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Mushroom industry statistics from 2004
Summary
Similar to other vegetable industries, mushrooms are a small industry
within the region with a gross value of production of approximately
$1.4 million. There are two mushroom farms in the region, one in
Benalla, and one in Kergunyah (Indigo Shire).
North East Region |
1996 – 97
AG Census |
2000 – 01
AG Census |
2004 AAVAF Survey
Results |
Gross value of production |
$436,301 |
$401,905 |
$1,360,000 |
Production volume (kg) |
104,000 |
91,812 |
166,000 |
Total area of production (ha) |
0.50 |
0.42 |
0.66 |
Contribution to Victorian GVP
of commodity |
0.7% |
0.7% |
|
Contribution to Australian
GVP of commodity |
0.3% |
0.2% |
|
Estimated number of farms |
1 |
1.18 |
2 |
Source: ABS Agricultural Census 1997 and 2001, AAVAF Survey 2004
Mushroom industry overview
Mushrooms are grown in air-conditioned coolrooms, with no particular
advantages or disadvantages for location in the AlpValleys.
The mushroom industry has been identified as one of the three fastest
crop growing industries established in Australia since the 1950’s.
Domestic production expanded at an average annual rate of 10% per
annum between the 1970’s and the 1990’s.
The Australian industry overall is still growing, with 3 – 5%
growth rates predicted over the next four years (Source: State of
the Mushroom Industry: AMGA 2004). However, supply is being dominated
by large producers (eg. Chiquita) who have been buying out smaller
growers throughout Australia.
Detail |
Comments |
Product description |
Fresh mushrooms |
Main season |
Not seasonal |
Industry associations |
Australian Mushroom Growers Association |
Domestic market information |
Mushrooms sell for approximately $17.00 per
4 kilogram box, or $14,250 per tonne, and are sold through
intermediaries such as agents and wholesalers |
Export market information |
Interviewees stated a small percentage of their
mushrooms were exported to Asia |
Source: AAVAF Survey 2004
Projected mushroom industry growth
|
Source |
Indicator |
Comments |
(ABS) AG Census and survey
data |
Growth in production volume 1997 to 2001 |
Mushroom production decreased by 11.7% during
this period based on ABS Survey data. However, producers contacted
directly indicated slow but steady growth in production. |
Surveys |
Current profitability |
Survey responses varied between high and low
levels of profitability. |
5 year business plans |
No change reported. |
5 year business outlook |
Stated as satisfactory. |
Business planning / budgeting |
Was not undertaken by those surveyed. |
Age of producers |
Were in the age brackets 40 to 49 and 60 plus
years. |
Capital expenditure 2002-03 financial year |
Was very high at between $100,000 and $375,000,
representing an average of 80% of gross income. |
Mushroom industry labour requirements
Detail |
Large scale mushroom
growers make use of full time, part time and particularly casual
labour. Up to 20 casual employees may be required for large
scale operations, and from between 1-8 full and part time staff.
Smaller operations have a small casual labour requirement if
at all. |
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Areas of indirect employment |
Suppliers, transport providers, buyers - agents
and wholesalers. |
Labour market issues |
Labour costs represent approximately 25% of
gross income of those surveyed. Respondents stated there was
a lack of suitable labour for their operations. |
Mushroom industry marketing activities
Detail |
Comments |
Marketing undertaken |
Little marketing required to be undertaken
by growers individually. The Australian Mushroom Growers Association
represents growers by preparing brochures. |
Value adding activities |
Some growers undertake prepackaging of mushrooms
for the domestic market on premises. |
Labels and brands |
Kergunyah Mushrooms, Benalla Mushrooms |
Mushroom industry strategic advantages and opportunities
- Close access and good relationships with fresh distributors in
Wodonga, Wangaratta and Benalla
- Established growers with well-established
markets
Mushroom industry strategic disadvantages and impediments to growth
- Labour availability
- Over production that leads to a flooding of the market and lower
price received by mushroom growers
- Access to key markets and competing against large industry players
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