As the future of imported casing material is uncertain, a recent Hort Innovation levy-funded project reviewed the viability of existing alternatives and new research into future materials.

Recently contracted project MU22011 is developing guidelines for best practice management within mushroom supply chains, from farm to retail store. The project aim is to ensure that shoppers are presented with fresh, unbruised, and all-round glamorous mushrooms every time they go shopping (Figure 1). With many, if not most, purchases decided in store, good quality is a key strategy to reverse recent drops in sales.

Stringent food safety requirements have left some Mushroom farmers concerned regarding the requirements for compost pasteurisation. The Australian Mushroom growers association has collated evidence around the typical composting process, including information on included times and temperatures used, plus supporting data demonstrating that this eliminated human pathogens.

After submission to the HARPS stakeholder committee, this composting process has now been formally recognised as an alternate treatment process.

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi found in virtually every soil, everywhere, and is often the number one enemy of the healthy, productive mushroom farm. New research is now shedding light on not only why this fungus is such a problem during Agaricus production, but also some potential new control strategies.

Combining an interest in mycology with 30 years’ experience as a mathematician, grower John Ward was eager to apply his knowledge in the growing rooms of his exotic mushroom farm nestled in Victoria’s high country. John has helped developed AI technology that can monitor mushroom growth stages through image recognition and sensors.

This month, our resident Doctor Agaricus was asked about foaming, a disease spotted in Europe.

Foaming is as an abiotic disorder that mainly affects the Heirloom variety marketet by Amcel. We asked Tim Harker from Amycel UK and Ireland to help explain what it is, and if it could be a problem in Australia.

Collaborating with research partner FOODiQ (formally NRAUS) and chef Adam Moore, the AMGA has engaged two leading examples of the institutional food sector to educate food and health care professionals about the unique nutritional benefits of Australian-grown Agaricus bisporus mushrooms.

With the current landscape of consumer behaviour heavily impacted by the cost of living crisis, brands must adapt their marketing strategies to stay competitive. Aligned with the 2022-2026 Mushroom Fund Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), the Hort Innovation marketing team has devised a new three-pillar strategy. The key components of the strategy are win the mind, win at point of purchase and win the future.