Stalker was talking with a local mushroom growing concern this month, getting the low down about life at the sharp end.
The proprietors were none too happy about the prices that they're now getting for the produce from some of the bigger companies.
They are now being squeezed even further, with a recent drop of 3 to 4 pence per pound of produce.
Further enquiries reveal that the marketing companies seem to have dropped their prices across the board.
The local grower stands no chance if marketing companies drive them into loss territory.
The perception on the ground is that the bigger companies can fill out orders with cut-price imports from Poland, thus shafting the Irish growers.
They simply cannot compete. The perception makes the sting of the revenue loss even sharper.
In the end the consumers will pay the price too, less fresh fresh produce, less confidence in the produce, even less choice, and also, no guarantee about where their mushrooms are really coming from.
Stalkercan perceive an eventual lose-lose situation arising. And who will be to blame?
