Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA) have reintroduced the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, with Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09) introducing a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the feasibility of federally-backed crop insurance for mushroom farms, which face unique threats such as inclement weather and pests like the Mushroom Phorid Fly and Mushroom Sciarid Fly. If the study confirms the need, the USDA would have the authority to offer insurance coverage to mushroom farmers.
Pennsylvania is the leading mushroom producer in the U.S., with nearly half of the nation's mushrooms grown in Chester County. The industry contributes $1.3 billion to Pennsylvania's economy and supports over 9,000 jobs.
Senator Fetterman emphasized the importance of ensuring mushroom farmers have access to the same insurance protections as other producers, calling it "common sense." He noted the bill's previous inclusion in House and Senate Farm Bill proposals and called for its passage.
Senator McCormick highlighted the economic impact of mushroom farming in Kennett Square, PA, the "mushroom capital of the world," which employs nearly 10,000 people and contributes $3 billion to the local economy. He expressed optimism that the USDA's study will lead to needed coverage for mushroom growers.
Congresswoman Houlahan noted that pests unique to mushroom houses can destroy entire crops, underscoring the need for federal support. Congressman Meuser stressed the importance of securing crop insurance to protect family-owned farms and their role in Pennsylvania's agricultural economy.
Rachel Roberts, President of the American Mushroom Institute, expressed gratitude for the bipartisan effort, calling crop insurance an "important tool" for ensuring the competitiveness and survival of the U.S. mushroom industry.
As a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, Senator Fetterman has been an advocate for Pennsylvania's mushroom farmers. In June 2024, he led a bipartisan letter to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) addressing concerns over a proposed new standard for organic mushrooms. He also introduced the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act in the previous Congress alongside Senator Casey, Rep. Houlahan, and Rep. Meuser, securing its inclusion in last year's Farm Bill proposals.
With bipartisan support, lawmakers hope the legislation will provide much-needed protections to the mushroom industry, helping growers mitigate risks and maintain long-term viability.
For more information:
Senator Fetterman
Tel: +1 (215) 241-1090
www.fetterman.senate.gov
