Teagasc Mushroom Innovation Day Highlights Advances Mushroom Automation and Future Path for Irish Growers

It brought together growers, researchers, and technology providers to explore the future of mushroom production, with a strong focus on automation, sustainability, and peat-free growing systems.

Opening the Mushroom Innovation Day, Dr Michael Gaffney, Acting Head of the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department, highlighted the 78% increase in input costs the mushroom sector has faced since 2020. He noted that labour continues to be the most important input, comprising 45.6% of the production costs of mushrooms in Ireland and this highlights why advancements such as automation are critical to maintaining competitiveness.

The opening session, chaired by Donal Gernon, Teagasc Mushroom Specialised Advisor, showcased the leading international mushroom-harvesting technologies. Presentations from Rick Deryx (GTL/Limbraco), Sean O’Connor (4AG), Alan Edwards (Mushroom Machine), Jan-Emiel Tack (TLT Automation), and Stefan Glibetic (Myconics) highlighted the most advanced harvesting solutions currently available globally, offering Irish growers a valuable insight into how automation can support labour efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

Attendees at the Innovation Day visited Teagasc’s Mushroom Research Facility to view practical demonstrations on advancements from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded ‘Beyond Peat’ project in developing peat free mushroom production, and developments in the use of biocontrol and biostimulants to manage disease in mushroom crops, illustrating how Teagasc research is closely aligned with industry needs.

Innovation has been a key feature of the development of Ireland’s Mushroom sector. Dr. Lael Walsh, Senior Research Officer with Teagasc, delivered a presentation outlining how sustainability in its current context of sustainable innovation is a combination of three aspects: business, sustainability and innovation. Dr Walsh said, ‘There is an opportunity for Irish companies to refocus efforts on building brand recognition to reach the consumer directly, exploiting sustainable innovation credentials to promote product, diversify distribution channels and generate a better price in the marketplace.’

An industry panel session featuring Paul Wilson, Monaghan Mushrooms, Padraic O’Leary, Walsh Mushrooms, Dessie McGuigan, Goldcircle Mushrooms and Leslie Codd, Codd Mushrooms, provided practical perspectives on the challenges facing the sector, including rising costs, labour availability, and market pressures, while also identifying pathways for adaptation and growth.

Speaking at the close of the event, Teagasc’s Donal Gernon emphasised that ‘while the industry is facing significant change due to rising input costs, labour pressures and sustainability requirements, Irish mushroom growers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to adapt.’ He added that ‘Automation and peat-free production are the next big changes. Investing in harvesting automation will no longer be optional if the Irish mushroom industry wants to maintain and grow its strong presence in the UK.’