Sales and volumes of U.S.-grown mushrooms both increased in the 2013-14 season.
About 900 million pounds were produced in 2013-14, up 1% from the season before, according to an Aug. 20 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The U.S. mushroom crop was valued at $1.12 billion, also up 1% from 2012-13. The average per-pound price of mushrooms during the 2013-14 season was $1.24, comparable to the season before.
Production, sales and average price all were up in industry leader Pennsylvania. About 572 million pounds were produced last season in Pennsylvania, up from 545 million pounds the season before. Sales in the Keystone State rose from $509 million to $540 million, and average per-pound price from 93 cents to 94 cents.
Production and sales were down but average price up in industry No. 2 California. About 102 million pounds were produced, down from 118 million pounds in 2012-13. Sales fell from $207 million to $190 million in the Golden State, but per-pound price increased from $1.75 to $1.87.
About 348 growers produced mushrooms last season in the U.S., 44 more than in 2012-13.
Source: www.thepacker.com
