Reminiscences of a Fungi - John Miller

Details of AMGA funds used for promotion and research of our product over the last seven years:-

YEAR PROMOTION RESEARCH
1982/83 $95,284 $7,394
1983/84 $103,781 $358
1984/85 $215,863 $22,624
1985/86 $337,855 $34,906
1986/87 $355,693 $59,851
1987/88 $376,561
1988/89 $422,492 $135,019
$137,560

Australian production is up by 11% and overall consumption of mushrooms is 2 kg (or nearly 4.5 lbs) per person,
which indicates an increase of 11.5% compared to the same period last year. Demand and price for good quality,
well packed and presented mushrooms is excellent. There was an overall increase of 8% in prices received for all
grades and quality across the board. It certainly demonstrates how effectively our promotion campaign is working.

Promotion Activities

There has been constant personal
contact with cookery editors of
magazines, and mushrooms were
supplied for food photography for
various cookery features throughout the
year, as well as to Home Economics and
Catering Colleges who are training
students and teachers etc.

As just about all the major women’s magazines have their cookery editors and recipe department people in
Sydney, I make a point of visiting their test kitchens and meeting with them at as many day, evening or weekend
trade functions as possible. There is a tremendous awareness of the presence of the Australian Mushroom
Growers’ Association and its delicious product, available all year round.

National Advertising

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 195

The Promotion Committee have set out a promotion program as listed below for 1989-1990 with a budget of
approximately $150,000 for national promotion, plus a contingency fund of $50,000 for special promotional
opportunities:-

Readers Digest CP $8,160
Cleo CP $8,270
Women’s Weekly CP $33,980
Family Circle CP $8,690
New Idea CP $14,850
Woman’s Day CP $10,355
TOTAL COSTS
$84,305

(Note: CP means Colour page)

TV – The Ray Martin Show $25,000
TV – New Commercial $16,565
Poster Mobiles
$11,570
plus production costs $137,440
contingency fund $12,560
Total Budget
$50,000
$200,000

The proposed calendar for the above to be as follows:

MAGAZINE AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
X X
Readers Digest X
Cleo XX
Women’s Weekly
(2) X
Family Circle X
New Idea
Woman’s Day

There are many free editorials in women’s magazines in addition to the above as most of you are aware. We have
many good friends in the food world.

TELEVISION AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
(ALL STATES XX
NATIONALLY)

Ray Martin (2)

Appreciation

I wish to thank Chairman, Doug Schirripa, the Board of Directors and all members for their excellent support and
co-operation during the year and assistant secretary, Sandra Gregg, for her outstanding contribution in improving
the efficiency of the AMGA office over the past twelve months.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 196

The Horticultural Research and Development Corporation (HRDC) injection of
joint funding with AMGA

HRDC’s funding injection gives a great boost to our R&D projects as Noel
Arrold, Chairman of Research and Development Committee reports for 1988-
89.

“The AMGA passed a milestone this year in joining the Australian Horticultural Research and
Development Corporation on a voluntary basis. The HRDC met in May of this year and has
approved the following research projects:-

1. Improvement of Compost $30,166
$60,000
La Trobe University $48,000
Dr B Macauley and Dr F Miller

2. Investigations into water relationships in casing and
compost materials for the improvement of commercial
mushroom quality and yield

La Trobe University
Dr B Macauley

3. Analysis of the Biochemical and Microbiological Factors
contributing to the nutritional value of environmentally
controlled compost in mushroom production

La Trobe University
Dr B Macauley and Professor B Stone
4. Mushroom Research and Development Unit
Biological and Chemical Research Institute, Rydalmere

(a) Nutrient Supplementation of Mushroom Compost

Dr T Nair $30,000

(b) Integrated Pest and Disease Management in $31,130
Mushroom Cultivation
Dr T Nair and Dr A Clift

(c) Compost Preparation and Mushroom Strains in $19,000
Minimising Pesticide Usage
Dr A Clift

The industry is thus contributing $109,084 towards research in 1989/90 which is being matched by $109,084 by
the HRDC.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 197

The AMGA has decided to join the Mushroom Industry Endowment Fund at the Penn State University and has
pledged to provide $25,000 per annum over the next five years. In due course, the AMGA will give given an
opportunity to participate in discussions on the research program at Penn State.

I am certain that this contribution to the Penn State research effort will bring considerable benefits to the
Australian mushroom industry.

The Research Committee has begun to examine the uniform registration of chemicals for use in our industry and to
look at the question of chemical residues . The AMGA Board and Research Committee recognise that we as an
industry must only use those chemicals that are registered for use on mushrooms and we must use these
chemicals at the correct rate to ensure no residue problems arise.

The Research Committee has negotiated for the continued testing of mushrooms for virus at the Victorian Plant
Research Institute, Burnely, for 1989/90.

I wish to thank all members of the Research Committee for their contribution in making 1988/89 a successful
year.”

The community concern about compost odours near residential areas prompts
Hawkesbury City Council to set up Mushroom Composting Committees

In his NSW State Director’s report of 1988-89, Brian Carroll comments:

“Composting was again at the forefront this year.

Together with the Hawkesbury City Council, positive steps have been taken to identify possible
new sites for the relocation of compost makers in the Hawkesbury Valley.

Our efforts in establishing the:

Mushroom Composting Industry – Siting Committee; and the
Mushroom Composting Industry Committee, consisting of representatives from our industry, Hawkesbury City
Council and relative action groups, sanity has prevailed and there has been dialogue between all concerned.

Promotion in this state this year was kept to a minimum, due mainly to buoyant market prices and thanks to the
compost levy, there should be adequate reserves should the need to promote arise.

Production in this state this year was 7,981,487 kgs, an increase of 10.5%.

Many thanks to John Miller and our secretary, Sandra Gregg, for their assistance all year.”

Covering the events of the year in his Chairman’s Report for 1989-90, Doug
Schirripa stated that:-

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 198

“Again another year is closing on us and what have we done in that time?

In a period where numerous businesses have folded in all areas of trade and commerce it is with
pride I report that our association is as strong as ever.

The Conference last year in Adelaide showed how dedicated mushroom growers can be. With
the pilot strike affecting nearly every one; with over 68 conferences cancelled in Adelaide during the same month;
we went ahead with one of our biggest conferences with every state represented.

From then on, the strength of the mushroom industry in Australia has continued to grow and strengthen.

Our Association has continued very strongly in the research and promotional areas spending $161,646 plus
$128,677 from HRDC on research and $222,214 on national promotion.

The highlight of the year was of course the International Workshop/Seminar held in April.

Our scientists and research workers gained knowledge and contacts during this seminar that should prove
invaluable in years to come.

Vast changes in compost preparation have been foreshadowed by some in the industry and there are a few heavily
involved in this area.

Another important point to mention is that 1990 saw AMGA implement a Chemical Awareness Program under the
direction of Alan Boys (Extension Officer) who has travelled to various farms educating employer and employees
alike on the care and use of chemicals.

The environment has continued to be foremost in our thoughts and it is important for all members to be aware of
the implications of neighbour complaints and council attitudes towards our industry. We ask most sincerely that if
any of you have problems in this area that you contact our General Manager, John Miller, immediately who can
help you with a course of action.

There have been several production problems within this 12 month period with a few growers having a vast
downturn in production. It is important that our unity continues strongly so that we may all help one another
overcome these difficulties as they arise.

From a marketing point of view, I should point out that consumer demand continues to be towards quality
product.

It is becoming increasingly harder to sell inferior lines of mushrooms in any of the Australian markets and also from
an economical point of view growers should endeavour to pay more attention to this area especially in packaging
and post harvest.

In this area, AMGA has produced a video to help educate retailers in the proper care, handling and sale of
mushrooms and of course, this benefit will flow back to you, the grower.

May I take this opportunity to again remind you all to ensure you spend time to read the newsletter. The AMGA
Board is using this publication to pass on knowledge, results and important information to you.

As you have noticed we are now including the International Society of Mushroom Science (ISMS) Newsletter as a
supplement for your interest.

My special thanks to Bill Daley the Editor of the Newsletter and his committee for an excellent job. In closing, I
must thank John Miller, our General Manager, for his untiring effort in ensuring the running of AMGA is smooth.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 199

To Sandra Gregg for her tireless effort and professional approach to the preparation of all our minutes, statistics
and balance of accounts. To our new addition, Annette Bolenski, who has fitted in well and worked industrially.

The R&D Committee, under Andy Gulliver, has continued its good work in this area and are to be complimented.

A special thanks also to Marion Lawson who took on the task of setting up a training program, the results of which
will be forthcoming in the near future.

And finally to you the members, who have given us the strength, unity and finance to ensure that AMGA and the
mushroom industry continues to grow and gain respect, not only in Australia, but all around the world.”

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 200

Imports were showing a slight rise last year and with our heavy national
promotion managed to knock them back and increase our share

My General Manager’s Report for 1989-90 explains:-

Membership
The Membership of the Association as at 30th June 1989, was as follows:

Ordinary Grower 87

Members 11

Life Honorary 5
21
Members 124

Honorary Members

Associate Members

Total Membership

Australian Mushroom Production

Fresh Sales 18,985,915 kg Gross Value (Wholesale Market)
Processed Sales 2,037,190 kg
Total Sales 21,023,105 kg $74,509,759
$4,000,000
Imports on Mushrooms $78,509,759

Fresh mushrooms ex New 535,812 kg Value (VFD) in Country of
Zealand Origin
53,677 kg $1,735,488
Frozen 2,096,234 kg
4,013,737 kg $193,498
Dried (x 12 fresh equivalent) 1,414,658 kg $3,361,647
8,114,118 kg $9,000,382
Canned in brine (consumer pack) $2,871,273
$17,162,288
Canned in brine (catering pack)

Total Imports

Australian production was up by only 2.96% due to cropping problems, even with expansion.

