Business Aim

The aim is to plan, construct and operate a mushroom farm, this concept has originally come about after receiving an invitation from the Government in the Emirate of Fajairah in the United Arab Emirates.

The farm would be able to produce a selection of exotic and chestnut mushrooms for the many world-class hotels, restaurants and high quality shops.  The overall design has been set-up around a location in the Middle East but could be adapted to other countries and climates.  Once set-up, this project can be a very simple but financially rewarding project to the investor bringing in a local work force thus, increasing the stability of the local area. 

The exotic mushrooms would consist of the following varieties: Shiitake, Wood Blewits, Horse Mushrooms and Yellow, Pink and Grey Oyster Mushrooms.

The Farm (contents)

The mushroom farm would consist of a number of environmentally controlled growing rooms and because the conditions are fully controlled, high temperatures are not a problem.  A pack-house and cold store are also required along with offices and staff facilities.  An area of concrete and a pasteurisation room would be required for the production of compost.

Cost and Income (contents)

All prices are for guideline purposes only and will vary from month to month in line with the markets, etc.

The total cost of the entire project is in the region of £1.25m  -  £1.5m.  However, a initial start-up package can be arranged from as little as £500,000.  An up to date feasibility study will be undertaken to evaluate the project.

Total annual cost £600,000.

The total income will be excess of £1m per annum.

An example of selling prices:-

Future Projects (contents)

Two further projects could be under taken once the mushroom farm is up and running.  The first would be the production of garden and field compost made from vegetable and fish waste, chicken manure and other green material.

The second is the production of high quality turf.  This turf would be for use in the gardens, parks and the areas around new hotels.  This turf is produced in beds and rolled-up almost like a carpet.

(contents)

AN OVERVIEW ABOUT MUSHROOMS…….......

Mushrooms are ….

Good For Your Health

In Asia, mushrooms have been used medically for hundreds of years.  Immune system stimulation effects of some components found in Shiitake, Maitake and Shimeji are being researched and developed as anti-cancer and immune system deficiency drugs.

Good For Vegetarians

With an estimated 3.5 million vegetarians in the UK as an example, and 50% of consumers claiming to be reducing meat consumption, the need for interesting vegetarian dishes is ever increasing.  Speciality mushrooms have a gourmet image and offer individuality and originality to vegetarian menu options.  Plant or animal, mushrooms are acceptable to most types of vegetarians.

How Are They Grown (contents)

In hygienic growing rooms, with controlled atmosphere and temperatures.  Specially developed compost types are used in a growing regime designed to mimic conditions in nature.  Field mushrooms types grow in a manure based compost, e.g. Chestnut, Horse and Wood Blewits.

Forest Mushrooms types grow on wood, straw or sawdust based composts.  These also need light to stimulate mushroom production, e.g. Shiitake, Oyster, Shimeji, Maitake.

Why Is There Such A Price Variation

Most speciality mushrooms are very close to their wild strain roots.  They have less predictable growth patterns and yields and are generally slow growing.  Growth cycles vary from ten weeks to twenty-six weeks and price reflects a combination of yield and length of growth cycle.  Generally, the slower growing (and more expensive) types also have the most intense flavours, so less is required to deliver flavour.  

(contents)

CHESTNUT MUSHROOM Has a firmer texture and a more distinctive flavour than its white cousin.  Creamy brown flakey cap with dark gills.  Very versatile, excellent roasted.  Large sizes often known as Portabello mushrooms and buttons known as Crimini.
OYSTER MUSHROOM A now familiar mushroom.  Colour varies from pale silver grey to dark brown.  Some varieties are pink and yellow.  The caps are leaf-like with a silky texture and delicate subtle flavour.
HORSE MUSHROOM Pale golden in colour with a small firm cap and thick stem.  Has a delicate sweetish flavour.  Excellent raw or sautéed.
SHIITAKE Worldwide, one of the most popular mushrooms.  Pale flesh with dark cap, the flavour is delicate and creamy with a hint of garlic and wood smoke.
WOOD BLEWIT A robust and meaty mushroom.  Pale blue-grey and lilac tinged stem.  This mushroom should not be used raw.  Its strong flavour and firm texture matches full flavoured dishes and meats, especially game.

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