The All Ireland Mushroom Conference and Trade Show took place in Monaghan recently, where delegates discussed how Ireland’s mushroom industry can ‘Maintain the Momentum’. The conference, sponsored by Bord Bia, brought together over 150 growers, scientists and suppliers from all 32 counties of Ireland.

 The event, themed ‘Maintain the Momentum’, was jointly opened by Mr. Shane McEntee T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Food Safety, Forestry and Horticulture and Mr. Gerry Lavery, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland. 

 Opening the conference Minister McEntee stated that “The mushroom industry is one of the success stories of Irish agriculture over the past 30 years.”

Commenting on the theme of the conference, Minister McEntee said, “it was the momentum currently being enjoyed by the mushroom industry which would help in Ireland’s economic recovery along with the rest of the agri-food sector. There is general agreement on the importance of agriculture and the agri-food sector locally, nationally and internationally. I am optimistic that this vitally important, indigenous sector can help lead Ireland’s economic recovery.”

 Mr. Gerry Lavery, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, added "Having made considerable progress in the last few years, it is important for mushroom growers and other players within the industry to protect their gains. 

 The undertaking of relevant research and development is essential if the gains are to be protected. The ongoing Memorandum of Understanding for Research and Development between our two jurisdictions has proved a highly effective way to work together to share information for the benefit if the industry on the island of Ireland”.

 Other speakers at the conference included, Helen Grogan from Teagasc and Mairead Kilpatrick of the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, who updated the industry on the latest research findings. Dr. Ralph Noble discussed peat replacement while Gerry Walsh of Teagasc discussed spent mushroom compost. Dr. Siobhan Jordan covered changes in SMS waste definition with Michal Slawski of Bord Bia closing the conference by highlighting market issues.

 Additional presentations covered various technical aspects of production such as Post Harvest Cooling and Quality and energy. The trade show featured at least 44 exhibitors and showcased the latest equipment, machinery, renewable energy technology, packaging, supplies and growing facilities. 

 Bord Bia estimates that the combined north and south mushroom production has a farm gate value of €132 million. The majority of this production is sold on the export market, with 80 per cent exported each year. Bord Bia reported that mushroom sales remain steady both in Ireland and in the UK, Ireland’s most important export market.

 According to Michal Slawski, Development and Marketing Specialist, Bord Bia, “Both the UK and Irish mushroom markets are showing steady growth, both in volume and in value and the €2.4 million three year EU co-sponsored mushroom promotion in the UK is helping by increasing sales in the target audience.”

 The organising committee for this years’ event included representatives from Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Bord Bia, CMP, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, IFA, Sylvan, Teagasc, the Ulster Farmers Union and Walsh Mushrooms.