
Frequently asked questions.
How much does it cost?
The cost of our Modular Mushroom Farm (MMF) is surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to other farming endeavors. For instance, a basic tractor can cost around $95,000 and take years to recoup the investment. In contrast, our turn-key Mushroom Farm Pods are priced at only $95,000.
If you're willing to put in the labor yourself, you can expect to pay off your farm pod within a year. If you prefer, we also offer a white glove service that handles the 20 hours of weekly work required for $20 an hour. In this case, your MMF would pay for itself in approximately a year and a third.
Many people anticipate farming costs to reach into the hundreds of thousands, but our Modular Mushroom Farms defy this expectation. In fact, when comparing the return on investment to other ventures like apartment complexes or ATM machines, the MMFs provide superior value.
Are there any tax breaks?
In Tennessee, if you own more than 15 acres and earn more than $1500 per year from farming, you might qualify for a significant property tax break. It's advisable to consult with an accountant to understand the specifics of this potential tax benefit.
Is the income guaranteed?
While farming does not guarantee income, we have established measures to mitigate as many obstacles as possible. We are working to ensure that food distributors can buy all the available mushrooms. If this changes, we have set up facilities to freeze dry the mushrooms, allowing them to be sold to mushroom supplement companies. Mushrooms are notably resilient and continue to grow even in less than optimal conditions. Additionally, farmers market vendors often report high demand for mushrooms, with stocks typically selling out quickly.
Do you need to know anything about farming?
No, you don't need any prior farming knowledge to operate our MMFs. They are designed to be turn-key solutions, meaning they are ready to use upon delivery.
We provide you with all the necessary training, teaching you the basics of harvesting and boxing up the mushrooms, as well as maintaining cleanliness in the area.
Moreover, we guide you on the specific temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels needed for the type of mushrooms you're growing. The equipment within the farm pod will automatically regulate these parameters for you, making the process straightforward and user-friendly.
What if you lose power?
Power loss could pose a significant issue during extreme weather conditions like the heat of summer or the freezing of winter. However, this can be mitigated by attaching a small generator to your farm pod, which would automatically turn on during these times.
What if we don't have water accessibility?
Water accessibility is not a problem. You can use a jug like the ones you see at water coolers in offices. Typically, a MMF uses about one of these jugs per week.
What if we go on vacation?
If you plan on taking a vacation, you can hire our white glove service to come out and do the necessary work for you. This way, your MMF operations continue uninterrupted.
What if I want to sell the mushrooms on my own?
Absolutely, you have the freedom to sell your mushrooms wherever you like. You can purchase our mushroom grow blocks for $13.50 each and direct your sales as you see fit.
Can I buy a container and have it out of state?
Yes, you can buy a MMF and have it located out of state. However, please note that in such cases, you would be responsible for sourcing your mushroom grow blocks and selling your harvest.
What if I don't have enough property?
If you don't have enough property space, there are a few options available. You can rent a small space and store the farm pod on our land, or park it in an RV park or a storage facility that accommodates RVs. Alternatively, you can rent land from a nearby farmer, provided they can supply access to electricity and water.
Can it be uncovered out in a field?
Yes, the MMFs can be placed uncovered in a field. They are thoroughly insulated and are designed to stay naturally cooler on their own, making them suitable for various environments.
Can I have more than 1?
Yes, you can have as many MMFs as you would like. There are no restrictions on the number of units you can operate.
Can you harvest every day?
While daily harvesting is possible, it's generally easier to harvest once or twice a week. We deliver grow blocks to you weekly and pick up your harvest at the same time. Therefore, it's most convenient to plan your harvesting for the day before our pick-up, unless you have an additional container with a cooler for storage.
Do the mushrooms have to be put in a cooler?
If you're selling to us, the harvested mushrooms can be kept in the grow pod if harvested a day before pick-up. However, they should not be kept there longer than that. Restaurants typically require all produce to be refrigerated. If you're selling at a farmers market, there's no need to refrigerate the mushrooms.
What do I wear in the mushroom farm pod?
Due to the high volume of spores mushrooms produce, it's recommended to wear a ventilator inside the MMF. Additionally, you should keep coverings for your clothes and shoes at the pod’s entrance to minimize the amount of external contaminants you bring in and to prevent the spread of mushroom spores.
Can I get more than 2 1/2 lbs of mushrooms from my blocks?
Technically, you can attempt to harvest more than 2 1/2 lbs of mushrooms from your blocks. However, after two harvests, the blocks typically lack sufficient nutrients to produce many more mushrooms. It's generally more productive to compost the blocks after two harvests and replace them with new ones.
Are we USDA GAP certified?
Yes, we are USDA GAP certified.
What does being USDA GAP certified mean?
Being USDA GAP certified means that our agricultural products have been produced, packed, handled, and stored in a manner that minimizes the risk of food safety hazards.
Can we add each site to our GAP and have them individually inspected?
Yes, according to the GAP auditors, we have the capability to add each site to our GAP certification and have them individually inspected. This ensures that the highest food safety standards are maintained across all our locations.
What is the cost of Oyster mushroom blocks and other mushroom varieties?
Oyster mushroom blocks are priced at $8.50 each. For other mushroom varieties, the cost is also $8.50 each, plus additional shipping charges.
How much water do mushroom blocks typically use?
Mushroom blocks consume about the same amount of water as contained in an office water cooler jug every week.
Is there any training provided for managing the mushroom business, and what are the costs involved?
The training is provided free of charge. However, as an independent business owner, you will be responsible for covering your travel expenses to the training location.
What is the electrical requirement for the mushroom farming setup?
The electrical requirement is 60 AMP
What is included in the $95K container, and what additional supplies are needed?
The container's contents are detailed on the website. Additional supplies, estimated to cost between $1000-$1500, include items like mops, brooms, knives, and cleaners. A comprehensive list of these additional supplies will be provided after purchase, in preparation for delivery.
How is payment for mushroom blocks processed?
Payment for mushroom blocks is handled through a separate invoice. A link to Creation Gardens and the cities they cover is available here: [Creation Gardens Regions](https://www.whatchefswant.com/regions/). If you are not in the covered area, arrangements with another food distributor will be necessary, and you'll need to manage weekly deliveries of harvested boxes until enough TM farms are established in your area for us to set up a warehouse and refrigerated truck.