A large number of participants in the Northern Ireland mushroom industry met in Armagh recently and endorsed the launch of the Mushroom Industry Association of Northern Ireland (MIANI).
The meeting, with growers in attendance from all parts of  the north, heard how the Association had come to be set up, at a time when cheap imports and unfair competition was forcing NI growers out of business. In the past 5 years costs have risen and prices have fallen as supermarkets have used mushrooms in their fight for market share.
Speaking at the meeting, Gordon Orr (MIANI co-ordinator and spokesman) explained; " the sector has been under-represented for years and as a consequence has had no voice or influence in policy decisions affecting the mushroom industry. In contrast growers in the ROI can benefit from capital grants to modernise and become more efficient. This is an unfair advantage – Northern Ireland growers should be entitled to equal treatment."
  MIANI will represent all parts of the NI mushroom industry, lobbying government, liasing with the media and other bodies and also promoting the products of the industry. By focusing the relevant authorities, MIANI will seek solutions to concerns from each part of the mushroom sector.
The formation of MIANI has been welcomed by DARD minister Bríd Rodgers as a positive step; she has arranged to meet MIANI to hear the Association's views on the Vision report and other industry concerns.
Contact details: Gordon Orr, 9 Earlsfort, Moira, Craigavon, N.Ireland. BT67 0LY
Tel: 028 9261 1810, mob.07714235935
Em- gordon.orr@btinternet.com