Alternate casing substrate – providing review of research to date and an expert forum for future R&D investment (MU22009)

What's it all about?

This project is investigating the current situation regarding peat availability and existing research into finding suitable alternatives for mushroom growing.

The Australian mushroom industry uses approximately 150,000 tonnes of peat moss annually, a finite resource primarily imported from Europe. The Irish government has begun decommissioning peat bogs and peat extraction (planned to be completed by 2035). Germany and Western Europe are also starting to follow this approach. These developments will mean that peat will become more expensive and potentially challenging to acquire.

The findings from this initial research will inform the development of a long-term investment to identify alternative casing substrate options that maximise yield, quality, profitability, and sustainability.