THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY DINNIMAN, ALLOWAY, BOSCOLA, BRUBAKER, COSTA, ERICKSON, FERLO, FOLMER, FONTANA, GREENLEAF, O'PAKE, RAFFERTY, STACK, STOUT, TARTAGLIONE, WASHINGTON AND WAUGH, JULY 2, 2010

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, JULY 2, 2010  

A RESOLUTION

Designating September 2010 as "Mushroom Month" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, American mushroom farming began on a farm in Chester

County, now recognized as the "mushroom capital of the world";

and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is witnessing a growing and

productive mushroom agribusiness in many parts of Pennsylvania;

and

WHEREAS, This Commonwealth leads the nation in mushroom

production, with dedicated and innovative mushroom growers

producing 496.7 million pounds each year, valued at more than

$453 million; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania mushroom producers supply 63% of the

nation's agaricus mushrooms, the conventional button variety

that accounts for most of the nation's mushroom sales; and

WHEREAS, Mushrooms are one of the most difficult commodities

to grow due to the intensive labor required to produce a

consistent, high-quality crop; and

WHEREAS, Modern mushroom farms are highly technical

operations that utilize computerized systems to monitor

production and safety. Mushroom growers carefully prepare

compost, generate an indoor pasteurization process, control

temperature and humidity and harvest their crop thanks to

advancements in technology; and

WHEREAS, The mushroom industry contributes to the

preservation of this Commonwealth's agricultural customs and

traditions; and

WHEREAS, The mushroom industry in this Commonwealth greatly

contributes to the economy of Chester County and Pennsylvania,

offering a marketable product for export; therefore be it

RESOLVED, In recognition of Pennsylvania's thriving

agriculture industry, that the Senate of Pennsylvania designate

September 2010, as "Mushroom Month" in Pennsylvania, encourage

all citizens to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of

the mushroom industry to produce an abundant, profitable

mushroom crop, recognized for superior quality and its

significance to Pennsylvania's economy.