New Bill Seeks Crop Insurance for Mushroom Growers

By Blake Jackson

Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Dan Meuser have reintroduced the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, with companion bills introduced by Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick. This legislation aims to provide federally backed crop insurance for mushroom farms, addressing their unique vulnerabilities.

The bill mandates the USDA to conduct a study on offering crop insurance tailored to mushroom farms, which face threats like specific pests and weather conditions.

Upon demonstrating the efficacy of such insurance, the USDA would be authorized to implement it immediately.

Pennsylvania, particularly Chester County, is a hub for mushroom farming, contributing $1.1 billion to the state's economy and supporting over 9,000 jobs.

“Every time I speak with mushroom farmers in Chester and Berks Counties, they tell me about the unique threats they face,” said Houlahan.

“Pests like the Mushroom Phorid fly and the Mushroom Sciarid Fly are only found in mushroom houses, and the fungal pathogens they can carry destroy entire crops. It is time that the federal government step up to ensure our farms are protected and can be passed down to the next generation.”

"Pennsylvania leads the nation in mushroom production, with family-owned mushroom farms supporting more than 9,000 jobs and contributing more than $1.1 billion to our state's economy," Meuser said.

"It's essential that our family farms have access to the protections they need against potential threats to their crops, including the ability to secure crop insurance for unforeseen challenges. This legislation takes a responsible step toward evaluating how expanding crop insurance to mushroom farmers could strengthen their long-term viability."

McCormick underscored the economic significance of the mushroom industry in Kennett Square, noting, "USDA’s crop insurance program should be available to all farmers, and I’m hopeful that this yearlong study yields much needed coverage to protect Pennsylvania’s mushroom farmers."

“The mushroom industry is grateful to our Pennsylvania legislators for the reintroduction of this Act to give mushroom growers, nationwide, access to an important tool they need in their toolbox for the competitiveness and survival of wholly domestically produced fresh mushrooms in the United States,” said American Mushroom President Rachel Roberts.

“This bipartisan group is committed to this industry, which is committed to this country’s agricultural legacy.”

Houlahan has been a strong advocate for the mushroom industry, introducing legislation like the National Mushroom Day bill and working to include the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act in the Farm Bill.

Photo Credit: istock-guruxoox