Local Mushroom farms may be set to benefit from a new Government support package The state is to deliver two Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR) schemes to improve efficiencies in the mushroom sector. The two schemes with a budget of €5 million will support growers, pack houses and compost yards in developing efficiencies lost as a result of Brexit. The funds will provide up to 40% grant assistance towards the capital cost of specialised equipment and facilities to increase the efficiency and sustainability of mushroom growing, packing and processing.
In addition funds of slightly more than €1M will be used by Bord Bia to promote Irish Mushrooms in the UK. Approximately 80-85% of Irish production is exported to the UK. Given the short shelf life of mushrooms and the tight margins experienced by the sector, exporting to continental Europe is not considered to be viable. The schemes are now open for applications until July 28th.
The mushroom sector had a farm gate value of approximately €130 million in 2022.
