Kiera Ebeling, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Interest in growing specialty mushrooms, such as oyster, shiitake, and lion’s mane, is on the rise. With this increasing popularity, there also comes a need for resources on how to maintain crop quality while minimizing food safety risks.
Specialty mushroom growers should be aware that while they don’t require a license from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets to begin growing, mushroom operations are considered “produce farms” that may need to comply with federal food safety standards called the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR). Growers can learn more about the Produce Safety Rule on the Agency website at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/food-safety/produce-program. Please reach out if you would like to discuss how your operation may need to comply with the FSMA PSR.
Another helpful resource is a factsheet called "Boosting the Quality and Safety of Specialty Mushrooms,” by author Mary Saucier Choate of UNH Extension. The factsheet outlines key considerations mushroom growers should consider for maintaining a high-quality crop. Cultivating mushrooms is a unique balance between beneficial and detrimental fungal growth. Cultivators often have a keen eye for monitoring microbial activity, which is the foundation of safe produce handling practices and a high quality crop.
Key produce safety considerations include:
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Worker Personal Hygiene/Health
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Pest Intrusion
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Water Quality
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Sanitary Handling of Harvest Containers, Surfaces, Tools
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Grow Room Sanitation
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Refrigeration
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Market Packaging
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Transportation
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Documentation
Find the full factsheet at https://extension.unh.edu/resource/boosting-quality-safety-specialty-mushrooms-fact-sheet.
The Vermont Produce Program is here to support you in evaluating produce safety risks and in finding reasonable, effective solutions. We support farms of all sizes and production types.
We offer individualized farm visits to discuss safe produce growing and handling practices, often referred to as On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR). Reach out now to schedule yours!
Have questions or want to get in touch? Contact AGR.Produce@vermont.gov or call 802-461-6152.