Fewer growers producing more mushrooms
The census shows that, while mushroom production continues to increase, the number of growers has declined from 576 in 1997 to 409 in 2001.
A significant number of smaller growers have ceased production or have leased their units to other growers. The census reveals that a considerable number of committed growers have erected new production facilities and that new growers have also entered the industry in recent years.
Compiled by Teagasc mushroom advisers Gerry Walsh, Peter Leonard and Tom Kellegher, the census shows a total of 465 mushroom production units in the country, with total employment of over 4,400 full-time equivalents.
Monaghan is the largest producer, with 122 units, followed by Cavan, with 58 units. Roscommon has 38 units while Mayo and Tipperary have 36 and 33 units, respectively. Significant production is also taking place in Donegal, Wexford, Kildare, Longford and Galway. While mushrooms are now produced in every county, Clare, Cork, Laois, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford all have less than five production units.
The census also shows a trend towards new production systems called Dutch Shelf Farms, where the compost is placed in steel shelves rather than in bags or blocks.
This enables mechanical handling, significantly reducing labour requirements. A total of 20 Dutch Shelf Farms were established by the end of last year. Capital costs in switching to the new system are in excess of 100,000 and, according to Gerry Walsh of Teagasc, growers need a minimum of five mushroom tunnels before considering this investment.
Mr Walsh said growers need to be selling a minimum of 4,500kg (10,000lb) of mushrooms a week in order to be viable and be in a position to withstand economic and market shocks. Five years ago, a weekly output of 2,250kg was a viable level of production.
He said one of the more significant market features in recent years was the emergence of Polish mushrooms on the EU market.
Polish labour costs are around one-third those in Ireland, which gives them a significant marketing advantage.
“Poland is now a major supplier of mushrooms to the German market. This has led to Dutch exporters switching back to the British market, leading to pressure for Irish exports.
“The fact that Irish mushrooms have developed a high reputation in the major British supermarkets gives us a strong advantage in the current difficult marketing environment,” he said.
