Mushroom sector gets €6m "comprehensive" support package

Two schemes worth a combined €6m-plus have been announced today with the aim of improving efficiencies in the mushroom sector.

Financed by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund the news was announced by Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue along with his colleague, Senator Pippa Hackett, who is also the Minister of State with special responsibility for Horticulture.

The schemes are aimed at energy efficiency, automation and processing for mushroom producers, along with aid for non-primary producers in the sector, and significantly for peat replacement.

It's hoped the schemes will accelerate investment in the mushroom sector by providing up to 40% grant assistance to all relevant0 businesses, towards the capital cost of specialised equipment and facilities.

The mushroom sector was directly impacted by Brexit as approximately 80-85% of Irish production is exported to the UK. Given the short shelf life of mushrooms and the tight margins experienced by the sector, exporting to continental Europe is not viable.

“I am delighted to announce these two schemes with a budget of €5 million which will support growers, packhouses and compost yards in developing efficiencies lost as a result of Brexit,” Minister McConalogue said.

In addition, a new tranche of BAR funding worth €1.01million has now been secured to support the promotion of mushrooms in the UK.

Minister Hackett said: “Irish mushroom producers have experienced a challenging couple of years with the impact of Brexit, high input costs and a softening export market post Covid. This much needed investment in promotion will ensure that Irish mushrooms continue to be in UK shopping baskets and on UK plates. Irish mushrooms are a sustainable, nutritious and filling way to feed any family.”