Emma Wilson
Pennsylvania is the largest producer of specialty mushrooms in the United States, with more than 60% of all mushrooms produced in the U.S. grown in Kennett Square, PA, and its surrounding areas. The state's mushroom industry has a footprint of $764 million, with farms in Chester County producing 400 million pounds of mushrooms annually, accounting for half of all mushrooms grown in the country. Phillips Mushroom Farms, one of the prominent mushroom farms in Pennsylvania, grows and sells seven different types of mushrooms: White Button, Crimini, Portabella, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, and Royal Trumpet®.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania |
| Mushroom Type | Agaricus, White Button, Crimini, Portabella, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, Royal Trumpet, Brown |
| Annual Production | 400 million pounds |
| US Market Share | 50% |
| Global Market Share | 50% of fresh mushrooms |
| Employment | 8,600 people |
| Sales | $86.7 million in 2023-2024 |
| Average Price | $5.45 per pound |
| Production Method | Grown indoors in cinder-block houses built into hillsides |
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What You'll Learn
History of mushroom farming in Pennsylvania
The history of mushroom farming in Pennsylvania dates back to the 1880s. According to local lore, it all started with a florist in Kennett Square named William Swayne. He noticed the wasted space under the carnation beds in his greenhouses and thought of growing mushrooms there. So, he travelled to Europe, where mushroom farming was already a thing, and brought back some spores to Pennsylvania. Thus, Swayne became Kennett Square's original mushroom farmer.
Following Swayne's success, others in the region began mushroom production as their principal occupation. Soon, a unique collaboration between Quakers, Italians, and Mexicans led to the growth of mushroom farms near Kennett Square in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Italians, who were hired as labourers, eventually started their own farms, as did their sons and cousins. By the 1950s, there were hundreds of mushroom farmers in Chester County, most of them Italians.
Over the years, the mushroom industry in Pennsylvania has flourished and expanded. Today, Pennsylvania is the leading producer of mushrooms in the United States, accounting for more than half of the nation's mushroom production. Chester County alone produces over 300 million pounds of mushrooms annually, with white button mushrooms being the most popular variety. The industry supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the local economy.
The success of mushroom farming in Pennsylvania can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the proximity to major population centres like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York, allowed for easy access to markets, especially before the advent of refrigerated trucks. Secondly, the availability of local ingredients for compost, such as straw, stable bedding, chicken litter, cocoa shells, and corn cobs, provided a cost-effective growing medium for mushrooms. Additionally, the specialized knowledge and infrastructure developed by Pennsylvania growers over the years have contributed to the state's dominance in mushroom production.
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Types of mushrooms grown
Pennsylvania is the largest producer of mushrooms in the United States, with more than 60% of all mushrooms produced in the US grown in Kennett Square, PA, and its surrounding areas. The state is also home to the largest grower of specialty mushrooms in the country.
The first commercial mushroom farm in Pennsylvania was established in the late 19th century, thanks to Louis Pasteur's work in pasteurization, which enabled cultivation without contamination. Since then, the state has become the Mushroom Capital of the World, producing about half of all mushrooms grown in the US.
The majority of mushrooms grown in Pennsylvania are Agaricus mushrooms, including white button mushrooms, brown mushrooms (such as Portobello and Crimini varieties), and Shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms account for the vast majority of all mushrooms consumed in the United States. In the 2022-2023 season, Agaricus mushrooms accounted for an estimated $1 billion, with 69% of the total volume of sales coming from Pennsylvania alone.
In addition to Agaricus mushrooms, other types of mushrooms grown in Pennsylvania include Oyster, Maitake, and Royal Trumpet®. Some specialty mushrooms are grown on farms with at least 200 natural wood logs in production or some commercial indoor growing area. These specialty mushrooms contribute significantly to the state's mushroom industry, which has a footprint of over $700 million.
The mushroom industry in Pennsylvania is largely concentrated in Chester County, with many farms in Kennett Square and its surrounding municipalities. The unique collaboration between Quakers, Italians, and Mexicans in this region has contributed to its success in mushroom farming. The mild climate and rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania also provide an ideal environment for growing mushrooms.
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Largest growers in the state
Pennsylvania is the leading producer of mushrooms in the United States, with more than 60% of all mushrooms consumed in the country being grown in the state. Within Pennsylvania, the largest concentration of mushroom farms is in the southeast of the state, with nearly 8,600 people employed in the industry.
The town of Kennett Square in southeastern Pennsylvania is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the World", with the largest number of mushroom growers in the United States located within a 20-mile radius of the town. The mushroom industry in Kennett Square was started in 1896 by a carnation grower's son who utilized the space under his father's flower beds to grow mushrooms. In 1926, William W. Phillips began growing mushrooms in Kennett Square, and today, his company, Phillips Mushroom Farms, is one of the largest growers in the state. The company was the first commercial grower in the United States to produce Shiitake mushrooms year-round for the fresh market. In addition to fresh mushrooms, the company also sells processed, frozen, and dried mushrooms, along with a variety of mushroom-themed products.
