Now, the industry supports around 21,000 jobs and $864 million in wages.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 917 million pounds of mushrooms were harvested nationwide last year, a slight drop from the 929 million pounds in 2017. This is largely due to the lack of an adequate agricultural workforce, along with trucking and healthcare costs.

“Like all agriculture, the mushroom industry is facing a labor shortage,” said AMI Executive Director Rachel Roberts.

Meanwhile, the demand for mushrooms is growing, mainly from the growing sentiment around their nutrition, sustainability, and flavor benefits.

“From their health benefits to sustainability properties and economic impact, mushrooms and the farmers who grow them are an integral part of our nation’s agriculture community.” said Roberts.

Read more about the report in the Daily Local News here.

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