Best Management Practices to Log-Based Shiitake Cultivation in the Northeast Published

UVM Extension's Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Cornell Extension
and a team of farm advisors have published a guide for growers who want
to explore shiitake mushroom cultivation on their own land.  Shiitake
mushrooms are the second-most cultivated variety in the world, and the
demand for locally produced, log-grown shiitakes is high among chefs and
consumers. 

According to the guide, "Forest cultivation of shiitake mushrooms can
generate income, diversify farm and forestry enterprises, add value to
forestry by-products and create opportunities for timber stand
improvement."   At publication time, these mushrooms sell for $10-$18
per pound across New England.  
 
The guide is the culmination of a 3 year research and education project,
sponsored by a grant from USDA-Sustainable Agriculture Research and
Education. The project was led by Ken Mudge of Cornell University, and
included Ben Waterman of the University of Vermont, Allen Matthews of
Chatham University, Bridgett Jamison Hilshey of the University of
Vermont, and 20 commercial Shiitake mushroom producers across the
Northeast.