Neighbors' perceptions of mushroom farms at the rural/urban interface

Changes at the rural/urban interface are presenting new challenges for many mushroom farms, who increasingly find themselves the subject of public complaints from nonfarming neighbors. Identifying the type and extent of neighbors concerns is important for farmers and local officials to respond appropriately. This study examined neighbors' perceptions of mushroom farms in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the nation's most productive mushroom producing area. Telephone interviews with 601 neighbors found about 23 percent of neighbors reported having a concern. Odors were the most common concern, held by 14 percent of respondents (and being 36 percent of all concerns). Neighbors were less likely to have concerns if they were aware of the mushroom farm before moving to the area, and more likely to have a concern if the farm changed operation after they moved. (Ed. Note: Data provided in this analysis of neighbors' attitudes are valuable to operators of composting facilities.).