FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2015
LOG GROWN MUSHROOMS NOW AN OFFICIAL FARM CROP IN NEW YORK
ITHACA, NY -- The Cornell Small Farms Program announces a new
development in the emerging log-grown mushroom industry; New York State
has officially designated "actively managed log-grown woodland
mushrooms" within the meaning of the term "crops, livestock and
livestock products," for purposes of provisions of law relating to
agricultural districts.
The bill, introduced by Bill Magee in the NYS Assembly and signed by
Governor Cuomo in September, means that farmers will be able to
designate lands used for cultivation as agricultural, leading to tax
breaks and other benefits.The provision further clarifies that mushrooms
are seen as a significant agricultural crop and designates the
intentional farming of mushrooms from wild harvesting.
Forest mushroom cultivation has recently been growing in popularity
among farmers, due to the abundance of forest resources and the relative
low-cost of startup operations. Cornell University has led an effort to
develop both cultivation procedures as well as look at the economics of
production. A 2009 -- 2012 research grant, where Cornell partnered with
University of Vermont and Chatham University, found that farmers could
make a profit in year two and make $9,000 in profit with a 500 log
operation over five years.
The legislative effort was led by Steve Sierigk of Hawk Meadow Farms in
Hector NY, Steve Gabriel, Agroforestry Specialist for Cornell Small
Farms Program, and Lindsay Wickham, Area Field Supervisor for New York
Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau drafted language and worked with assembly
members to introduce and ultimately pass the bill.
"Our deep appreciation goes to the NY Farm Bureau for their continued
efforts on behalf of farmers, " notes Gabriel, "Along with the economic
and environmental benefits of log-grown mushrooms, we can now offer
further benefit to New York farmers in the form of tax incentives for
growing."
The Cornell Small Farms Program offers research and outreach on
cultivation strategies and policy work, including factsheets, videos,
and an online course in mushroom cultivation. These items can be found
at www.cornellmushrooms.org <http://www.cornellmushrooms.org>.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Gabriel
Extension Agroforestry Specialist
Cornell Small Farms Program
www.CornellMushrooms.org <http://www.CornellMushrooms.org>
607.342.2825
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Lindsay Wickham
Area Field Supervisor
New York Farm Bureau
3348 Coykendall Rd.
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
607-535-3072
www.nyfb.org <http://www.nyfb.org>
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
--
Extension Agroforestry Specialist
Cornell Small Farms Program
[email protected]
smallfarms.cornell.edu
cornellmushrooms.org
--
Instructor
Board of Directors, Secretary
[email protected]
www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
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