Total import sales was down by 17.7% compared to last year.

Details of AMGA funds used for promotion and research of our product over the last eight years:

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 201

YEAR PROMOTION RESEARCH
1982/83 $95,284 $7,394
1983/84 $103,781 $358
1984/85 $215,863 $22,624
1985/86 $337,855 $34,906
1986/87 $355,693 $59,851
1987/88 $376,561
1988/89 $422,492 $135,019
1989/90 $356,774 $137,560
$161,646

Promotion Activities

There was a great need, with the current economic situation and increase in production as growers overcome
cropping problems, farms expand in all states, to promote more than ever. Many fruit and vegetable growers are
battling to sell their produce. We have continued to maintain our public relations profile by having the cookery
editors of major women’s magazines and their staff visit mushroom farms for familiarization with the latest
technology on modern mushroom farms.

TAFE students in home economics, catering and nutrition management studies are being encouraged by the
“AMGA Award of Excellence in Food Promotion”, which is given annually.

Fresh Mushrooms are supplied regularly as required for food photography and appliance demonstrations.

Food and Media Club functions are regularly attended in the evenings and weekend where appropriate, to keep
the mushroom industry flag and product ever present.

National Advertising

The Board of Directors have approved the sum of $262,000 for expenditure for this current 1990/91 budgetary
year for national promotion. The states will make their own decisions regarding promotion according to their
needs and funds available.

The magazines booked to date are as follows:

MAGAZINE AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR
Readers Digest X
Women’s Weekly (3)
X XX

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 202

Family Circle (3) XX X
New Idea (1) X X
Savvy (3)
Woman’s Day (2) (8 page lift XXX
out) XX
Health and Lifestyle (1)

There are many free editorials in women’s magazines due to our public relations presence, in addition to the above
as most of you are aware. We have excellent support in most magazines.

Government

We are continually monitoring environmental issues and addressing them where possible at local council meetings
and via the media.

Chiefs of Department of Agriculture are being approached currently to improve communication of the latest
research work via a “Mushroom Industry Development Officer” (MIDO).

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 203

Industrial Relations

Awards are currently being negotiated with the Industrial Commission and AWU in some states. Any state that
does not have a Mushroom Award Agreement approved by their industrial organization, or attached/including in
writing in a Fruit and Vegetable Award for their state, should seriously look at having one drafted for mushrooms
that suits you before the unions draft one that doesn’t suit you.

Appreciation

I wish to thank Chairman, Doug Schirripa, the Board of Directors and all members for their excellent support and
cooperation during the year. Assistant secretary, Sandra Gregg has made an outstanding contribution in improving
the efficiency of the AMGA office and sharing the ever increasing workload in all areas. Our new addition to the
AMGA office staff is Annette Bolenski who is an enthusiastic young person assisting us in every possible way to
improve our service to members.

My sincere thanks to you all.”

The compost odour situation and conflict in the community due to lack of buffer
zones in council planning becomes serious as NSW State Director, Brian Carroll,
comments in his 1989-90 report to members:_

“Another busy year for New South Wales – there were a number of items addressed and I make comment as
follows:

Compost

As I reported last year, two committees were established, namely, the Mushroom Industry, Compost – siting,
consisting of representatives from our industry, Hawkesbury Council and relative action groups.

Subsequent to numerous committee meetings, Council served notice on compost makers in the Hawkesbury Valley
to abate the offending odour within a twelve month period.

Relative Compost Makers have invested an enormous amount of time, effort and money in an endeavour to satisfy
Council. This twelve month period ends in November.

Cartons

As a result of enormous increases in the cost of cartons this year, it was decided that we look at producing Industry
Standard Cartons ie a button and cup carton that would have a standard common printed base and each farm
would have their corporate identification etc printed on the lid.

It was then envisaged that farms would phone orders to a central point by a certain date, say the first of the month
for delivery to individual farms by the third or last week of the month.

This would enable all farms to participate in large production runs, thus benefiting by reduced production costs.

Electricity – Energy Costs

We have made representations to Prospect Electricity for the re-introduction of an off-peak night rate and the
results of these negotiations can be found on page 22 of the August issue of the AMGA Newsletter.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 204

Perhaps farms outside this area should contact the AMGA office with a view of making representations to their
Electricity Authority.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 205

Promotion

Promotion was kept to a minimum again this year, due in part to a buoyant market and there are adequate
reserves should the need to promote arise.

Production

Production in this state this year was 7,550,014 kgs.

Many thanks to John, Sandra and Annette for their assistance throughout the year.

Our relationship with HRDC and extra funding boosts our R&D

In his Research and Development Report for 1989-90, Chairman of R&D Committee, Andy Gulliver is enthusiastic as
he says:

“Great progress has been made in the past few years in the way that research and development is addressed by
the AMGA. There has been an underlying strategy which has helped to focus our attention. The “strategy” has
tended to evolve as we progressed and the various stages have been quickly implemented as they became
obvious. Final implementation of this strategy should be complete in the next 12 months. There are several
distinct stages in this strategy. These are:

1. determining industry needs and priorities
2. establishing funding mechanisms
3. selecting projects
4. management of R&D programs
5. communication of results

All these stages are equally important and, once established, must be continually reviewed and improved. The
R&D Committee has been addressing the last 3 of these 5 stages during the last 12 months.

Our relationship with the Horticultural Research and Development Corporation has proven to be most valuable in
terms of both finance and guidance. In 1989/90 we received approximately $130,000 from the HRDC (total value
of projects $260,000) and the current approved spending for 1990/91 is around $160,000 (total value of projects
$320,000). Mechanisms are also in place for the 50/50 funding of unplanned and/or urgent projects which may
arise during the year. This funding provides a stable financial base which is a prerequisite for good R&D programs.
It also stretches our own research dollars further.

The proper selection of projects, management of R&D programs and communication back to industry have been
addressed through the R&D management plan. Please read this plan, it will give you an insight into the workings
of R&D in the Association. The plan provides a set of guidelines which the AMGA staff can use to administer R&D.
This marks the start of a new, more orderly and professional approach to the management of R&D by the
mushroom industry.

This management plan is a living document which will be altered and improved to keep it relevant to the changing
needs of the members. The plan aims to address the common concerns of members, particularly with regard to
communication of R&D. Feedback from members is welcome, indeed necessary, for its future success.

The success of initiatives such as the R&D Management Plan and our relationship with the HRDC are vital to the
future of the R&D in our industry. The message from government is clear – it is up to industry to take the initiative
and this we are clearly doing. When our Management Plan is fully implemented, during the next 12 months, we

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 206

will have a well-planned properly-funded and professionally managed R&D program which is both responsive to
the needs of members and a good return on investment.

On the matter of initiative, every AMGA member should take some pleasure and pride from the success of the
“AMGA/ISMS International Workshop/Seminar on Agaricus Compost” held at the University of Western Sydney,
Hawkesbury Campus on 6th to 9th April, 1990. Support for this event was received from all over the world, but the
support of the AMGA, through its Directors, was an important catalyst and should be acknowledged. A publication
of the proceedings is expected before the end of the year.

This year, we said farewell to Dr Fred Miller. The success of his compost research project at La Trobe University
has placed Australian compost research on part with leading research groups around the world. Dr Miller has
returned to his native USA and now works for Sylvan Foods. We wish him well for the future.

Progress such as I have described has been made possible by the enthusiasm, energy and active participation of
our volunteer R&D Committee. R&D Committee meetings have been vocal, even vociferous, and all points of view
have been represented. I would like to thank the R&D Committee for their work during the year, and for testing
my abilities as a Chairman! I would like to thank the AMGA office staff for their unstinting support during hectic
and often challenging times.”

Income returns to growers are being seriously affected by rising costs

In his Chairman’s Report for 1990-91, Brian Carroll commented:-

“Clearly a year that a lot of agricultural industries would rather forget, with returns not even covering costs.

Thankfully though, our industry remained strong, although we did suffer downturn in prices, particularly earlier in
the year.

It is interesting to note that the Australian consumption is now 2.11 kg (4.65 lbs) per capita, and we will have to
work a lot harder with our promotion strategy just to cover the expected 16% increase in production nationally in
the coming year.

In fact, there is a great opportunity to increase consumption, by virtue of the fact that our recent consumer survey
indicated that generally, people bought mushrooms fortnightly when they thought they bought weekly.

The recommended strategy is that we should position ourselves as “The Food for the 90’s”, why? Because
mushrooms are:

• All natural
• Best quality – fresh and clean
• Good for you

Let’s all give this some serious thought and consideration prior to the National Conference so we may clearly
formulate a promotion strategy for the 90’s.

In my view, our promotion budgets in the past have been good, in that the funds we have had available and the
way we have used these funds have helped maintain prices.

In our discussions with the Australian Horticultural Corporation, they have confirmed that with our limited funding,
we have done extremely well in maintaining prices.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 207

But, just maintaining prices is not good enough (in this economic climate) when costs are ever-increasing and we
rarely have any control over these. To counter this, we have to endeavour to increase prices.

Let’s reflect back on prices

National average prices:

1985/86 1986/87 1987/88 1988/89 1989/90 1990/91
$3.37 $3.33 $3.38 $3.32 $3.66 $3.68

Over this period we have had just over 9% increase in prices, I am sure our costs have increased somewhat more
than this during this period.

Let’s get it in perspective and let’s position ourselves well, with the right promotion strategies for the 90’s.

Again, the environment has continued to be foremost on our minds and I am sure all members are aware of the
implications of neighbours’ complaints and council attitudes towards this industry.

I foreshadow a number of possible changes for the coming year.

