The Shortage of Quality Substrate Hinders Mushroom Farming Development in Ukraine in 2026

This is reported by AgroReview

The Ukrainian market for growing mushrooms is in a difficult situation due to the lack of quality substrate, which negatively affects mushroom yields and price formation. Since 2023, after the closure of the company “Veres”, most producers have been forced to rely solely on two main enterprises: “Agaris Miko Ukraine” and “Svit Solomy”. Importing compost from European countries remains economically unfeasible for Ukrainian farmers due to high logistics costs and delivery challenges.

Substrate Production Issues and Weather Impact

Producing quality substrate for mushrooms is a technologically complex process that depends on weather conditions, as the fermentation of raw materials occurs outdoors. According to Mykola Leleta, head of the All-Ukrainian Association of Mushroom Producers, the harsh winter of 2025–2026 made it impossible to prepare the necessary base for cultivation. As a result, yields at some farms have dropped to 3% compared to the normative 30%.

“Even before the war, the cost of building a substrate production plant was $25,000, but now this amount has increased 3–4 times,” noted Ivan Turchin, chief technologist at the company “Borovik”.

Financial Difficulties and Market Prospects

In addition to raw material challenges, mushroom farming is pressured by significant energy resource costs and an unstable pricing situation. Large producers are trying to maintain prices at 130–135 UAH/kg, but small farmers, who suffer from frequent power outages, are forced to sell their products for 70 UAH/kg to avoid spoilage. Industry experts note that under current conditions, the market is oversaturated, and low profitability makes it nearly impossible to launch new production projects.

“Entering the market right now is absolutely unprofitable. The market is not what it was even five years ago,” emphasized Ivan Turchin.