The Cardoncelli mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) season has arrived, though it is not easy for growers to find the necessary substrates for cultivation. Availability is, in fact, low, which is also reflected in a low supply of the mushrooms themselves.
© Agri Funghi Basilicata s.s.a.Offering an overview of the current dynamics that are characterising the production and availability of mushroom substrates is Filippo Lupo of Agri Funghi Basilicata, a company specialising in the production and sale of substrates and goods throughout almost the entire year.
"Over the past two to three years, companies in the sector have been facing major production difficulties, mainly due to climate change. This situation has led to a progressive disinterest on the part of growers, and thus to a reduction of mushroom farm areas. The main cause is the economic losses caused by the excessively high temperatures in autumn, which have had a direct impact on the quality of the mushrooms."
The substrate damage caused by the high temperatures pushed farmers to further reduce their cultivated plots. "We only produce based on actual customer demand to avoid unsold product. The difference from last year is that this autumn, temperatures are more in line with the period (or even below). This time, many growers manifested their intention to plant mushrooms late, but the availability of substrates is limited to those who have booked them in advance."
© Agri Funghi Basilicata s.s.a.
Despite the general decline in interest and availability, Agri Funghi Basilicata is showing signs of a counter-trend. "Our company is recording a growth in production (+20% in substrate production), so we are growing again this year. We will start burying the blocks within the next 10 days, so that we will have fresh mushrooms for the Christmas period. We expect to plant about 80,000 blocks, with activities continuing until the end of February."
For more information:
Agri Funghi
S.S. 598 val d'Agri km 110
75023 Montalbano Jonico (MT) - Italy
(+39) 346/6940121
[email protected]
www.agrifunghi.it
