Valorisation of spent mushroom compost

CMP (Commercial Mushroom Producers) is one of Europe’s leading horticultural producer organisations. Their business is focused on developing a quality, sustainable and competitive industry in Ireland. They were established as a co-operative in 1999 and represent 90% of Irish mushroom production and growers. CMP represent over 40 mushroom growers and have a combined annual turnover of around €200million, its members employ circa 3,000 people.

Productivity levels of compost for mushrooms has a fundamental impact on the revenue potential for this sector. Recent events at a global level (Brexit) were devastating for the sector and even just the risk of Brexit resulted in a number of mushroom producers going out of business. All elements that may therefore result in greater productivity for minimal input will greatly support this sector. The project with Shannon ABC was built around this support. We screened mushroom compost at varying stages of use, producing a biological and chemical fingerprint of the compost, linked to productivity levels.