WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pennsylvania’s signature mushroom industry is at the center of new bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA). The Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, reintroduced on February 26, aims to address a longstanding gap in federal crop insurance for mushroom farmers, a vital sector of the state’s economy. Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Dan Meuser (R-PA-09).
Pennsylvania, known as the “mushroom capital of the world,” accounts for nearly half of all mushrooms grown in the United States, with Chester County alone producing a substantial proportion. This critical agricultural sector is responsible for contributing $1.3 billion annually to the state’s economy and supporting over 9,000 jobs. Yet, mushroom farmers have long lacked access to federally-backed crop insurance, leaving them vulnerable to threats like inclement weather, pests, and fungal pathogens unique to their operations.
“Pennsylvania is the mushroom capital of the world, and our mushroom farmers deserve access to the same insurance as so many other producers – that’s just common sense,” said Senator Fetterman, emphasizing the urgency of passing this legislation after previous efforts to include it in the Farm Bill proposals.
The Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a thorough study on providing crop insurance specific to mushrooms. If the study demonstrates the efficacy of such a program, USDA would immediately gain the authority to implement it. This would provide farmers with a safety net against devastating losses while ensuring the protection of this vital economic sector.
Senator McCormick also stressed the importance of this step for the local economy. “Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, employs nearly 10,000 people and contributes nearly $3 billion to the local economy,” McCormick noted. “USDA’s crop insurance program should be available to all farmers, and I’m hopeful this study will lead to much-needed coverage for mushroom farmers.”
Agricultural challenges like the Mushroom Phorid Fly and Sciarid Fly—pests unique to mushroom farming—compound the risks faced by growers. “It is time that the federal government step up to ensure our farms are protected and can be passed down to the next generation,” said Rep. Houlahan, reinforcing the vital role of these protections for families and local businesses.
Advocates for the mushroom industry, such as Rachel Roberts, President of the American Mushroom Institute, praised the bipartisan effort as a necessary step to support the entirely domestically produced mushroom market. “This bipartisan group is committed to this industry, which is committed to this country’s agricultural legacy,” Roberts stated.
Looking ahead, the reintroduction of the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act signals promising momentum for Pennsylvania growers and mushroom farmers nationwide. If implemented, the legislation could safeguard a critical segment of American agriculture, protect tens of thousands of jobs, and bolster long-term economic stability for a sector that touches both rural communities and broader national markets.
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