Commercial Mushroom Producers Ltd. (CMP) marked a significant milestone in December, celebrating 25 years of growth, resilience, and innovation. Since its founding in 1999, CMP has evolved into a leading EU-recognized Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organization, supporting growers across Ireland and beyond.
Speaking at the event, Orla McManus CEO, and Bert Stewart, Chairman both reflected on its early days when the idea of a producer organization was introduced by Mike Neary of An Bord Glas and David Thirkell of the Plunkett Foundation. The cooperative officially began trading in 1999, thanks to the dedication of key figures like Peter Judge, Frank Corbally, and the support of Monaghan Mushrooms and Ronnie Wilson.
Over the years, CMP has faced numerous challenges, including navigating the complexities of the EU Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and adapting to industry shifts like Brexit. Despite these hurdles, CMP has grown stronger, diversifying its membership and embracing innovation to drive the sector forward.
The cooperative welcomed new members Keelings recently, and this coming year, including McCormack Family Farm, specialists in baby leaf salads and microgreens, and Dutch organic mushroom growers Jeffrey and Dorus Heeren. Their addition underscores CMP’s commitment to sustainability and crop diversity.
CMP also highlighted its groundbreaking peat-free casing project, developed with Monaghan Mushrooms, which converts spent mushroom compost into a sustainable alternative. This initiative, now supported by Sainsbury’s, positions Irish mushrooms as a world-first fully circular food source. Peat Free mushrooms featured on the night’s menu, alongside Keelings ‘Irish Winter’ strawberries, available in Ireland for the first time having being grown in glass houses with new pink LED light innovation.
Innovation remains at the core of CMP’s vision, exemplified by its collaboration with automation and robotics innovators to develop harvesting technology. These advancements address labour challenges while ensuring quality and efficiency in production.
Looking ahead, CMP aims to continue promoting sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. With a strong foundation, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision, CMP is poised to lead the Irish and European mushroom industries into a bright future.