Firstly, it has been recommended that Board Meetings to held four times per year. Presently, Board meetings are
held monthly with State Directors attending the quarterly meetings. This has proved to be difficult at times, when
decisions are to be made that affect states and the state director is not in attendance, hence the recommendation
to have fewer meetings but have all directors in attendance.

Secondly, possible increase in spawn levy. The proposed increased in spawn levy would give the industry a great
opportunity to set strong promotion objectives and they are:

• To sell more mushrooms
• To increase growers’ financial returns

For example, a grower producing 10,000 kgs per week, an increase in spawn levy would cost $150.00 pw, but if, as
a result from additional promotion the grower received an average of just 10c per kg increase in prices received,
the grower would be banking an extra $1,000 per week – think about it!

This year again has been an extremely busy year for the board and staff, and I think the newsletter once again
proved to be an excellent publication in passing onto members the knowledge, results and important information.
Our special thanks to Bill Daley, Editor and his committee for an excellent job.

Many thanks to Andy Gulliver and the R&D Committee for their excellent work this year and to Marion Lawson and
team for their work on the training program.

Finally, sincere thanks to John Miller, our General Manager, Sandra and Annette for their usual 110 percent efforts
and support.”

We really flattened the imports coming into the country and shot up in Australian
production of fresh mushrooms

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 208

You will note in my General Manager’s report for 1990-91 that things are looking up sales wise with consumption
per capita increase and the develop0ment of a national promotion strategy:
Membership

The Membership of the Association as at 30th June 1991 was as follows:

Ordinary Grower Members 92

Life Honorary Members 12
Honorary Members 3
Association Members
Total Membership 23
130
Total Number of Farms
69

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 209

Australian Mushroom Production

Fresh Sales 22,704,431 kg Gross Value
Processed Sales 2,209,755 kg (Wholesale Market)
Total Sales 29,914,186 kg
$87,294,018
$4,331,268
$91,625,286

Imports of Mushrooms

Fresh Mushrooms ex New 337,536 kg Value (VFD)
Zealand In Country of

Origin

$1,012,305

Frozen 90,710 kg $175,890

Dried (x 12 fresh equivalent) 3,402,708 kg $1,748,831

Canned in brine (consumer 5,785,225 kg $10,648,094
pack)

Canned in brine (catering 1,047,812 kg $1,840,237
pack)

Prepared or preserved 361,725 kg $733,643

Total Imports 11,025,716 kg $16,159,000

Australian Production has increased by approximately 3,380,000 kg over the last year. Total import sales was also
up by some 2,911,0-00 kg compared to last year.

We have to seriously look at drying and canning a competitive Australian mushroom product as well as expanding
the range of fresh mushrooms on sale in shops. Buttons, cups, open cups and flats. Full of flavour.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 210

Mushroom Consumption

It is interesting to note that the consumption of mushrooms per capita in Australia has increased from 1.17 kgs
(2.57 lbs) in 1983/84 to 2.11 kgs (4.65 lbs) in 1990/91.

AUSTRALIAN MUSHROOM GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED

MUSHROOM CONSUMPTION 1974/75 TO 1990/91 PER YEAR
(Australian Domestic and Imported)

Financial Year Ending Sales ‘000 kg Population ‘000s Consumption KG per Consumption Lbs per
June Capita Capita
1974/75 8951 13700 0.65 1.44
1983/84 18000 15400 1.17 2.57
1984/85 17648 15600 1.13 2.49
1985/86 22168 15800 1.40 3.09
1986/87 22230 16000 1.39 3.06
1987/88 21307 16300 1.31 2.88
1988/89 26553 16500 1.61 3.54
1989/90 30259 16800 1.80 3.96
1990/91 35940 17000 2.11 4.65

YEAR PROMOTION RESEARCH
1982/83 $95,284 $7,394

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 211

1983/84 $103,781 $358
1984/85 $215,863 $22,624
1985/86 $337,855 $34,906
1986/87 $355,693 $59,851
1987/88 $376,561 $135,019
1988/89 $422,492 $137,560
1989/90 $356,774 $161,646
1990/91 $557,559 $198,833

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 212

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 213

The Current Market Situation

After personally visiting the wholesale markets, supermarkets, large and small independent retailers, the message
came through loud and clear that, there was a an average fall of 25% in sales of fruit and vegetables.

In meetings with the Australian Horticultural Corporation (AHC) they stated that favourable growing conditions
and expansion of production of all fruit and vegetables, together with a subdued consumer demand, due to the
current economic conditions, are having a downward effect on prices.

Some mushroom growers who have been selling on set prices from market agents and/or wholesalers, and
previously protected from the real market force situation or rises and falls in the market prices, are going to have
problems adjusting to this variation in dollar returns when selling on consignment in the open central markets.

Trends in the Australian Mushroom Market Scene

So that we may have a clearer picture of what has and is happening in the Australian mushroom industry, we sent
out a questionnaire to all producer members requesting statistical information. The response was excellent and
assisted me greatly in compiling this report. I thank all members for their prompt reply.

All but two (2) small producers responded.

The results are as follows:

It has been established that the industry will finish the 1990/91 financial year as follows:

Total National Production

(Fresh and Processed Mushrooms) 24914186 kg

Total value of crop $91,625,286
Average price per kilo $3.66

Fresh Production 22,704,431 kg $3.84
$87,294,018
Fresh value of crop
Average price per kilo 2,209,755 kg
$4,331,268
Processed Production
Processed production

Average price per kilo $1.96

This is about an 18.5% increase in production compared to 1989/90. 1991/92 estimate: based on the information
supplied by growers, it is anticipated that there will be a growth pattern of about 16% further increase in
production this new financial year.

If you look back at imports in this report you will see that there is a great opportunity to replace some of the
11,025,716 kg of imports coming into this country. To meet the marketing challenge of 1991/92 you must
consistently supply the right product, well presented and packaged with unblemished appearance, at the right
price, that satisfies the customer requirements, with excellent consistent service.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 214

As there is expansion of production all states, there will eventually be surplus mushrooms that will have to be
shipped to markets that have shortfalls of supply and offer higher returns in other states or for export.

In these tough economic times the efficient, low cost producer with multi-markets will have the edge on
competition. AMGA members should liaise with fellow members in other states to assist filling their market when
there is a shortfall of product to keep imports out.

Export

There are twenty-one (21) AMGA members who have indicated in the grower questionnaire reply, that they could
possibly have close to one million kg (1,000,000 kg) of export quality mushrooms available to supply annually.

Imports

The Australian Plant Quarantine Department Chief in Canberra has confirmed with me that the Indonesian fresh
shiitake mushrooms are now being allowed into Australia.

Fresh Agaricus has not had a request for import from Indonesia to date, however, South Africa has made a request
to export fresh Agaricus to Western Australia. This request arrived in Canberra on 15th July 1991 and is being
considered. We have raised concerns about “Foot and Mouth” and “Blue Tongue” livestock diseases that are
prevalent in that country and could threaten our livestock industry as their mushrooms are grown on animal
manures. The issue is being investigated.

Chemical Residues

The “Care with Chemicals” program implemented jointly by AMGA/HRDC and the NSW Department of Agriculture
should be consistently followed. Chemical/pesticide residues are of major concern to consumers and are being
monitored regularly in the central markets and in export/import areas.

One careless farmer could ruin our industry overnight

The pressure by consumer groups on American mushroom growers is forcing them to look at minimum or nil
chemical usage. They think that in a few years time they will be down to three (3) flushes or less to eliminate
chemicals altogether. Spawn strains will be high yielding in a few flushes and empty out.

National Advertising

The Board of Directors have approved the sum of $500,000 for expenditure for this current 1991/92 budgetary
year for National Promotion. The states will make their own decisions regarding state promotion according to
their needs and funds available. If extra promotion is required then the spawn levy will need to be increased to
the required level.

Forget the relationship between spawn cost and the levy. Compare it with the selling price in the wholesale
market of mushrooms. It works out at 3 cents per kg or less than 1% of our total crop value.

Promotion Activities

There will be a greater need, with the current serious economic situation and increase in production as growers
overcome cropping problems, farms expand in all states to promote more than ever. Many fruit and vegetable

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 215

growers are battling to sell their produce. We have continued to maintain our public relations profile by liaising
with the cookery editors of major women’s magazines and their staff.

Meetings have been held with the cookery editors of the following magazines:

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 216

The Australian Women’s Weekly (Pamela Clark) Circulation 1,202,586

Woman’s Day (Barbara Northwood) Circulation 1,013,066

New Idea (Margaret Fulton & Suzanne Gibb) Circulation 1,003,233

Family Circle (Charmain Solomon & Christine Circulation 342,145
Sheppard)

Vogue Entertaining (Joan Campbell) Circulation 52,100
Gourmet Traveller (Meg Thomson) Circulation 36,313

Assurances were given that they would continue to give every possible support
in editorial and colour food photography with recipe ideas as they have done for
so many years.

The magazines booked to date are as follows:

Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun TOTAL

Women’s Weekly X XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX 17

Woman’s Day XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX 16

New Idea XX XX XX XX XX XX XX 14

Family Circle XX XX XX XX XX 10

Vogue Entertaining XX XX XX XX 8

Gourmet Traveller XX XX XX XX XX 10

Total No of Magazine 75

Ads

Campaign Rationale and Performance

The campaign for 1991 through until 1992 has been constructed with the objective of creating more visibility in the
market place far more often.

In the research which was conducted this year, one of the trends that emerged was that people thought they
purchased mushrooms more often than they did. In other words, they thought they purchased mushrooms every
week, when in fact, they purchased them once a fortnight.

The reason we have recommended the use of small black and white advertisements is so that we can afford to be
in almost every issue of the major magazines, not just once, but twice per issue. In the way, the opportunity for
the purchaser of the publication to see our message is double, and if they see the advertisement twice, it will have
a far greater chance of being retained.

