Mushroom industry gathers for 23rd North American Mushroom Conference
Mushroom industry gathers for 23rd North American Mushroom Conference
The mushroom industry held the 23rd North American Mushroom Conference Jan. 22-24 at the Intercontinental Resort & Casino in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The mushroom farm community, currently embracing the success and preparing for the strong sales potential of the meat and mushroom blend, had much to celebrate and share throughout the conference.
The blend was creatively served by the talented hospitality staff of the Intercontinental. Chef Efrain Cruz showcased mushroom versatility by featuring different varieties into plantain soup and other traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Chef Cruz embraced the mushroom blend in 50/50 beef and mushroom meatballs for the opening reception and in a hearty meatloaf for the buffet lunch.
“The concept absolutely makes sense, especially in hotel dining where it keeps dishes juicy through long serving time while enhancing flavor, and blends seamlessly into our traditional banquet offerings,” Cruz said about the versatility of the blend.
Conference sessions featured presentations on global food trends, social media and measuring marketing return on investment to encourage mushroom shippers to best take advantage of the growing blend trend.
Additional sessions shared the latest in leadership, team management and growing techniques to support the industry in continuously producing high-quality mushrooms for the expanding market demand.
The warm and sunny location drew 300 participants including representatives from 45 North American mushroom farm operations, 25 exhibitors showcasing supplies, services and equipment, international researchers and farm management experts.
The business sessions concluded with a presentation by Curtis Jurgensmeyer of J-M Farms, who incorporated his operation’s struggle in his presentation, To the Brink and Back, which explored production struggles, staff and family tragedies and natural disasters before returning to a period of success and growth.
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden also spoke on the future of agriculture and she encouraged mushroom growers to maintain the strong spirit of family and perseverance common in the mushroom industry. She shared the need to continuously communicate industry needs with Washington officials to work together in promoting U.S. agriculture.