Teagasc mushroom innovation day looks to automation and the future
Donal Gernon, Teagasc mushroom adviser; Alan Edwards, Mushroom Machine; Stefan Glibetic, Myconics; Rick Deryx, GTL/Limbraco; Sean O’Connor, 4AG; and Jan-Emiel Tack, TLT Automation at the mushroom innovation day.
A mushroom innovation day, hosted by Teagasc, brought together researchers, growers and technology providers to explore the future of mushroom production.
The event, hosted by Teagasc Horticulture Development Department, was held at the Ashtown Research Centre in Dublin, and focused on automation, sustainability, and peat-free growing systems, and the benefits they have for the future of mushroom production.
Acting head of the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department Dr Michael Gaffney highlighted the 78% increase in input costs the mushroom sector had faced since 2020.
He noted labour remains the most important input, accounting for 45.6% of mushroom production costs in Ireland, highlighting why advancements such as automation are critical to maintaining competitiveness.
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The opening session, chaired by Donal Gernon, Teagasc mushroom specialised adviser, showcased the leading international mushroom-harvesting technologies.
Attendees saw presentations from Rick Deryx (GTL/Limbraco), Sean O’Connor (4AG), Alan Edwards (Mushroom Machine), Jan-Emiel Tack (TLT Automation), and Stefan Glibetic (Myconics), highlighting the most advanced harvesting solutions currently available globally, offering Irish growers a valuable insight into how automation can support labour efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
Part of the innovation day included a visit to the Teagasc Mushroom Research Facility to view practical demonstrations on advancements from the Department of Agriculture-funded ‘Beyond Peat’ project in developing peat-free mushroom production.
Attendees were also shown developments in the use of biocontrol and biostimulants to manage disease in mushroom crops, illustrating how Teagasc research is closely aligned with industry needs.
Innovation has been a key feature of the development of Ireland’s mushroom sector. Dr Lael Walsh, senior research officer with Teagasc, delivered a presentation outlining how sustainability in its current context of sustainable innovation was a combination of three aspects: business, sustainability and innovation.
An industry panel session featuring Paul Wilson, Monaghan Mushrooms, Padraic O’Leary, Walsh Mushrooms, Dessie McGuigan, Goldcircle Mushrooms, and Leslie Codd, Codd Mushrooms, provided practical perspectives on the challenges facing the sector, including rising costs, labour availability, and market pressures, while also identifying pathways for adaptation and growth.
Closing the the event, Mr Gernon emphasised that: “While the industry is facing significant change due to rising input costs, labour pressures and sustainability requirements, Irish mushroom growers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to adapt.
“Automation and peat-free production are the next big changes. Investing in harvesting automation will no longer be optional if the Irish mushroom industry wants to maintain and grow its strong presence in the UK.”
