New Mushroom Industry Projects
Hort Innovation has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the following
mushroom industry projects:
MU19005 - New innovations to improve mushroom whiteness shelf life
Mushroom whiteness is seen as a beneficial attribute for the sale of some mushrooms in retail markets. While there is a range of pre-harvest factors impacting on a white and blemish-free post-harvest, there is a lack of understanding of these factors and the strategies required to maximise the production of white mushrooms that stay white for extended periods in the market.
The objectives of the project are to:
- Clarify the pre-harvest opportunities to manage mushroom production for improved post-harvest whiteness and post-harvest whiteness persistence and shelf life.
- Identify and prioritise knowledge gaps for future R&D to improve mushroom whiteness.
The project is scheduled to commence in March 2020 and conclude in September 2020.
MU19003: Mushroom price elasticity of demand
Many factors underpin the consumer purchase of fresh produce at the retail level. Understanding the impact that pricing has on the purchase behaviour of fresh produce is a key determinant for effective category management and industry supply.
In simple terms price elasticity of demand determines for a given unit change in price, what is the corresponding change in quantity demanded. Defining the price elasticity of demand will support the industry to understand how price responsive consumers are in purchasing mushrooms and what role price plays in underpinning purchase. This knowledge will support the industry to unlock opportunities for growth.
The objectives of the project are to:
- Determine how consumer demand for mushrooms responds to changes in price across the various category types.
- Identify opportunities for the mushroom industry to unlock opportunities for segment growth through optimal value/volume mix.
The project is scheduled to commence in March 2020 and conclude in June 2020.
The 2020 Australian Mushroom Growers' Association conference - Growing the future, together - will be held in Adelaide from 14 October to 17 October. An overview of the conference was included in the last Australian Mushrooms Journal, and a further update, including confirmed speakers, will be included in the upcoming edition.
If you are interesting in attending please check your diary and block out the dates. The conference is held every two years, so do not miss this opportunity to hear international and Australian experts address key topics of interest.