Dr. Krystian Szudyga, president of Polish Mushroom Growers Association recently shared his insights on the progress of Poland’s mushroom industry. Szudyga emphasized on collaboration and the need for industry-wide support structures during the Pieczarkalia 2024 mushroom conference.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Cultivated Mushroom Industry Association started with the vision of several producers. “Some of our colleagues, unfortunately no longer with us, decided that the industry needed to organize itself”, he said. Legal frameworks were drawn up, and an industry statute was created to formalize the association.
The association was created to carry out a number of tasks:
- Representing the interests of its members before the authorities,
- Exchange of experiences and dissemination of achievements,
- Promotion of cultivated mushrooms and their products,
- Organizing exhibitions and fairs,
- Organizing training.
Szudyga pointed out that the organization was never meant to control everything in the sector: “This is not an omnipotent organization. Its main function is to support the industry”.
In particular association do not control mushroom prices.
“Today, we live in a market economy, and everything is decided by the market. Mushroom prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, which is well understood by industry players”, Dr. Szudyga.
Despite the unpredictable nature of the market, Szudyga emphasized the importance of the association’s role in representing producers. The association serves as a protective umbrella over the entire industry. It ensures that we have a voice in government discussions and that we are recognized by state institutions.
Another focus of the presentation was the importance of reliable industry data. “It is important to know how much we are producing in Poland“, he said. Fortunately, 75% of Poland’s mushroom production is exported, meaning much of the data is tracked by customs authorities.
The association’s work also extends beyond Poland, with active participation in international organizations like the International Society for Mushroom Science (ISMS). Szudyga highlighted the importance of this global collaboration, by playing a key role in advancing research on the health-promoting properties of mushrooms. Global experts have contributed to understanding mushrooms’ bioactive substances and their potential benefits in treating diseases.
Szudyga also stressed the importance of partnerships with scientific institutions such as Institute of Horticulture (InHort), Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Poznań University of Life Sciences, University of Life Sciences in Lublin and Opole University
“We work closely with scientists to solve industry problems and to promote the health benefits of mushrooms”, he said.
In addition to scientific collaboration, the association have promotional efforts aimed at increasing public awareness of mushrooms. “We’ve launched several successful campaigns, including the well-known ‘Mushrooms Have Power’ initiative,” he noted.
Szudyga also introduced a new idustry newsletter called “MASZroomNEWS”. Launched in 2023, this newsletter aims to provide the most up-to-date information from the industry. Two issues have already been published, with work underway to establish a regular publication schedule.
Szudyga expressed optimism for the future of mushroom farming in Poland but stressed the importance of continued collaboration. He invited all stakeholders to participate in the association’s efforts, saying,
“We are always open to working with more people, whether it’s in research, production, or promotion. Together, we can ensure that Poland remains a leader in mushroom cultivation”, Dr. Krystian Szudyga- Cultivated Mushroom Industry Association
Watch Dr.Szudyga presentation (in Polish) here:
