Edible mushroom agriculture in China : bio-innovation, technological dissemination and marketing

MS submitted to Outlook on agricultureThe mushroom cultivation has changed from a very small sector in spatially narrow region to currently the 6th largest agricultural sector in China. It was estimated that more than 25 million farmers in China are currently engaged in cultivation and processing. The total value of mushroom products amounted to 87 billion RMB Yuan in 2008. The average growth rate has been more than 10% in the past 30 years. This paper describes the rapid growth and the contribution by bio-innovation, technological dissemination, and marketing. Mushroom could be potentially important in future food supply and experiences in China provides useful experiences to other countries in rural development and food security