Figures released by Bord Bia at the UK and Ireland-wide mushroom conference this Thursday show that the industry supports a large number of enterprises in Ireland, with 75 growers registered in the Republic and 40 in Northern Ireland, producing nearly 100,000t of produce annually. By contrast, Britain has a much more concentrated mushroom sector, with only 11 growers.

Mushrooms also provide a larger number of jobs on this island (3,389) than in Britain (2,889). Yet this is where the industry may be challenged.

Eugene Kiernan of Breffni Mushrooms told the Irish Farmers Journalthat sourcing staff was his main worry. “We’re looking at recruiting workers in Bulgaria,” he said.

Although IFA President Eddie Downey warned that the increase in the minimum wage decided in this week’s budget may affect labour-intensive farming businesses, Kiernan said this was not an issue in his case. Breffni Mushrooms have had a minimum wage of €9.10, thus the increase from €8.65 to €9.15 per hour will make little difference. His company also operates a system in which harvesters are able to earn more than the minimum wage as result of an additional piece rate.

”Almost 50% of horticultural output”

Tom Hayes, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with special responsibility for horticulture, told Thursday’s conference: “Accounting for almost 50% of the value of our edible horticultural output, the mushroom industry is by far the most important sector within Ireland’s horticultural industry. The strong export focus and high employment levels add further to the sector’s contribution to the Irish economy and especially the rural economy.”

Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill echoed his sentiments: “I’m encouraged to see Ireland and Britain coming together for this conference and trade show. I am delighted to say it continues to be a significant growth sector for the local economy, with turnover in the food and drinks industry heading towards £5bn. Recent statistics also show an increase in employment of 5% as well as increased exports of more than 7%. Clearly, we need to have a thriving farm production sector if we are to maintain a thriving food processing sector.”

Bord Bia estimates Ireland’s combined north and south mushroom production has a farmgate value of €173m. UK mushroom production is estimated to be worth £115m at farmgate level. Most of the Irish product is sold on the export market, with 80% exported each year. Bord Bia reported that mushroom sales remain steady both in Ireland and in the UK, Ireland’s most important export market.

There were 32 exhibitors at the trade show taking place in conjunction with the conference, with the latest equipment, machinery, renewable energy technology, packaging, supplies and growing facilities on display.