WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) announced legislation that formally recognizes today, October 15^th, as National Mushroom Day and honors the regions of Chester and Berks Counties, Pennsylvania, for their unparalleled contributions to the national mushroom industry.

“I’m honored to introduce legislation that elevates the work of our mushroom farmers” said Houlahan. “Over 60% of mushrooms consumed in this country are grown right at home in Kennett Square and the surrounding areas. Our community is home to many multigeneration family farms. This thriving industry employs nearly ten thousand workers and brings nearly three billion dollars to our community. I am proud to honor their work and wish everyone in Pennsylvania and beyond a happy National Mushroom Day.”

 “We very much appreciate recognition of the mushroom industry in Chester and Berks Counties delivered by Congresswoman Houlahan (D-PA) today on the House floor,” said American Mushroom Institute President Rachel Roberts. “There’s a lot to love about mushrooms and mushroom farmers. Not only are they a nutrition superfood in the grocery aisle—picked in the morning and on the shelves in the evening—they are a testament to the precision and hard work of a community of growers who have established and sustained an economic powerhouse in the region. Over half of all mushrooms produced in the United States are grown in Chester and Berks Counties. As a result, the mushroom industry drives a large part of the area’s economy, providing thousands of jobs, millions in annual tax revenue for the counties and state, and over a billion dollars in direct and indirect spending in the area each year. Congresswoman Houlahan understands the positive health and economic impacts of the mushroom industry and we again thank her for this spotlight.”

Video of Chrissy speaking about National Mushroom Day on the House Floor can be seen here.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She’s in her first term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Small Business Committee.

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