OTTAWA — The Canadian Mushroom Growers’ Association will get up to $344,100 in marketing dollars from the federal government.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced the AgriMarketing program contribution to the organization — also known as Mushrooms Canada — April 4.
The involved project will promote Canadian mushrooms in both Canada and the U.S.
Mushrooms Canada President Mike Medeiros said the effort will include “new messaging surrounding the healthfulness and versatility of mushrooms,” allowing producers in this country to continue growing their business.
Canadian mushroom growers produced 132,589 metric tonnes of mushrooms in 2020, the fifth consecutive year-over-year increase in production. Ontario and British Columbia are the leading producing provinces of mushrooms, together accounting for over 90% of total production.
Canadian mushrooms had an export value of $361 million in 2020, with 97% of that going to the U.S.
“As Canadian mushroom production continues to increase, industry continues to look for opportunities in domestic and export markets. This investment will help the industry seize these new opportunities, which brings economic benefits for Canada’s mushroom growers and fosters long-term growth for Canada’s agricultural sector,” Bibeau said.