Mushrooms can be a powerful way to diversify farm revenue—but success depends on choosing a model that aligns with your farm’s scale, infrastructure, and market realities.

This hands-on workshop focuses on the business and operational considerations of adding mushrooms to an existing farm. We’ll explore scalable production models, space and infrastructure requirements, startup and operating costs, labor planning, and how mushrooms can fit into (or strain) your current farm systems. Rather than diving deep into cultivation techniques, the emphasis is on decision-making: what size system makes sense, how quickly it can generate income, and what growth pathways look like over time.

You’ll compare different enterprise options—from fresh market sales to value-added products like tinctures—and examine how each impacts long-term scalability. By seeing real-world production systems in action, you’ll leave with a clear framework for evaluating whether mushrooms are a smart next step for your farm—and how to expand thoughtfully if they are.

This is a farm tour for fellow food producers only. The address will be shared with you after registration.

Pre-registration through the AB Tech Small Business Center is required. Click here to register

Cost: Free

Format: In-Person @ Forest Farmacy

Cohosted in collaboration with: NC Cooperative Extension, Empowering Mountain Food Systems (EMFS), and the AB Tech Small Business Center