Fungi, Mushrooms & