Hort Innovation is investing in a three-year program to strengthen capability across the Australian mushroom industry by improving access to international expertise, practical training and global networks.

Delivered in partnership with the Australian Mushroom Growers Association (AMGA), the program will provide growers and compost producers with targeted learning opportunities to improve production efficiency and apply proven techniques and technologies within their businesses.

The investment responds to ongoing industry challenges by focusing on practical, applied learning and stronger connections between growers, researchers and technical advisors both in Australia and internationally.

Dr Anthony Kachenko, General Manager, Production & Sustainability R&D at Hort Innovation explained what this means for the industry: “Access to global expertise is critical to building capability within the mushroom industry.”

“This program is focused on delivering practical insights growers can apply in their mushroom operations, while strengthening connections across the supply chain to support longer-term productivity and resilience.”

Over the 2026 to 2029 period, the program will deliver a structured mix of inbound and outbound study tours and learning activities designed to maximise accessibility and industry participation.

Inbound study tours will bring internationally recognised experts to Australia to deliver workshops across multiple growing regions, allowing industry participants to engage directly with practical solutions to current production challenges at low or no cost.

Outbound study tours will support selected Australian industry participants to attend international conferences, facilitated training and site visits to mushroom farms and compost production facilities. Participation will be partially funded through the Mushroom Fund Scholarship Program, awarded through a competitive selection process.

The program will be continuously informed by industry consultation and co-design to ensure activities are aligned to priority challenges and deliver tangible outcomes for growers and compost producers.

Leah Dennis at the Australian Mushroom Growers Association explained the value of the program for industry: “This program gives growers and compost producers access to global expertise, practical solutions and stronger industry connections, helping them improve performance and respond to ongoing production challenges.”

Through this investment, Hort Innovation aims to build a stronger culture of shared learning across the Australian mushroom industry and support the uptake of global best practice to improve productivity and business performance.

This project (MU25002) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the mushroom research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.