WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE MUSHROOMS BUSINESS?

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE MUSHROOMS BUSINESS?

It seems that the future of the mushroom business is literally sprouting right before our eyes — yet nobody in government seems to be paying attention. This opportunity cuts across several Cabinet departments — the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and even the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

So here’s the question: Who will lead?

Mushrooms are no longer just food. They are now at the center of a global revolution in sustainability, technology, and circular economy design. From construction materials to packaging, from fashion to robotics — fungi are quietly transforming industries. The “mushroom boom,” as some analysts call it, may well become the next billion-dollar green opportunity.

But again, how do we, as a country, handle this opportunity?

From Farms to Laboratories

Traditionally, mushroom farming has been seen as an agricultural side business — something small-scale farmers could grow in sheds or backyards. But the new science of mycelium, the root-like network of fungi, is redefining that picture. Mycelium can grow on agricultural waste and form strong, lightweight, biodegradable materials that can replace plastics, bricks, packaging foam, and even leather.

In California, a 300-unit housing project is using mycelium insulation, a fire-resistant, thermally efficient, and compostable material. In Europe, companies like Ecovative and MycoWorks are producing mycelium-based leather for high-end fashion brands. Meanwhile, researchers are now experimenting with living fungi that can act as bio-sensors — able to conduct electricity, sense pressure, and even “learn” environmental patterns.

Imagine that — a world where walls, shoes, and even computer circuits are not manufactured, but grown.

Opportunities for the Philippines

This new mushroom industry is tailor-made for the Philippines. Our climate, agricultural byproducts, and abundance of biomass (such as rice husks, coconut coir, and corn stalks) are perfect substrates for mushroom cultivation.

We could grow mushrooms vertically in unused urban spaces — vacant homes, idle warehouses, and even rooftops. Mushroom farms could sprout in barangays, cooperatives, and eco-villages. Why not integrate mushroom farming into farm schools and technical-vocational programs?

Mushrooms are both a livelihood opportunity and a technology platform. Farmers can sell fresh or dried mushrooms, while entrepreneurs can venture into small-scale processing — mushroom chips, powders, supplements, or even mycelium-based packaging.

The market potential is undeniable. Globally, the mushroom industry is projected to grow from USD 60 billion in 2023 to USD 115.8 billion by 2030, nearly doubling in value. Asia-Pacific already dominates 78% of the global market — with China as the largest producer and consumer.

Shouldn’t the Philippines at least secure a small slice of that mushroom pie?

A Call for a National Roadmap

The question now is: Does the government have a roadmap for the mushroom industry?

Right now, mushroom development seems scattered among different agencies. The DA handles cultivation. The DTI supports processing and trade. The DOST looks at research and technology. The DENR oversees waste utilization and circular economy initiatives. Yet, without a lead agency, this opportunity risks becoming everyone’s business and therefore, no one’s responsibility.

Perhaps it is time for a National Mushroom Development Council, similar to what we have for coconut or sugar. This council could harmonize efforts, link universities and Technology Business Incubators (TBIs), and coordinate research into new fungi-based materials.

Mushroom R&D need not be limited to food. We should also invest in bio-composites, biodegradable packaging, and mycelium textiles. The DOST and our state universities could establish “Mycelium Innovation Hubs” to explore product development, material testing, and export potential.

Who Will Go Into R&D?

That’s another question. Who will lead the research and development of mushroom-based products in the country? Our universities already have scientific talent. What they need is direction, funding, and connection to industry.

We also need partnerships with the private sector. If local cooperatives can grow the mushrooms, and local startups can process them into value-added products, then the mushroom economy can become a model for inclusive innovation — one that links science, agriculture, and small enterprise.

Why the Future is Made of Mushrooms

Beyond food, mushrooms symbolize the next step toward a circular, regenerative economy. They feed on waste, grow fast, and return nutrients to the soil. They embody the idea of sustainability more than any other crop.

Functional mushrooms — such as reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps — are also making waves in the health and wellness sector as superfoods and natural supplements. The rise of vegan and health-conscious consumers is fueling global demand.

So again, who will lead this movement in the Philippines? Will it be the DA? The DOST? The DTI? Or should the private sector take the initiative and compel the government to follow?

The Way Forward

The future of the mushroom business is clear — it’s global, green, and growing. What is not clear is whether our government is ready to support it with coherent policy, funding, and R&D infrastructure.

If the future is indeed made of mushrooms, then let’s make sure the Philippines doesn’t end up just watching others harvest it.

The time to act is now — before this new industry grows elsewhere and leaves us behind once again.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres

iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-30-2026

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