The combined performance of the schedule over the 12 month period means that 92.5% of women aged 25-39 will
see our advertisements at least 9 times.

In order to make sure we have covered every type of purchaser, or potential purchaser of mushrooms, we have
provided some other research information on other age groups:

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 217

• Women 18-24 years of age – reach is 91% with a frequency of 8.75
• Women 25-54 years of age – reach is 92.8% with a frequency of 9.29
• Grocery buyers all ages – reach is 83% with a frequency of 8.55
• Men aged 25-54 years of age – reach is 56.6% with a frequency of 4.75
• All people aged 25-54 years – reach is 74.7% with a frequency of 7.58

The achievement of 92.5% with an “average” frequency of 9 of our primary target – women 25-39, across the year
is a very encouraging performance, and one which should help to make 1991-1992 a very successful sales year for
the Australian Mushroom Growers’ Association members.

Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation (AMLC)

The marketing and promotions division have done joint photography for 650,000 lamb and mushroom recipe cards
which will be distributed to 7,500 butcher shops nationally. No charge.

Australian Pork Corporation/Weight Watchers

Joint promotion booked for Weight Watchers magazine for Mushrooms, Pork and Pasta, 4 page liftout in
August/September 1991 at a cost of $4,700 including production costs and 10,000 run-ons for in-store
demonstrations.

Supermarkets

Woolworths and Coles have been given copies of the “Retailer Education” video and booklets for all fruit and
vegetable managers’ training program. They have been informed of the “Consumer Market Survey” and given a
copy of the results.

Australian Nutrition Foundation Joint Promotion in Women’s Weekly, September issue, 16 pages. The total cost
including production was $20,480. The Rice Growers’ Co-operative joined us on a double page spread of
mushrooms and rice recipes.

The Mushroom Lovers’ Cookbook (jointly produced by AMGA and Custom Books) of over eighty (80) pages with
many colour photographs of taste tempting recipes, will be available in October 1991, on sale in newsagents and
fruit and vegetable stores at a recommended retail price of $7.95 (about $3.50 to AMGA members).

TAFE students in home economics, catering and nutrition management studies are being encouraged by the AMGA
Award for Excellence in Food Promotion, which is given annually.

Fresh mushrooms are supplied regularly as required for food photography and appliance demonstrations.

New posters, recipes, radio and TV material is being produced to create greater awareness of mushrooms.

Government

(a) We are continually monitoring environment issues and addressing them where possible at government,
local council meetings and via the media.

(b) Negotiations are being carried out to exempt custom compost makers from the Excise Duty on diesel fuel.

Mushroom Industry Development Officer

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 218

In March 1991, Geoff Price was appointed Mushroom Industry Development Officer (MIDO). This position is jointly
funded (50% by the Department of Agriculture; 25% by HRDC and 25% by AMGA). One of the main functions of
the MIDO position is known technology transfer to the mushroom industry and to bridge the gap between the
researchers and growers as necessary. During his first six months Geoff has visited many farms in all states of
Australia and overseas. He has just completed a grower training course at the Dutch School in Holland and
attended the International Congress in Ireland. We wish Geoff every success in his future career with the
mushroom industry.

Industrial Relations

Awards are still being negotiated with the Industrial Commission and AWU in some states. Any state that does not
have a Mushroom Award Agreement approved by their industrial organization, or attached/included in writing in a
Fruit and Vegetable Award for their state, should be seriously looking at having one drafted for mushrooms that
suits you before the unions draft one that doesn’t suit you.

Appreciation

I wish to thank the Chairman, Brian Carroll, the Board of Directors and all members for their excellent support and
co-operation during the year. Assistant secretary, Sandra Gregg is continuing to make an outstanding contribution
in improving the efficiency of the AMGA office and sharing the ever increasing workload in all areas. Sandra has
been a great support for hard working R&D Chairman, Andy Gulliver. Annette Bolenski is enthusiastically assisting
us in every possible way to improve our service to members and helping our capable Newsletter Editor, Bill Daley ,
to get information out rapidly to AMGA members.”

Legal action against compost makers likely

According to NSW State Director’s Report for 1990-1991 by Brian Carroll:-

“Compost was the major topic for us again this year.

Unfortunately we have come to the end of the negotiations, with the likelihood of legal action (against compost
makers) a real possibility in the coming year.

I am delighted to say that most farms are using the new Industry Standard Carton now, and the system appears to
be running smoothly. Due to the great response, Visy Board will accept minimum orders of 1,000 for the smaller
farms. Visy Board were hinting earlier this year of a possible slight increase in prices, but I think with the support
we have shown and the current economic climate, they did not proceed.

Promotion

We now have a National Promotion Strategy.

Hopefully by the National Conference, we will have formulated our Promotions Strategy for the next three years.

Sincere thanks to John, Beryl, Sandra and Annette for their assistance throughout the year.”

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 219

The implementation of an R&D Management Plan

In his Research and Development Chairman’s Report for 1990/91, Andrew Gulliver said that the implementation of
the Management Plan was a great help.

This year we have continued to put together the building blocks of research, development, extension and
education “R.D.&E” services which will serve the Australian mushroom industry during the 1990’s. These are
represented in the accompanying diagram.

Industry Vision Statement

The Australian mushroom industry now has a vision statement detailing where it expects to be in five years. A
prerequisite to this was a statement detailing where we believe we are now, followed by two days of debate and
argument, analysing the risk and opportunities for the future. The resulting document is vital and fundamental to
“R.D.&E.” activities. Please review your copy and bring or send any suggestions to the National Conference where
the R&D Committee will be reviewing and updating this statement.

Research and Development

The task here has been to implement the R&D Management Plan which was developed last year. Sandra Gregg is
to be congratulated for the effort she has made to ensure that the management plan works. Her endeavours have
resulted in a dramatic change in the way R&D is managed by the AMGA. Implementation of this plan has seen the
appearance of:

• Regular R&D Updates in the Newsletter.
• Discussion groups on the night prior to quarterly board meetings where scientists can interact with local

growers and interstate directors.
• The production of an Annual R&D Report for financial members of the AMGA, where the detail of R&D

activities will be found.
• The organization of grower sessions at National Conference aimed at educating growers in a practical way
• The organization of a scientific workshop to run concurrently with our Annual General Meeting, where all

researchers receiving AMGA funds will discuss their work with other researchers. It is hoped that this will
promote ideas and collaboration amongst researchers.

Through the R&D Management Plan the funding and review of projects has been formalised and streamlined. This
has resulted in a tighter screening procedure before funds are allocated and the better management of funds once
allocated. R&D came in on budget during 1990/91 and the tight management of funds will be important during
1991/92 where the R&D budget has been pegged at $200,000 of AMGA funds, giving a nominal $400,000 with
50:50 HRDC funding.

A new member of the R&D team this year is Paul Perrin. Paul came direct from the Horticulture Research
International UK (the old GCRI where he was conducting compost research. Both he and Kenji Iiyama (from Tokyo
University) will be present at this year’s conference.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 220

Technology Transfer

This year has seen the establishment of the Mushroom Industry Development Officer (MIDO). This position is
jointly funded by the NSW Department of Agriculture (50%), HRDC (25%) and AMGA (25%) and is aimed at bridging
the gap between R&D and industry. The appointee, Geoff Price, has toured the domestic industry, travelled
overseas and has taken a leading role in organising this year’s National Conference. Geoff has tackled this
challenge with great enthusiasm and we wish him well.

Education and Training

Marion Lawson has been guiding the efforts in this much neglected area. A senior lecturer position has been
created at the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury campus, using seeding funds from the Education and
Training Fund (ETF) in NSW. The AMGA is committed to providing 50% of funds required for this position for a
further two years. The appointee, Andrew Broderick from New Zealand, will spend 50% of his time addressing the
“E&T” needs of the industry. This area is still in its infancy in the mushroom industry but we can expect to see
significant advances in the next few years. Already there are draft plans for employee development programs and
much discussion over where to focus the effort. Andrew will be expected to travel to all states and provide
educational services to all members. He is a valuable addition to the “R.D.&E” team and we look forward to his
successes.

International Collaboration

Following our successful workshop on Agaricus Composts in 1990 there has been an international move towards
the collaboration in areas of R&D of strategic importance. After several meetings at various locations around the
world there is a good chance that a project on post harvest studies may commence during the next twelve months.
Whilst this particular topic may not be of great interest to all Australian growers it is important that we support the
principle of international collaboration if we are to stretch our R&D dollar further.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 221

Whilst on this point, it is interesting to note that the industry currently has people from Japan, England and New
Zealand working on projects.

New Sources of Funds

We have to accept that traditional sources of industry R&D funds from spawn levy will not increase in the near
future. The HRDC expects to see, and will match, industry funding to the value of 0.5% of farm gate value. For our
$91,000,000 industry this means $450,000 of industry funding giving an R&D program worth some $900,000.

Whilst the AMGA is not likely to be able to provide more funds, it is likely that individual growers who want to
develop technology could. We encourage growers who think that they may qualify for matching grants to ask the
AMGA, the R&D Chairman or HRDC for advice.

Another way that we can support R&D efforts is by giving tangible industry support to R&D programs. I am
pleased to report that, following industry concern about the lack of resources for compost development trials, the
composters and growers in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have agreed to supply raw materials,
labour, and physical resources to the compost project. This has or will involve collaboration between neighbouring
compost yards and is a great step forward. Furthermore, the HRDC have agreed to fund commercial scale growing
trials in support of these projects. This effectively bridges the gap between R&D and industry. New techniques
can now be developed on a larger scale than possible before.

