Moss Landing mushroom farm reaps the rewards of growing demand

John Garrone is the owner of Far West Fungi in Moss Landing where gourmet and medicinal mushrooms are grown. (Photos by Tarmo Hannula/Register-Pajaronian)

MOSS LANDING — In a series of humid, darkened rooms on a farm on the outskirts of Moss Landing, several species of mushrooms are slowly growing, taking root throughout their growing medium, waiting for their day to fruit.

Based on organic standards, the mushrooms grow in bedding material of red oak sawdust, organic rice bran and crushed oyster shells that is sterilized before a mushroom culture is introduced.

Virtually invisible to the naked eye until the mushrooms poke out their heads, the process can take up to 13 weeks to reach fruition.

That’s life at Far West Fungi mushroom farm, located on 8 acres and boasting 60,000 square feet of growing space.

The business is perhaps best known for its shiitake mushrooms, which can fetch up to $10 per pound. The farm ships out approximately 3,500 pounds per week to 12 farmers markets around the Bay Area and stores such as Whole Foods.



For the complete article see the 07-27-2012 issue.



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