Mushroom cultivation consultant visits Jamaica CONSULTANT, MICKEY Foley, a specialist in mushroom cultivation, was in the island recently to assist local mushroom farmers increase production. According to Harold Graham, president of the Mushroom Growers' Association, Mr. Foley's visit was made possible under the United States Agency for International Development 'Farmer to Farmer' programme. "Mr. Foley made a few worthwhile suggestions on how to use improved technology in mushroom cultivation. He visited almost all of the mushroom farms," he said. Currently there are five active mushroom farmers in Kingston and St. Andrew and parts of St. Catherine. Noting that the mushroom industry has the potential to supply the local market, Mr. Graham said Jamaica had the capability to increase production of the delicacy. "The business is lucrative but there are a lot of problems such as farmers not getting the quality substrate, especially the grass that is required for adequate growth and is necessary in preventing contamination of the mushroom." Pasteurisation, he said, did not kill contaminants in the grass, especially mole spores. Jamaica is producing below two per cent of its mushroom consumption, which equates to approximately 5,000 kg. "Jamaica's production is just a little drop in the bucket. The industry needs financing from the Government as most of the effort is private," Mr. Graham explained. Source: Jamaica Information Service
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