According to the Alger Conservation District, hobbyist mushroom growers may cause difficulties as various strains of mold and bacteria can infiltrate the crops they are trying to grow. Landen Tetil of the Alger Conservation District says that growing mushrooms is a delicate process that requires purchasing or reproducing spawn, inoculating, sterilizing, and maintaining optimal moisture and temperature levels, while also keeping a close eye on mold and bacterial growth that may harm the desired fungi.
As mushroom farming grows in popularity, concerns about food safety are being openly discussed in the community. Tetil mentions that paying attention to the smallest details can greatly impact food safety in mushroom farming. Experienced mushroom farmers are familiar with cleaning and sanitizing procedures and understand the consequences of bad bacteria on the final product. However, fungiculture is unique compared to other forms of agriculture and requires training and resources specific to this type of farming.
There are resources available for those looking to start or continue growing mushrooms, such as the American Mushroom Institute and the Mushroom Good Agricultural Practices Program. Additionally, some universities offer resources for public mushroom cultivation, like Penn State University.