Commercial Mushroom Cultivation Resources

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule designates specific fruit and vegetable commodities as either “covered” (subject to the Rule) or “not covered.” Mushrooms are a “covered” commodity under the FSMA, Produce Safety Rule (Title 21 CFR Part 112) which establishes standards for the growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce for human consumption.  Additionally, some small growing operations may be eligible for an exemption from this Rule, as determined during the annual farm registration process.

The Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) is a resource for those interested in cultivating mushrooms commercially. AZDA has a number of programs and services for commercial cultivators:

• AZDA registers commercial mushroom operations as “farms” through a no-cost, annual registration process. This free registration link can be accessed via the AZDA website.
• Periodically, AZDA offers a Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course for all fresh produce farms in Arizona. The course was developed by subject matter experts at Cornell University. This no-cost, remote course is delivered via the Zoom platform over two half-day sessions. 
• AZDA also provides voluntary, on-site consultation services to all Arizona fresh produce farms at no cost. Upon invitation, AZDA will gladly evaluate farm operations and provide recommendations on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to improve food safety.