The Future

Each of the areas discussed so far needs to be worked on and developed further. Collaboration and
communication are vital if we are to capitalise on the construction of our “building blocks” mentioned at the start
of this report. Now that we have the mechanisms and the people in place we can expect excellent communication
with the involvement of AMGA members (particularly “interstate”) during the next year.

We can look forward to an active year and a dynamic decade where we will all need and use the “R.D.& E.”
network provided by the AMGA”.

The high level of increased promotion has shown a need for increased income.

In his Treasurer’s report for 1990/91, Brian Pratley explains:-

“I am pleased to report that the AMGA Ltd, in my view, is in a sound financial
position as disclosed in the enclosed Annual Accounts.

I would like to highlight two items in the Annual Accounts which I believe
members need to give careful consideration to:

THIS YEAR LAST YEAR % INCREASE

Spawn levy $891,925 $755,778 15.3%
Advertising
promotion and $557,559 $356,774 56.3%

As was to be expected with such a high increase in Advertising and Promotion (56.3%) our bank balance was
reduced by $121,725 but still at a satisfactory level of $214,321 at 30th June 1991. It is fair to say that it will not be

possible to continue to promote at such high levels without a corresponding increase in the AMGA income.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 222

With the economic outlook for the 1991/92 year at least as bleak as last year (continued high
unemployment/reduced consumer demand etc) I believe the most important topic for discussion at the 1991
Conference is the level of advertising and promotion necessary to sustain our industry and how it should be
funded.

In closing, I would like to pay tribute to John Miller and his dedicated staff who have all displayed a high level of
professionalism in the conduct of the AMGA’s affairs.”

A brief financial statement extract for the 1990-91 year follows to give an indication of how we
stood financially at the time. JM.

AMGA Board of Directors – 1990-1991 – Back Row (L-R): Graham Baldock; Graham Upson; Herman van Schajik, Robert N Tolson, William
Daley; Front Row: (L-R) – Marftial Lawson, Andrew Gulliver, Douglas Schirripa (Chairman), AMGA Staff: Sandra Gregg, Annette Bolenski,

John Miller

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 223

AUSTRALIAN MUSHROOM GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED

ACN 001 491 461

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 1991

INCOME 1991 1990
$ $
Interest Received
Other Income 35,127 35,654
Subscriptions received 2,140 6,343
Advertising income
Spawn Contributions received 24,200 22,200
Conference receipts 3,280 2,650
Compost Contributions received
891,925 755,778
LESS EXPENDITURE 2,438 6,735
-
Audit and accountancy 16,673
Advertising, publicity and promotion 959,278
Bank charges 886,653
State and federal duties 5,725
Conference expenses 557,559 7,574
Depreciation and loss on disposal 356,774
Electricity 107
Filing fees 785 162
Staff expenses 9,888 522
Freight and cartage 13,597 35,713
General expenses 3,423 11,443
Insurance 145 3,636
Legal costs 230
Meeting expenses 1,161 26
Office expenses, printing and postage 902 -
Research contributions 1,925
Repairs and maintenance 5,042 410
Secretarial fees 5,042 948
Subscriptions 13,432 2,089
Telephone 198,833 2,861
Travelling and accommodation 8,623 2,861
Car allowance and expenses 11,134
Superannuation - 161,646
Open Learning Scheme 3,223 5,270
Salaries 7,228 1,047
Rates and taxes 10,646 2,989
Provision for holiday pay 13,523 5,529
6,162 10,106
Total Expenses 1,506 11,901
85,815
1,148 -
2,024
- 71,535

952,059 990
3,165

713,420

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 224

NET INCOME FOR YEAR 7,219 173,233

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 225

STATE APPROPRIATION AS AT 30TH JUNE 1991

PERCENTAGE BREAKUP OF SPAWN LEVY CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE 1990/91 FINANCIAL YEAR

SPAWN LEVY RECEIVED: $891,925.00

State % of Spawn Levy Received from Each Value of Spawn Levy Received from
State Each State
NSW 41.41% $369,346.14
Victoria 34.27% $305,662.70
Queensland 11.54% $102,928.15
South Australia 7.05% $62,880.71
Tasmania 1.04% $9,276.02
Western 4.69% $41,831.28
Australia
100% $891,925.00

BALANCE CREDITED TO STATE PROMOTION ACCOUNTS AS AT 30TH JUNE 1991

STATE BALANCE

NSW $36,633.00
Victoria ($17,615.00)
Queensland
South Australia $22,904.00
Tasmania $26,080.00
Western Australia $22,557.00
TOTAL STATE PROMOTION
BALANCE $4,778.00
$95,337.00

References:

1. AMGA Newsletters No 1 in 1965

2. AMGA Newsletters and or journal 1965-1992-2003
3. AMGA Presidents/Chairmen’s’, Secretary-Manager/General Manager/Promotions Officer/Treasurer/NSW

State Directors, Annual Reports 1965-1991.
4. R&D Chairmen’s’ Reports 1982-1991.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 226

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 227

Chapter
10

INVOLVEMENT OF GOVERNMENT, COMMONWEALTH, STATE AND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Imports of mushrooms from cheap labour countries in Asia started to have an impact on our cannery market in
Australia in the mid 1960’s. In 1972 when Gough Whitlam came into office leading the labor party, his Government
reduced import duty across the board to 25%. This move destroyed the footwear, textile and clothing industries.
Many of these industries moved offshore to Asian Countries to take advantage of cheap labour. It cost many
Australian Jobs.

Australian mushroom canneries started to import Asian canned mushrooms with local Australian brand Names on
the can labels. A major outlet for Australian Mushroom growers, and Hawkesbury growers in particular, was about
to be lost.

Approximately 75% of our mushrooms in the Hawkesbury and Hills districts were going to canners at that time.
Our Industry was under threat and we started to fight the Government on their decision. We immediately sent out
a press release to the newspapers to highlight our concern in November 1973. The text of the press release is as
follows from our AMGA Newsletter:

Tariff Inquiry On Mushroom Imports

The Secretary/Manager of the AMGA, John Miller, has been very active in recent weeks publicising the threat that
cheap Asian imported mushrooms pose to the Australian Industry. This material has been publicised in ‘The Land’,
the ‘Sunday Telegraph’ and many local newspapers in the Hills district of Sydney. For the benefit of interstate
growers we are publicising below the Press Release by Mr John Miller on which these articles were based:

“Mushroom growers throughout Australia are about to face the greatest crisis yet to hit this well established
industry. The latest Government import figures show 100% increase in imported Mushrooms. The total figure is
approximately five million pounds canned and dried reconstituted. The local canners have recently announced:

1. Contracts cut 50%
2. Prices reduced 5c lb
3. One cannery will close their doors to Mushroom growers at Christmas and will not receive any until next

March, 1974
4. Contracts for small button packs abolished

The Australian canners can buy their mushrooms so cheap in Asia that they can have them canned and labelled in
Asia and then shipped to Australia ready for sale. There is no Australian labour involved at all except to remove
them from the wharves.

Hundreds of people in Australia will have their farms and employment threatened by this huge increase in imports
of Asian Mushrooms. The recent Government reduction of import Tariff’s hasn’t helped the situation at all. At the
time the cuts were announced the Australian Mushroom Growers’ Association were preparing a case to have
higher Tariff imposed and it must be imposed immediately to protect the farmers of this country who have built a
naturally decentralised industry employing hundreds of people all year round on land that cannot be used
profitably for any other agricultural pursuit. These are men who over many years developed their farms from ridge
beds covered with straw and corn bags to sophisticated modern insulated and air conditioned growing houses,
that produce mushrooms hygienically and consistently all year round. These growing houses that were built with

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 228

the encouragement of the canneries in the past are capable of producing all the requirements of Mushrooms for
this country now and with some reserve capacity for the future.

John Miller the Secretary/manager for the Australian Mushroom Growers’ Association recently spoke to Mr Ashley
Brown (MP member for Mitchell) in Canberra, who promised he would have discussions with the Minister of
Primary Industries, Senator Wriedt, and the Hon J Cairns, to ensure that the Mushroom Industry survives and
prospers as it is a worth while and essential Industry to this country.

We need better protection of the Mushroom Industry in order to protect the consumer. Take away our producer
and see what price imported mushrooms will rise to.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 229

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 230

A visiting lecturer, Dr HJ Tschierpe, PHD earlier in this year pointed out the fact that there is a world shortage of
protein and that mushrooms are a good, relatively rich in protein which should be considered not only as a luxury

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 231

but also as a protein source. With meat prices rising one sees already a tendency to ‘dilute’ meat dishes with
mushrooms. Since the amino acid composition of the mushrooms is similar to that in meat, it appears that the,
mushrooms is a fair and reasonable diluting agent.

Thus Mushroom Industry Helps fight pollution by using waste organic agricultural material such as straw, cotton
seed hulls and chicken manure to produce Mushrooms and the material that is left behind when cropping ceased
is a valuable mulch for beautiful gardens.

The Prime Minster, Gough Whitlam, called for an inquiry by the Temporary Assistance Authority (TAA). There was
a public hearing in Canberra on the 18th and 19th March 1974.

The following telegram of support from Windsor Municipal Council was sent to Canberra. Copies of the contents
are as follows:

Dear Sir,

Reference is made to your letter of 6th march seeking Council’s Support in your
approach to the Australian Government to ensure that the Mushroom Industry
is not sacrificed in this district for foreign imports.

At the meeting of Council on 12th March it was resolved that council support
your Association in its efforts to the Australian Government to protect the
Mushroom Industry in this district:

The following urgent telegram was forwarded to Mr NV Watson, (TAA) this
morning:

“Regarding your meeting with representatives Mushroom Association Council
resolved to support the Association to protect mushroom industry in the district.

