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Abstract: In Latin America, Mexico is the largest producer of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus spp. Its production of nearly 33,000 tonnes of Agaricus represents more than 50% of all of Latin America. The recent reduction in processed mushrooms has increased the volume of fresh mushrooms in Mexico, creating an over supply and lower farm gate prices. Production in Central and South America peaked in 1994 with over 21,000 tonnes. Since then, volume has fluctuated around 20,000 tonnes. Nature’s Farm in Chile significantly reduced its production in 1995 and 1999, because of antidumping measures imposed by the U.S. Setas Colombianas, since 1999, has been the largest producer in South America. Venezuela has experienced increases over the last six years, but production has returned to its 1994 output. Bolivia has added a new producer near Santa Cruz. Brazil, Colombia and Argentina have experienced up to 75% decline in smaller growers. Brazil is the largest grower of oyster, shiitake and Agaricus blazei in South America. The production of other mushroom species is of lesser importance or non-existent in most of the other countries. The difficult economic situation in Venezuela, Colombia and Argentina has forced most growers to replace international suppliers of spawn with local suppliers, and Canadian peat moss with combinations of local peat, soil and coconut fiber.
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