Laura Smith
Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World. The tiny borough with a population of just over 6,000 people produces over 60% of the mushrooms grown in the United States. In 2015, the area produced almost 400 million pounds of mushrooms, and in 2023, farms in the region produced over 400 million pounds of mushrooms. Kennett Square's Pietro Industries, for example, produces 11 million white mushrooms a year. The history of mushroom farming in the region dates back to the late 1800s when a florist in Kennett Square named William Swayne began growing mushrooms under the benches of his greenhouses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total pounds of mushrooms produced in Kennett Square | 400 million pounds in 2023; 500 million pounds in 2022; 394 million pounds in 2015 |
| Percentage of US mushroom production | 60% in 2023; 66% in 2020; 68% in 2015 |
| Pounds of wholesale white mushrooms produced annually | 11.5 million pounds |
| Number of growers in a 20-mile radius of Kennett Square | The largest number of mushroom growers in the US |
| Specialty mushroom production in Pennsylvania | $87 million in 2021-2022 |
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What You'll Learn
Kennett Square produces 400 million pounds of mushrooms
Kennett Square in Pennsylvania is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World". The borough and its surrounding area produce more than 400 million pounds of mushrooms annually, accounting for over 60% of the total mushroom production in the United States. This figure has increased since 2015 when the region produced nearly 400 million pounds of mushrooms.
The history of mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates back to the late 1800s when William Swayne, a florist in the borough, began growing mushrooms under the benches of his greenhouses. Encouraged by his initial success, Swayne built the first mushroom house in the area. Today, the region is home to many large-scale mushroom farms, including Phillips Mushroom Farms, which was established in 1962 by Swayne's sons, Don and Marshall.
The industry has a significant economic impact on the region, with Pennsylvania's mushroom industry valued at $764 million and generating $322 million in indirect and induced spending. The industry also supports thousands of jobs and contributes to the success of local charities, with the annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square raising funds for nonprofit organizations.
The region's dominance in mushroom production can be attributed to the concentration of growing operations in Southern Chester County, with the largest number of mushroom growers in the United States located within a 20-mile radius of Kennett Square. The area's climate and agricultural infrastructure also contribute to its success in mushroom farming.
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White mushrooms are the most common variety
Kennett Square in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World". It produces over 60% of all the mushrooms grown in the United States, with a volume of sales totaling 796 million pounds of Agaricus mushrooms in 2020. Pennsylvania as a whole produced 68% of the nation's 946 million pounds of mushrooms in 2015, with nearly 400 million pounds coming from Kennett Square alone. The region has been associated with mushroom farming since the late 1800s when William Swayne, a florist in Kennett Square, began growing mushrooms under the benches of his greenhouses.
The annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square celebrates the region's rich history of mushroom farming and raises money for local nonprofit organizations. The borough even drops a 500-pound stainless-steel mushroom in its town square every New Year's Eve, showcasing its commitment to fungi.
The success of the mushroom industry in Kennett Square has had a significant economic impact on the region. It generates millions of dollars in indirect and induced spending, supports thousands of jobs, and contributes to the total economic impact of the industry in Pennsylvania. The industry is also closely linked to other local businesses, such as vegetable producers who supply farm-to-table restaurants in nearby cities.
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The region has been producing mushrooms since 1885
Kennett Square, a tiny borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, has been producing mushrooms since 1885. It is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World" because it produces more than 60% of all the mushrooms grown in the United States. In 2023, farms in the region produced over 400 million pounds of mushrooms, with more growing operations concentrated in Southern Chester County than in any other part of the country.
The history of mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates back to the late 19th century when a successful florist named William Swayne had the idea to grow mushrooms under the benches of his greenhouses. He sent to England for spawn, and the results were encouraging enough that he built the first mushroom house in the area. Inspired by Swayne's success, others in the region soon followed suit, and mushroom farming became the principal occupation for many.
Today, Kennett Square and its surrounding areas, including Kennett Township and parts of Berks County, PA, and northeastern MD, continue to dominate the mushroom industry in the United States. The region is home to many large-scale mushroom farms, such as Phillips Mushroom Farms, which was established in 1962 by the sons of William W. Phillips, who began growing mushrooms in Kennett Square in 1926.
The annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square celebrates the borough's rich history and continued dedication to mushroom farming, attracting tourists and raising funds for local nonprofit organizations. The borough's commitment to fungi is further showcased by its unique tradition of dropping a 500-pound stainless-steel mushroom in its town square every New Year's Eve.
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The industry generates $322 million in indirect and induced spending
Kennett Square in Pennsylvania is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World". The region produces over 60% of all mushrooms grown in the United States, with more growing operations concentrated in Southern Chester County than anywhere else in the country. The industry generates $322 million in indirect and induced spending, with a total economic impact of $1.1 billion, supporting 8,600 jobs and $287 million in employee compensation.
The history of mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates back to the late 1800s when William Swayne, a successful florist, had the idea to grow mushrooms beneath his greenhouse benches. He built the first mushroom house in the area, and soon others followed suit, making mushroom farming the leading agricultural pursuit in Chester County. Today, Kennett Square and the surrounding area produce more than 500 million pounds of mushrooms annually, with 11.5 million pounds of those being wholesale white mushrooms.
The region's dominance in mushroom production can be attributed to the high concentration of mushroom growers within a 20-mile radius of Kennett Square. This has led to the development of a strong industry network, including companies like Pietro Industries, which produces 11 million white mushrooms annually, and Phillips Mushroom Farms, a mega-producer founded by the sons of William W. Phillips, who began growing mushrooms in the area in 1926.
The economic impact of the mushroom industry in Kennett Square extends beyond the direct sales of mushrooms. The industry generates significant indirect and induced spending, which refers to the additional economic activity that occurs as a result of the industry's presence in the region. This includes spending on inputs and services related to mushroom production, such as packaging, distribution, and farming equipment.
The $322 million in indirect and induced spending has a ripple effect on the local economy, creating jobs and supporting other industries in the region. It contributes to the vibrancy and growth of Kennett Square and the surrounding communities, showcasing the importance of the mushroom industry to the economic well-being of the area.
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Kennett Square is home to the annual Mushroom Festival
Kennett Square, a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World". The region produces more than 60% of the mushrooms grown in the United States, with over 500 million pounds of mushrooms produced annually.
The history of mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates back to the late 1800s when William Swayne, a successful florist, began growing mushrooms under the benches of his greenhouses. The idea was inspired by the attractive prices of mushrooms in city markets, and soon mushroom farming became the principal occupation of many in the region.
The festival also showcases the economic impact of the mushroom industry in Kennett Square and Pennsylvania as a whole. The industry generates millions of dollars in indirect and induced spending, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing to the state's economy.
In addition to the festival, Kennett Square drops a 500-pound stainless-steel mushroom in its town square every New Year's Eve, further celebrating its status as the Mushroom Capital of the World.
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Frequently asked questions
Kennett Square and the surrounding area produce more than 500 million pounds of mushrooms a year, which is more than 60% of the mushrooms grown in the United States.
Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the World because it produces more than 60% of the mushrooms grown in the United States. The area is also home to the largest number of mushroom growers in the country.
Mushroom farming in Kennett Square dates back to around 1885 when a florist named William Swayne began growing mushrooms under the benches of his greenhouses.
In addition to the traditional white button mushrooms, farmers in the state also produce specialty mushrooms such as oyster and shiitake.
Yes, Kennett Square celebrates its annual Mushroom Festival in September, which raises money for local nonprofit organizations.
