What was it all about?

This investment strengthened the Australian mushroom industry’s ability to identify, manage and respond to food safety, biosecurity and reputational risks. The project established and maintained an industry-wide crisis and reputation risk management framework, supported by ongoing monitoring, training and stakeholder engagement.  

The project updated risk management plans, monitored media and emerging issues, delivered media and crisis management training, and provided growers with practical resources to manage reputation risks. Outputs included webinars, podcasts, fact sheets, communication materials and farm-level reputation risk management tools. Consumer resources were also developed to help distinguish commercially grown mushrooms from wild mushrooms and reinforce food safety messages.  

The project addressed the increasing risk that food safety incidents, biosecurity threats, misinformation and other issues can quickly affect industry reputation and consumer trust. It recognised the need for a structured industry approach to crisis preparedness and response in a fast-moving media environment.  

The project has improved industry preparedness, strengthened communication and response processes, and increased grower awareness of reputation risk management. The tools, training and governance structures developed through the project will help growers and industry organisations manage future risks, maintain consumer confidence and support the long-term sustainability of the Australian mushroom industry.