EverGreenFarm
Ever-Green Farm is a thriving mushroom farming venture situated in the fertile region of Ruiru, along Juja Road, Kenya. Established in 2009, our farm specializes in growing high-quality mushrooms, including:
WHY
Mushroom Farming?
We ventured into mushroom farming due to its unique advantages in terms of nutrition, sustainability, and rapid growth cycle. Here are some reasons why we chose to specialize in mushroom production:
Health Benefits
Mushrooms are naturally low in calories but high in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamin B, vitamin D, and key minerals like selenium and potassium. As health-consciousness among consumers grows, especially among vegetarians and those seeking plant-based food options, mushrooms are becoming a staple ingredient in diets across Kenya.
Sustainability
Mushroom farming is a highly sustainable agricultural practice. Mushrooms require far less land, water, and resources compared to traditional farming. Their cultivation also results in lower carbon footprints, contributing to environmentally friendly farming solutions. Additionally, mushrooms can be grown on organic waste, creating a closed-loop system that reduces agricultural waste.
Short Production Cycle
Unlike many other crops that take months to grow, certain mushroom varieties, such as Oyster Mushrooms, have a rapid growing cycle of just 3-4 weeks, making them an attractive option for quick returns on investment. This short production period enables farmers to harvest multiple crops within a year, maximizing yield and profit.
Growing Market Demand
The demand for mushrooms is increasing steadily, fueled by the rising popularity of plant-based diets, urbanization, and health-conscious consumers. Mushrooms are also versatile, with applications in gourmet cuisine, health supplements, and organic food markets. This growing market provides significant opportunities for businesses like ours to expand and thrive.
About Us
Ever Green Farm
Established: 2009
Ever-Green Farm is a thriving mushroom farming venture situated in the fertile region of Ruiru, along Juja Road, Kenya. Established in 2009, our farm specializes in growing high-quality mushrooms, including:
- Oyster Mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus), Oyster mushrooms are a popular type of mushroom linked to several health benefits. In addition to being highly nutritious, they may promote heart and immune system health, encourage healthy blood sugar control, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We sell them for KES 279.00(Inc. VAT).
Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), are considered a healthy and versatile food option, offering nutritional benefits like being low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins B and D; We sell them at a price ranging from around Ksh 300 to Ksh 400 per kilogram depending on the market and quality
- Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes). The Five Major Benefits of Shiitake Mushrooms include Immune System Boosting, Potential Cancer Prevention, Cholesterol Reduction, Antioxidant Effects and are very Rich in natural vitamin D. We sell them for KSh800.00 to KSh850.00.......
Market Opportunities
The mushroom market in Kenya presents numerous exciting opportunities, and our farm is well-positioned to take advantage of these trends
Urban Growth
As Kenya's middle class expands, urban centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu are seeing increased demand for gourmet foods, including mushrooms. These cities have seen a rise in health-conscious consumers who seek high-quality, nutritious food options, making mushrooms a popular choice.
All Equipment And Chemicals Provided
Mushrooms are in high demand among restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and health food stores. These businesses rely on fresh, quality produce, and mushrooms fit the bill. Our mushrooms are delivered to some of Kenya’s leading retail outlets, including Magunas, Naivas,Quickmart and Highridge Green Groceries.with a growing network of clientele across the country.
Export Potential
With global demand for organic and high-quality mushrooms on the rise, there is potential to expand our market beyond Kenya. East Africa, as well as European markets, show significant promise for exporting both fresh and preserved mushrooms. Our commitment to quality and sustainability makes us an ideal supplier for these international markets.
Value-Added Products
Beyond fresh mushrooms, there is considerable potential for expanding our product range to include preserved mushrooms, mushroom extracts, and ready-to-eat mushroom-based dishes. As health-conscious consumers continue to demand convenient and nutritious food options, these value-added products will offer further growth opportunities for our business.
Our Products
We grow three varieties of mushrooms, each with its own specific benefits and growing conditions. These include:
- Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- Temperature: 20-30°C
- Humidity: 85-95%
- Light: Indirect
- Growing Cycle: 3-4 weeks
- Oyster mushrooms are quick-growing and require minimal maintenance. They are ideal for beginner farmers and are highly popular in the market for their delicate texture and mild flavor.
- Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)
- Temperature: 16-18°C (incubation), 12-16°C (fruiting)
- Humidity: 70-80%
- Growing Cycle: 6-8 weeks.
- Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
- Temperature: 15-20°C
- Humidity: 80-90%
- Light: Some
- Growing Cycle: 6-8 weeks
- Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula edodes)
- Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, umami flavor and are considered a high-value mushroom variety. Although they require more advanced growing techniques, they have high profit margins and are in growing demand due to their health benefits.
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Research and Strategy
Before diving into mushroom farming, we conducted extensive research to understand the local demand and market dynamics. This research allowed us to make informed decisions and select the mushroom varieties with the highest potential for success:
- Local Demand: We consulted with restaurants, supermarkets, and health food stores to understand their mushroom preferences and purchasing patterns.
- Key Buyers: We identified our target markets, including high-end restaurants, health food stores, supermarkets, and direct consumers.
- Competitive Analysis: By studying other mushroom farms, we were able to identify industry trends, pricing strategies, and gaps in the market, enabling us to position ourselves strategically.
- Pricing Trends: We researched seasonal price variations to ensure competitive pricing throughout the year, maximizing our revenue.
After careful consideration, we opted to cultivate a range of mushrooms—Button Mushrooms, Oyster Mushrooms, and Shiitake Mushrooms—ensuring a diverse and attractive product offering for different market segments.
Research and Strategy
Before diving into mushroom farming, we conducted extensive research to understand the local demand and market dynamics. This research allowed us to make informed decisions and select the mushroom varieties with the highest potential for success:
- Local Demand: We consulted with restaurants, supermarkets, and health food stores to understand their mushroom preferences and purchasing patterns.
- Key Buyers: We identified our target markets, including high-end restaurants, health food stores, supermarkets, and direct consumers.
- Competitive Analysis: By studying other mushroom farms, we were able to identify industry trends, pricing strategies, and gaps in the market, enabling us to position ourselves strategically.
- Pricing Trends: We researched seasonal price variations to ensure competitive pricing throughout the year, maximizing our revenue.
- After careful consideration, we opted to cultivate a range of mushrooms—Button Mushrooms, Oyster Mushrooms, and Shiitake Mushrooms—ensuring a diverse and attractive product offering for different market segments.
Disease and Pest Management.
Maintaining the health and quality of our mushrooms is a top priority. To prevent diseases and pests that could affect our crops, we implement the following best practices:
1. Sanitation:
Regular cleaning of all equipment, tools, and growing areas is essential to prevent contamination. Disinfectant footbaths are placed at entrances to prevent external pests and pathogens from entering the growing environment. We also ensure that farm workers wear clean, dedicated clothing to avoid any cross-contamination.
2. Environmental Control:
We maintain proper temperature, humidity, and airflow conditions in the mushroom houses to ensure the optimal growth environment for our crops.
3. Pest Management:
We use fine mesh screens on windows and vents to prevent flying pests from entering the mushroom houses. Additionally, sticky traps are placed to capture any pests, and we apply integrated pest management (IPM) techniques as necessary.
4. Disease Identification and Treatment:
Our team conducts regular crop inspections to identify any signs of disease early. Infected areas are isolated and removed immediately to prevent the spread of illness. We also consult with agricultural officers for expert advice and treatment solutions when necessary.
As we continue to grow, we aim to expand our market presence both locally and internationally. Our long-term vision is to become a leading supplier of high-quality mushrooms, recognized for our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and health-conscious products.