Industry major agricultural pursuit in primarily rural district engaging 600
people and returning three million dollars annually to the area. Council greatly
concerned future of many mushroom growers and employees unless urgent
steps taken to protect industry”.
The Industries Assistance Commission should have received this telegram,
whilst Mr Watson was receiving your deputation.

Yours Faithfully
RL Rawson
Town Clerk

We were unsuccessful with the TAA inquiry. Immediate action was taken to request an Industries Commission
Inquiry (IAC). The IAC decision was a disappointment when they handed down a decision of a blanket cover of 25%
duty, which, according to Martial Lawson in AMGA minutes of 4th February 1975, would not help us much as there
had been a tremendous build up of mushrooms in brine imports in the past 6 months. There was a dissenting
opinion in the report by Commissioner Mr Cossar.

It is interesting to note when you look back to the IAC Inquiry on imports in 1974, when the commissioner
suggested that the Australian industry has really worthwhile prospects and suggests the following broad approach
by the industry to its problems:

“Exploit to the fullest possible extent the fresh mushrooms market by improving marketing, packaging and
promotion”

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 232

The Australian production and value in 1974 was:

Fresh Sales 3.5 Million Kg $4,155,432
Cannery Sales 2.5 Million Kg $2,165,148
1974 Total $6,320,580
6 Million Kg

Imports $2,857,310
In comparison to the above figures: $8,404,994
1974-75 Canned in Brine Sales 3,903,215Kg
1981-82 Canned in Brine Sales 6,369,303Kg

As an Industry we took up his challenge and as a united group we financed and implemented promotional
campaigns that have had a positive effect on fresh sales dramatic increase and at the same time slowing down the
imported canned.

We decided that the fresh market was the way to go. Our promotion ‘Fresh is Best” and the “Taste Sensation” to
target tasteless canned Asian Mushrooms paid off.

In ten years a lot of members time had gone into trips to Canberra, lobbying politicians from early in the morning
and sometimes to midnight, waiting to talk to a Minister, about important competition. On reflection it was all a
waste of time and money. Norm Johnson wrote an article in the May 1975 Issue of the AMGA Journal, page 32,
and his thoughts follow as represented by Editor Gus Latta who has interesting quotes after Norm:

“Kapers of the Kanberra Kids’ - By N Johnson

Norm
Johnson

After a fast comfortable trip with John Miller at the wheel we arrived in our Capital city by late evening 11th May.
Rob, John and myself headed for our room where two beds and one folding bed were displayed, after a quick flip
of John’s double headed coin I proceeded to the comfort of my folding bed!

Early next morning up and rearing to go, we proceeded to Parliament House with forty educational boxes of
Mushrooms with a few pounds for the door man; we found the cooperation outstanding, even to the point of one
doorman carrying the boxes up Parliament House steps.

It wasn’t long before the hard talking on facts and figures of our industry started, lobbying every politician in sight
and sometimes waiting up to 1/2 an hour to see a particular person. All were sympathetic and very concerned
about the future of our industry. By late that evening a faint light of hope was growing in our hearts and the next
day a few rumours of cabinets favour started to leak through.

It was a long wait while Cabinet sat and we were hoping our case would go to Caucus where we had many more
understanding supporters.

When the meeting was over not a labour member was to be found, one hour passed and the fear that we had
been sold out to Asian neighbours was beginning to turn our stomachs.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 233

Rob Tolson said “Well we are going home with an answer this time, what will it be?”

Eventually our Labour Cabinet Members, who the day before had given us such strong hope and commended the
Industry for a long hard professional fight, found us with the statement they had been working on since the
Cabinet arose.

It said – in their opinion our Industry was unable to compete with the button Mushrooms from Asia and we should
be satisfied with the 8% growth rate shown in the last government statistical report. And that was that!”

We had better success later with Commonwealth relations, when the Australian Agricultural Council agreed to give
us a grant of $20, 000 to hold our ICMS Congress in Sydney in 1981.

In 1988-89 we negotiated a deal in Canberra with the Horticultural Research & Development Corporation (HRDC)
to jointly fund the research with AMGA.

In May 1989 HRDC contributed $109 084 towards research which was matched by AMGA with $109 084.

The funds were approved for expenditure as reported in the R&D Chairman Andy Gulliver’s report to AMGA
Annual Meeting in 1989.

Research and Development Committee Report 1988-89

The AMGA passed a milestone this year in joining the Australian Horticultural Research and Development
Corporation on a voluntary basis. The HRDC met in May of this year and has approved the following research
projects.

1. Improvement of Compost

La Trobe Uni

Dr B Maccauley and Dr F Miller $30,166

2. Investigations into Water Relationships in Casing and Compost Materials for the improvement of
Commercial Mushroom Quality and Yield.

La Trobe Uni

Dr B McCauley $60,000

3. Analysis of the Biochemical and Microbiological Factors contributing to the Nutritional Value of
Environmentally Controlled Compost in mushroom Production

La Trobe Uni

Dr B Macauley and Professor BA Stone $48,000

4. Mushroom Research & Development Unit. Biological and Chemical Research Institute, Rydalmere.

a) Nutrient Supplementation of Mushroom Compost

Dr T Nair $30,000

b) Integrated Pest & Disease Management in Mushroom Cultivation

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 234

Dr T Nair & Dr A Clift $31,130

c) Compost Preparation and Mushroom Strains in Minimising Pesticide usage

Dr A Clift $19,000

NSW State Government

NSW Agriculture has always been a great supporter of the Australian Mushroom Industry. In
chapter 2 ‘The Early Days” you will find early references c1900 in the Agricultural Gazette of
NSW about the cultivation of Mushrooms by WH Clarke.

There is a huge gap on the subject of Mushroom culture until 1931 when commercial mushroom
culture is beginning to be taken more seriously by the next publication we found: The
Agricultural Gazette of NSW, Vol 42, July 1 1931, pages 529-536. The 8-page article with the title
Dr R.J. Noble “Mushroom Culture” was written by Dr Robert Jackson Noble, PHD, Biologist, NSW Department
of Agriculture, whom I would suggest was the scientific father of commercial mushroom
growing in NSW and probably Australia.
In his opening paragraph on page 529, he makes the following statement:

“Practically all of the mushrooms found on the local market are those which have grown under natural field
conditions, and which are collected after periods of rain during spring, summer and autumn. Attempts have been
made to produce mushrooms under commercial conditions, but there efforts have not been uniformly successful.
Commercial mushroom culture is an old and well-established industry in Europe and in the United States. It has
been estimated that more than 15,000,000 pounds of mushrooms were grown in the United States during 1927.
These were used mainly in fresh condition, but large quantities were also canned.

There is no doubt that opportunities exist for development of the mushroom growing industry in this country.
Present supply is unequal to the existing demand, and it may be expected that an increased demand would result
if supplies of fresh cultivated mushrooms of high quality were more frequently available.

Successful mushroom culture requires constant and careful attention throughout the whole period of preparation
of the compost and subsequent development of the crop, and unless this can be ensured practically all efforts are
foredoomed to failure. As a matter of fact, it is somewhat difficult to provide proper conditions for successful
mushroom growth, although close attention to the necessary details will enable satisfactory results to be
obtained”.

It would appear that Dr Noble took a great interest in commercial mushroom culture and the improvement of
spawn making. This is possibly the first publication for commercial growers. Up until 1931, spawn was made in
brick form from Agaricus campestris and Dr Noble reports that local growers have experienced difficulty in
obtaining spawn of satisfactory quality.

In 1931, Dr Noble advised commercial growers that “pure culture spawn” has been prepared in the laboratories of
the Biological Branch of the Department of Agriculture and limited supplies of this material are now available. An
advisory service is also available for growers regarding the solution of any problems connected with the culture of
the crop.

It is interesting to note that in the section of problems with diseases and pests, Dr Noble suggests, “these may be
overcome by a system of heating and fumigation, prior to spawning” This was possibly the first attempt at Phase II
Composting.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 235

Dr RJ Noble CBE, PHD, MSC, BSCAGR, was appointed as under-secretary and director on 28th March 1940. He was
to be the longest serving head (19 years) in the Departments first century. A major reorganisation of the
departmental structure, the difficulties of the war and post war years, and the period of growth and development
in the 1950’s marked his period of tenure.

Noble joined the Department in 1913 as one of the early departmental cadets. He graduated from the University
of Sydney in 1915 with first class honours in Agricultural science, The University medal, the Belmore Scholarship
for chemistry and geology, and the JH Maiden prizes for Agriculture, Botany and Forestry. He then enlisted in the
AIF and served in Egypt and France as a sergeant gunner from 1915 – 1919. On his return he was appointed as
assistant Biologist, and in 1921 he won the Ben Fuller Post Graduate Travelling Scholarship in the USA, which took
him to the University of Minnesota where he studies cereal diseases. Later he returned to the department, and in
1927, he was appointed Chief Biologist.

Dr RJ Noble succeeded Darnell – Smith as Biologist in 1927, a position he was told to hold until 1940. During
Noble’s tenure diseases of many field and fodder crops, fruit and vegetables were investigated and mushroom
culture work was initiated.

I often wonder whether Dr Noble met Dr James Sinden when he was in the USA and talked about the development
of pure culture grain spawn that Dr Sinden was working on in the late 1920’s. Without knowing there could have
been a connection, I phoned and spoke to Dr RJ Noble in 1977 when Dr Sinden was our guest speaker in Australia,
to invite him to our conference. Dr Noble was retired and unfortunately was unable to attend due to illness. A
missed opportunity to resolve it.

Dr Noble’s appointment was to lead the most radical reorganisation of the structure of the Department seen to
that time, changes which were to remain with little alteration for most of the following 50 years.

On the day after his appointment, Noble held a meeting with the heads of the scientific and educational branches
at which he outlined his ideas and sought their cooperation. He considered:

*The functions of this department are those principally concerned with educational, investigational, regulatory and
general services.

