Frustration with the fluctuating price of mushrooms and uncertain transportation has motivated Lynda Dixon of Maude Island to investigate a mushroom processing industry for the islands.
Ms Dixon will ask the Gwaii Trust for $6500 to pay for a research project to identify local producers and retail markets for chantrelle mushrooms. "A processing plant which has the capacity to dry and package the fresh mushroom product for off-island distributors and on-islands markets would offer stable prices and regular employment for pickers as well as employment for food handlers/processors," said Ms Dixon.
Ms Dixon cited the Codfather fish processing plant that sells fish to local markets as an example of a small business that provides employment and food sustainability for the community.
Ms Dixon presented her idea to the Queen Charlotte management committee, and the members agreed to give her a letter of support for her Gwaii Trust application.