In 2024, Germany's mushroom harvest fell by 2.7%, totaling 75,700 tons, according to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). Despite the decrease from the previous year, the yield was still 5.7% higher than the ten-year average. Nearly 98% of the harvested mushrooms were button mushrooms, with smaller amounts of oyster, shiitake, and other specialty mushrooms.

The area dedicated to mushroom cultivation also dropped by 4.7%, covering 341 hectares. However, this remained 6.6% above the ten-year average. Organic mushroom farming saw a notable increase, with almost 12% of the total yield coming from fully organic operations. The key regions for mushroom production were Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, which together accounted for the majority of the harvest.

Experts believe that the decline in production may be attributed to factors such as rising energy costs and ongoing labor shortages. However, the industry remains resilient, with investments in sustainable farming practices and technological innovations helping to stabilize production levels. The German mushroom sector continues to play a vital role in the European mushroom market, with hopes of increased growth in organic farming contributing to future stability.

For further information, visit Destatis Press Release.