After subsequent discussions with departmental officers and non-departmental organisations, he submitted a
report to the Minister for Agriculture and the Chairman of the Public Services Board. In this he gave a detailed
review of the structure and activities of the Department at that time and his suggestions for reorganisation.

His recommendations were accepted and the divisional structure of the Department was brought into being.

Towards the end of Noble’s term a significant development in the funding of research occurred, a development,
which was still in place in 1990. This was the establishment of industry research funds. All were to follow the same
pattern with a contribution of the producers in an industry with supporting grants from the Commonwealth
Government. The funds were then allocated to departments, universities and CSIRO for research on approved
projects.

With completion of the Departments own building in Farrer Place in 1930, Entomology, Chemistry, and biology
moved in and occupied a number of floors while Botany remained at the Botanic Gardens. Under Noble’s
reorganisation in 1940, they were grouped together with the division of Science Services with Noble as its Chief
until he was succeeded by DR CJP Magee, DSCAGR, MA (1959-66)

The next move came when they transferred to a new laboratory complex at Rydalmere in 1960. At first this was
called the Science Services laboratory, but changed to the Biological and Chemical Research Institute (B&CRI) in
1970. The directors of the Institute were TH Johns, Dr AM Smith and M Casimir. Between 1975 and 1981 the
directors of the branches took turns as Chairman of the Institute.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 236

Biology Branch –Plant Pathology Branch 1940-1990

With the reorganisation of the Department in 1940, the Biology Branch
became part of the Division of Science Services. Dr HJ Hynes was Chief
Biologist, and he remained in this position until he was appointed chief,
Division of Marketing and Agricultural Economics, in 1944. In turn Dr CJ
Magee, who held the position until he was made chief, Division of Science
Services, in 1959, succeeded him as Chief Biologist. WS Sutton; Dr Lilian Fraser
and Dr G Evans followed him as Chief Biologist. In 1975 the title was changed
to Director of Biology and was held on an acting basis by Dr K Moore (1979), Dr
P Kable (1980-81), Patricia Barkley (1983-84) and Dr RJ Roughley (1985). Dr CD
Green was appointed Director in 1985.

Mushrooms

Based on the Biology Branches work in the 1930’s the mushroom industry
continued to expand with a move from the outdoor ridge beds to indoor
culture. With the establishment of six producers of high quality mushroom
spawn to meet the industry’s needs, the Branch withdrew from this work but
continued work on Mushroom diseases. These were of varying economic
severity, and the main ones were mat disease and eelworm infestations.

Dr Lilian Fraser in 1969 was responsible for the appointment of Dr Tan Nair to B
& CRI Biology branch to look at initially studying the virus problems of
mushrooms. A commonwealth grant was arranged with AMGA paying $1200 as
a third of the cost shared with NSW Agriculture to start the project off. John W
Baker and Rob Tolson were nominated to act as liaison officers between AMGA
and B & CRI at Rydalmere to establish and monitor the scope of Dr Nair’s
program. It would eventually expand to other areas. AMGA members would be
informed of the results in Newsletters and Journals.

In about 1970a survey was commenced on the viral infections; some crops
were severely affected, while a high proportion were infected without apparent signs. By the late 1970’s brown
blotch disease was the most serious disease of mushrooms, and was the subject of research, which led to the
development of a biological control procedure. This received a world patent and the product, under the registered
trademark ‘Conquer’, was marketed worldwide. Other researchers dealt with the development of suitable
compost using alternative source material including sewage sludge, and the possibilities of recycling compost.

In 1975 representatives of AMGA, Graham Price, Norm Johnson, Rob Tolson and John Miller approached Mr Max
Casimir, the director of Entomology at B & CRI Rydalmere, to arrange assistance for investigations into insect pest
problems of mushrooms.

In 1975 Dr Alan Clift was appointed to do the work and the Price, Tolson and Johnson farms were the farms that he
initially worked during 1976 and 1977. During that time he was doing both field survey work and also chemical
evaluations to get new chemicals registered for use in the mushrooms industry. It was late in 1977 that funding
was obtained to initially build a mushroom research facility at the stage was the Biological and Chemical Research
Institute of NSW agriculture and that facility became available during 1978. But throughout his time in working

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 237

with the industry and until he ceased doing formal work with them which was in the middle of the 1990’s, he was
always involved in doing some field work out on commercial properties.

Alan Clift was involved with managing the growing room at Rydalmere, after
Judy Allan resigned in 1988, with a part-time assistant helping Alan.

He was basically growing initially wooden trays and then switched over to plastic
trays, there were initially two growing rooms when the unit was set up and then
in 1986 the AMGA provided funding for a third room to be built, the two initial
rooms used standard air conditioning with heating and cooling coils, the third
room used the chilled water system.

Prepared pasteurised compost was purchased from several commercial farms
and spawn from various laboratories.

I asked Alan Clift what important research programs undertaken by the AMGA and the Horticultural Research and
Development Corporation was he involved in?

“Well, I was involved in several of them. The initial two that I was involved in was a joint one with Tan, which was
the integrated Pest & Disease Management Project. Parallel to that I had a project in the mushroom shed where
we were looking at compost selectivity and strain selection in terms of minimising pesticide usage. They were sort
of two to three year projects. At the end of that we took up another three-year project, which was basically
sustainable pest management in commercial mushrooms. That took us through till basically late 1995 at which
stage the funding for the project ceased.

Another one of the highlights was recognising one of the mushroom mites that were actually directly damaging the
mushroom mycelium and directly reducing yields. Then following on from that working out with the cooperation
of growers how by strain selection, selecting the U1 Type with the shorter growing period, you could successfully
manage your way out of that problem.

That was the mushroom pygmy mite; it seems to be a specific mite to Australia.

Well, apart from that I think the other main highlight was the chemical that I had worked on when the industry
was at last in a situation where it has the one chemical that was very effective against Sciarid, phorids and cecids.

That was ‘regent’. ‘Presto’ is the name of the mushrooms use product. All of the work on that was done with the
knowledge and agreement of the mushroom growers as a part of the last major project that I had with them.”

In 1982 Judy Allan was appointed to the position of District Horticulturist (Mushrooms) with an onsite office
provided by AMGA funds erected at B & CRI. Judy was able to do a lot of hands on practical trial work in the
mushroom growing unit after she did work experience overseas on a commercial mushroom farm, and initially
took over managing the unit until she resigned in 1988 to go into her own business.

Judy Allan published ‘Mushroom Topics’ Newsletters and made an outstanding contribution in conveying
information from research projects to practical commercial mushroom growers in a language they understood.

In 1990 The AMGA requested NSW agriculture to employ a full time a Mushroom Industry Development Officer.

A joint funding arrangement was set up with contributions being made one third each between the Horticultural
Research and Development Corporation NSW Agriculture and AMGA.

With the help of Director General, Kevin Sheridan and the Chairman of HRDC, Graham Gregory, both good friends
of AMGA, were able to employ a person from outside the NSW Agriculture. A very capable young man in Geoff

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 238

Price who came from highly respected mushroom parents, Carol and Graham Price, took up the position of MIDO
in 1991 after completing his UNI training.

Geoff was located in the Windsor office of NSW Agriculture and did further practical training on Australian and
International Mushroom Farms. Funding was also arranged for him to attend international schools and
conferences.

The research and Development committee and its chairman at the time set guidelines and priorities for Geoff
Price’s project, which was for a three-year term. At the completion of the contract the project was not renewed
and Geoff Price’s employment was terminated.

Local Government

At the Temporary Assistance Authority hearing by the industries assistance commission in Canberra 1974, we were
fighting for survival of the mushrooms industry in the Hawkesbury, which was being threatened by cheap labour
and canned imports from Asia.

The mushroom farmers in the Hawkesbury were heavily committed to supplying canneries with mushrooms and
were dependant on this major outlet for their produce.

With cheap imports available from Asia the canners began bringing in canned mushrooms with Australian brand
names on them and were starting to cut contracts to growers.

Our local industry was under threat! We had excellent support from what was Windsor Municipal Council at the
time, and the town clerk Mr R.L Rawson sent the following letter, on 18th March 1974.

Reference is made to your letter of 6th march seeking Council’s support in your approach to the Australian
Government to ensure that the Mushroom Industry is to be sacrificed in this district for foreign imports .

At the meeting of council on 12th march it was resolved that Council support your Association in it’s efforts to the
Australian Government to protect the mushroom industry in this district.

The following urgent telegram was forwarded to Mr NV Watson, Temporary Assistance Authority, and Industries
Assistance Commission this morning:

“Regarding your meeting with representatives from the mushroom Association Council
resolved to support the Association to protect the mushroom Industry in the district.
Industry major agricultural pursuit in primarily rural district engaging 600 people and
returning three million dollars annually to the area. Council greatly concerned future of
many mushroom growers and employees unless urgent steps taken to protect industry”.

This telegram should have been received by the Industries Assistance Commission whilst
your deputation was being received by Mr Watson”.

Yours Faithfully
RL Rawson
Town Clerk.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 239

This support was very mush appreciated, however we were unsuccessful with our hearing by the commission. The
canners continued to cut our contacts and growers were forced to look at other options such as aggressive fresh
marketing and setting up their own cannery here in the Hawkesbury.

Local growers decided to

form the Australian

Mushroom Growers’

Cooperative Society on the

13th September 1975.

Growers began canning

under their own label. A

packing shed of 44,000

square metres and office

was erected on Windsor

Road, Vineyard opposite

Brennan’s Dam Road,

Later on the grower group purchased the old ‘Rosella Cannery’ on Mileham Street South Windsor, and became
known as ‘Windsor Farm Foods’

Custom Composting or Substrate Preparation

The threat of mushroom import competition meant that Australian Mushroom growers had to improve their
efficiency for economic survival against low labour cost Asian countries who were paying their workers $1.00 a
day. Something you can’t do in this country, nor did we want to. We believed in a fair days pay for a fair days work.