Another large mushroom grower in Pennsylvania is the Swayne family, who inspired others to take up mushroom production as their principal occupation due to their success and the attractive price of mushrooms in city markets. Many of the other mushroom farms in Pennsylvania are owned and operated by local families, with some being multigenerational farms passed down through multiple generations.
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Mushroom farming techniques
The state of Pennsylvania is the largest producer of mushrooms in the United States. More than 60% of all mushrooms produced in the US are grown in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. The majority of the white button mushrooms consumed in the US come from Pennsylvania farms, with the state accounting for 69% of the total volume of sales.
Mushroom farming requires specialized knowledge and techniques to ensure a successful crop. Here are some key considerations and practices for mushroom farming:
Environmental Conditions
Mushrooms require specific environmental conditions to thrive. Optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation are critical for mushroom growth. Commercial mushroom farms utilize climate-controlled facilities to maintain the ideal environment.
Substrate Preparation
Mushrooms grow on various substrates, including natural wood logs, compost, or other organic materials. Proper substrate preparation is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for mushroom growth. This includes proper sterilization and inoculation techniques to prevent contamination and ensure a healthy spawn.
Pest and Disease Management
Mushroom farms are susceptible to pests and diseases that can impact crop yield and quality. Sciarid flies, for example, have been a significant issue for Pennsylvania mushroom farmers. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) practices can help control pest populations and minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
Crop Monitoring and Harvesting
Regular monitoring of mushroom beds is crucial to identify any potential issues and ensure optimal growing conditions. Mushroom farmers must also determine the appropriate harvest time based on the desired variety and maturity of the mushrooms. Different species have distinct growth rates and characteristics, influencing the timing of harvesting.
Variety of Mushrooms
There are approximately 300 edible mushroom species, but only about 30 have been domesticated for commercial cultivation. Agaricus mushrooms, including white button, cremini, and portabella varieties, are the most commonly grown in Pennsylvania. However, specialty mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, and lion's mane, are also gaining popularity and can be grown on smaller specialty farms.
Marketing and Sales
Understanding the market demand and pricing for mushrooms is essential for commercial mushroom farmers. Pennsylvania mushroom growers benefit from the proximity to large urban markets, ensuring fresh produce reaches consumers quickly. Effective marketing strategies and maintaining relationships with buyers contribute to the success of the mushroom farming business.
By adopting these farming techniques and staying informed about advancements in the industry, mushroom farmers in Pennsylvania can optimize their yields, contribute to the local economy, and provide consumers with a consistent supply of high-quality mushrooms.
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Economic impact of the industry
Pennsylvania is the largest producer of mushrooms in the United States, with more than 60% of all mushrooms grown in the country produced in Kennett Square, PA, and its surrounding areas. The mushroom industry in Pennsylvania has a significant economic impact, with a footprint of $764 million, according to a 2017 economic study. The industry supports local firms and jobs, with nearly 8,600 people employed in mushroom farms in the state.
The economic impact of the mushroom industry in Pennsylvania can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the state's favourable conditions for mushroom growth have made it a hub for mushroom production. The industry has been present in the state for over 100 years, with many farms owned and operated by local families for multiple generations. The collaboration between Quakers, Italians, and Mexicans has also played a significant role in the industry's success, with each group contributing their unique skills and knowledge.
The ability to grow mushrooms indoors has also contributed to the economic impact of the industry. By growing mushrooms in controlled environments, farmers can produce mushrooms year-round, ensuring a consistent supply to meet market demands. Additionally, the ability to control the growing environment has allowed for the development of more efficient and economical growing techniques, further enhancing the industry's economic potential.
The value of sales for commercially grown specialty mushrooms in Pennsylvania has reached significant levels. In the 2022-2023 season, the value of sales totalled $86.7 million, with the average price received by growers at $5.45 per pound. During this season, growers produced 128 million pounds of certified organic mushrooms, with 50% of this total being sold as organic.
The economic impact of the mushroom industry in Pennsylvania extends beyond the direct sales of mushrooms. The industry also generates revenue from the sale of inputs used in mushroom production, such as spawn, casing, and compost. These sales bring money into the state from around the country, further contributing to the economic impact of the industry.
The mushroom industry in Pennsylvania has a significant economic impact, not only on the state but also on the country as a whole. The industry supports thousands of jobs, generates significant revenue, and contributes to the success of local firms. With continued advancements in growing techniques and a focus on fresh mushroom production, the economic impact of the mushroom industry in Pennsylvania is likely to remain strong.
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Frequently asked questions
There are at least seven types of mushrooms grown in Pennsylvania, including White Button, Crimini, Portabella, Shiitake, Oyster, Maitake, and Royal Trumpet®.
Pennsylvania accounts for 69% of the total volume of mushroom sales in the United States. Farms in Chester County, Pennsylvania, produce about 400 million pounds of mushrooms annually, which is about half of all mushrooms grown in the U.S.
The mushroom industry in Pennsylvania has a significant economic impact, with sales totaling $764 million in 2017 and contributing to local firms and job creation.
