Is growing mushrooms profitable as a business?

Where to start and how to make a plan

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it's essential to develop a business plan for industrial mushroom cultivation. This begins with studying sanitary standards and regulations, recommendations from authorized government agencies, and, of course, cultivation technologies. Once all the necessary information has been collected and analyzed, it's time to look for a location. Here, you need to determine the volume. For example, 2-3 tons of produce per year are grown on a 100 square meter area. The best option is construction, but renting a space is also possible.

The next thing you'll need to grow mushrooms at home is mycelium, which is soil containing mushroom pores. Don't fall for cheap, dubious offers. Buy only from sellers with genuine, positive customer reviews. Alternatively, you can order compost from Belarus.

If you're planning to grow mushrooms on an industrial scale, you'll also need to think about advertising. A harvest of more than 100 kg will be difficult to sell on your own. Therefore, you can sell the mushrooms to resellers or grocery stores. However, the latter option will require special documentation.

The profitability of this business can be calculated by analyzing the market situation. For a long time, imported products dominated the Russian market. Polish champignons never languished on shelves. Demand exceeded supply. Now, domestic producers are entering the arena. Why not join them?

What you might encounter when growing

Mushroom cultivation has its risks. Beginners without experience shouldn't immediately launch large-scale operations. Mushroom cultivation is a seemingly simple process, but without experience, production can be ruined right from the start. Mushrooms can be affected by bacteria or diseases. This can only be prevented by maintaining optimal conditions in the nursery. Market analysis should also be considered. While this business is quite profitable, it may not be in demand in rural areas.

Harvesting and marketing of products

Harvesting must also be done correctly: mushrooms are not pulled out or cut, but twisted. It's best to store champignons in 3-4 kg containers. The harvest will keep for up to 12 days at temperatures between 0 and -4°C.

Profitability also depends on product marketing. If you've become an excellent mushroom grower but haven't been able to sell your produce, you won't make a profit from your business. There are various sales options. You can sell directly at the market or distribute to small wholesalers. It's more profitable to sell mushrooms through chain stores and catering services. You should start looking for customers while you're still waiting for the harvest.

Of course, mushrooms can be sold not only fresh, but also pickled, canned, or brined. Freezing and drying are expensive, but they are also a way to preserve the harvest.

How much money will it take to get started?

To answer the question of whether mushroom production is profitable, you need to determine the financial investment. For a small business, 30,000–40,000 rubles is enough to get started. However, if you're planning an industrial-scale operation, you'll need at least half a million rubles in investment. The following are typical expenses: business registration, equipment, vehicle and mycelium purchase, advertising expenses, and unforeseen expenses.

Selecting equipment

If you want to grow mushrooms, you'll need to purchase specialized equipment or rent or buy a space that already has everything you need. You can't grow mushrooms without:

• good ventilation system;
• lighting systems;
• steam generator and hot water boiler.

To store the grown mushrooms, you will need refrigeration chambers.

How to register a business and what documents are required

To legalize your business, you'll need to register it. You'll need the following documentation:

• certificate of registration of individual entrepreneur;
• owner's passport details;
• application for opening a business;
• a document confirming payment of the state fee.

Choosing a tax system for registration

For those considering mushroom cultivation as a business, a tax system that uses a single tax is suitable.

Do you need permission to open?

A permit is required to open a business, and this is perhaps the most problematic aspect of this business. The following documents are required:

• declaration of conformity with GOST;
• special instructions for storing and transporting mushrooms;
• Phytosanitary Service Certificate;
• a document that confirms that radiological control has been passed.

Video: "The Process of Growing Mushrooms"

In this video, you'll learn how mushrooms are grown and whether you can make money from it.