Up until the 1970’s most of the mushroom growers in the Hawkesbury and Hills District made their own compost
on each individual farm. From Vineyard through Oakville, Maraylya to Maroota and up to Pixie Mushrooms at
Kurrajong.

To cut labour costs, and improve economic efficiency large, costly, self propelled compost or substrate turning
machines for making the basic primary material for growing mushrooms, centralised sites had to be set up to
supply farms who couldn’t afford the cost.

Graham Price was one of the first to take the initiative to supply the many small individual farms in the area in
1970, when he set up his new plant on the corner of Wolseley Rd and Pitt Town Rd, at McGrath’s Hill.

The fact that Graham started to supply farmers with this service meant economic survival for this major rural
industry in the area, which employed many people.

On 1st April 1970, the first automatic composting machine, a cook brand
imported from England, was brought into the Hawkesbury by Graham Price. My
wife and I were Graham’s first customers to purchase this ready mixed compost
material for our mushroom farm. Mushroom farmers began to prosper.

Unfortunately Windsor Municipal Council didn’t provide a buffer zone, when
they developed McGrath’s Hill housing estate, between the residential area and
the mushroom farm.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 240

The two are not compatible and provision should have been made for a decent open buffer zone between them.
Graham requested re-zoning which council refused. He was prepared to move to another site, but none could be
found suitable. He was closed in 1996.

In 1977 Windsor Municipal Council set out a ‘Policy Guidelines for Establishment of Mushroom Growing
Operations’ the document reads as follows:

Policy Guidelines for Establishment of Mushroom Growing operations.

Introduction

1.1 This policy guideline has been prepared to assist rural Industry in the preparation of
applications to Council for approval to construct buildings for growing of mushrooms and to
obtain development approval for custom composting.

Experience indicates that in the composting operation, if anaerobic conditions develop, serious
odour nuisance can be caused. Nuisance can also be caused by careless storage of raw materials.
This policy guideline has been designed to try to minimise these problems.

2. Applications for Consent Approval

2.1 An Application for planning approval is required when preparation of compost is for sale
to other growers.

2.2 In rural areas, no planning consent is required for mushroom growing and composting
when the compost prepared is used on the property on which it was prepared.

Note: Building approval must be obtained in all cases for the erection of any building, whether it
is for commercial or for private purposes. All applications will be treated on their merits. Advice
on preparation of application is available from Council’s Officers.

3. Definition
3.1 Mushroom Growing- includes all operations associated with growing mushrooms
including composting and storage of waste and materials associated with mushroom growing
operations.

Note: Mushroom growing requires Building Approval but not Development Approval.

3.2 Composting- means preparation of compost for sale.
Note: This operation requires Council Development approval and building approval.

4. The Land
4.1 Preference should be given to land, which is well drained and contains some trees. The
area of land should not be less than 2 hectares.

4.2 When mushroom-composting operations will exceed 100 tonnes per week the area of
land should not be less than 4 hectares.

5. Siting of Buildings
5.1 Generally buildings for growing mushrooms should be no closer than 12 metres to the
road frontage and at least 4 metres off the side boundary.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 241

5.2 Care must be taken with the siting of buildings used for storage of putrescible matter,
such as poultry manure, spent stable bedding, dried blood or the like.

These buildings must be sited well away from dwelling houses or likely dwelling house locations.

6. Building Constructions
6.1 In keeping with Council’s policy to achieve acceptable aesthetic appeal for rural
buildings, large buildings need careful thought in the selection of material.

Preference should be given to pre coloured profile metal claddings for large buildings.

6.2 Poultry manure, dried blood and stable beddings must be stored in buildings. The
buildings must be capable of being easily cleaned. Floors should be of concrete and at least
150mm above ground level. Wall linings should be smooth faced and preferably of brick or
concrete to prevent damage during loading and unloading operation by lifting machinery. The
buildings must be sited in accordance with 7.1

7 Composting area.
7.1 The composting area must be situated so that nuisance is not caused to adjoining
property owners. At least 75 metres should separate this area and dwelling houses, or likely
dwelling house locations.

7.2 This area used for composting must be paved with concrete. Provision should be made
for water to drain away from stacks.

Note: It is suggested that drainage channels should be provided terminating at arrester sumps to
assist in drainage disposal in accordance with clause 9.2

7.3 Where there is likelihood of nuisance arising from the operation or where special
circumstances exist, the composting area will be required to be roofed over and /or enclosed on
the sides.

Note: Such matters as closeness to existing dwellings or proposed dwelling locations, high land
subject to prevailing wind action, or where atmospheric temperature inversions could spread
odours to lower areas, will be the determining factors.

8. Prevention of Nuisance

At all times the operation is to be carried out so as not to interfere with the comfort of the
inhabitants of the surrounding area.

Particular attention should be given to:
(a) Air conditioning plant (noise control Act)
(b) Odour from Composting (Clean Air Act)
(c) Disposal of waste waters and run off from operations area (Clean waters Act)
(d) Fly and Insect Breeding (Local Government Act)

Note: The inclusions of sections 5,6,7 and 9 are designed to minimise problems referred to above.

9. Disposal of Wastes

9.1 Solid waste matter arising from the operation should be considered. It is required that a
statement be made in the application as to the method of treatment and disposal of wastes.

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 242

Where recycling of spent Mushroom compost is proposed the area that it will be spread on the
land should be shown.

Wastes should not be dumped on the land and allowed to afford breeding places for insects but
should be treated in accordance with good ‘house keeping’ methods.

9.2 Liquid wastes which are likely to be offensive such as compost stack drainage, wash
down area around poultry manure storage etc., should be disposed of without nuisance and in
accordance with the Clean Waters Act.

A system of oxidation ponds, contour drains or absorption trenches can be used provide they are
properly designed.

10. Landscaping
10.1 Depending upon position of the development and existing trees and vegetation on the
site, any approval may contain a requirement to carry out tree planting around part or whole of
the development to screen it from adjoining neighbours properties.

10.2 Where development consent is required, plans of proposed site layout should be
submitted together with plans of any buildings proposed and tree planting.

Particular advice on any of the above matters can be obtained from Council’s Officers.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the above policy guidelines be adopted.

RA Cole (Town Planner) JF Lyons (Municipal Health Surveyor)

To remain economically viable, a group of Mushroom growers set-
up Mushroom Composters Pty Ltd. It was established in 1979 in
Ebenezer managed by Joe van Dorresteyn and later by Doug Heley,
In what was then the Colo Shire Council area. There was no official
buffer zone set aside by Colo Shire Council at the time , as it was
generally open farm land with plenty of natural bushland around it.

The impact of urban sprawl on Mushroom farms wasn’t felt until

the 1980’s. Composting odours, from large centralised specialist

custom composters, brought conflict with residents who were not

farmers.

c1979 – Mushroom Composters Pty Ltd site at As we got into the 1980’s there was a swell of resident complaints
Ebenezer. Shareholders L-R – John Daley, Ken Powe,

John Cox, Joe van Dorresteyn, George Johnson

about farm odours. The area was changing it’s mix of people and attitudes and people moved from the city to the

Hawkesbury for a lifestyle change. Historically this was the food basket for the people of Sydney for hundreds of

years.

An intolerant group started to say, that now that they had become residents here, they didn’t like the odours and
wanted the farms to go! NSW State Director Errol Fletcher of Ebenezer commented in his annual report in 1988:

“1987-88 was my second year as NSW Director. During the season the problem of composting in the Hawkesbury
District really came to a head. I attended numerous meetings with various officials from the State Government

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 243

level to local council. It seems that something will be done in the Hawkesbury Shire as far as having some land set
aside with a decent buffer zone provided. This will probably set the scene for other shires in Australia but at least
it’s positive action. “

The following year the NSW State Director, Brian Carroll of Oakville commented in his 1989 Annual report to
Growers in the Hawkesbury:

Composting was again at the forefront this year. Together with the
Hawkesbury Council, positive steps have been taken to identify
possible new sites for the relocation of compost makers in the
Hawkesbury Valley. Our efforts in establishing are:

• Mushrooms Composting Industry – Siting Committee

• Mushroom Composting Industry Committee, consisting of
representatives from our Industry, Hawkesbury City Council and
relative action groups, sanity has prevailed and there has been
dialogue between all concerned”

1993 – Mushroom Composters Pty Ltd – custom Councillor Wendy Sledge was a major driving force as chairman of
compost preparation site, Post Office Road, Ebenezer the committees to try and resolve the conflict between residents

and the mushrooms industry.

Blaxland’s Ridge near the Colo River was considered to be the preferred site by Hawkesbury Council, Mushroom
Growers and Custom Composters.

During the 1980’s there was about a 4km buffer zone from the sites that would have accommodated the three
major custom compost producers in the Hawkesbury.

There were no major residential areas and the time was right to set aside a special joined area for custom compost
production in the Hawkesbury and provide a buffer zone to prevent development of conflicting non - rural uses.
This would ensure the economic future of the mushroom industry.

The technology of compost substrate production was rapidly advancing as the latest equipment and know how
was being put into use in the Hawkesbury thus reducing odour levels dramatically.

1992 – Site inspection G. Price Pty Ltd, McGraths Hill, NSW. L-R 1992 – L-R – Councillor Wendy Sledge, Council Officer, Ray Clifford
Graham Price, Marsh Lawson, John Rodwell (UK/USA), Dr Tan Nair and Councillor Les Sheather of Hawkesbury City Council on site
inspection of G. Price, Custom Composting site, McGraths Hill
and Rob Tolson

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 244