On February 27, 2025, Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick introduced a bill in the Senate called the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act. In the House of Representatives, Chrissy Houlahan and Dan Meuser introduced the same bill. The goal is to help mushroom farms get crop insurance, just like other farmers.

According to Fetterman, “Pennsylvania is the mushroom capital of the world.” He believes mushroom farmers should have the same insurance as other farmers– this is just “common sense.” He thanked other lawmakers for supporting this bill last year and said it’s time to finally pass it.

Almost 50% of all mushrooms in the country come from Chester County, Pennsylvania. The mushroom industry brings $1.3 billion to Pennsylvania and supports more than 9,000 jobs.

The bill would make the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study how to provide federal crop insurance for mushroom farms. If the study shows that insurance is needed and can work, the USDA can start offering it right away. Pennsylvania is the biggest mushroom-growing state in the U.S.

Senator McCormick also talked about the importance of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the “mushroom capital.” He said mushroom farming provides almost 10,000 jobs and brings nearly $3 billion to the local economy. He believes mushroom farmers should get the same protections as other farmers and hopes the study will lead to real insurance coverage.

Congressman Meuser pointed out that family-run mushroom farms employ over 9,000 people and bring in more than $1.1 billion for the state. He said, “It’s important that our  farms can get crop insurance to protect against unexpected problems. I believes this bill is a step toward making sure mushroom farms can survive in the long run.”

Congresswoman Houlahan spoke about the unique problems mushroom farmers face, like pests that only exist in mushroom farms. She mentioned the Mushroom Phorid Fly and the Mushroom Sciarid Fly, which spread diseases that can destroy entire crops. She said, “Farmers tell me these pests can ruin a whole harvest, and they can’t do much to stop it. It’s time the federal government steps in to help.”

Rachel Roberts, President of American Mushroom, supports the bill. She said crop insurance is an important tool for helping mushroom growers stay in business. “It’s great to see lawmakers from both sides working together to support this industry.”

Senator Fetterman has been pushing for help for mushroom farmers for a long time. In June 2024, he sent a letter to the USDA about concerns from organic mushroom farmers. He introduced this same bill last year with other lawmakers, and it was included in the House and Senate Farm Bill proposals. Now, lawmakers hope this year’s bill will finally pass and give mushroom farmers the protection they need.

Source:
Senator Fetterman. https://www.fetterman.senate.gov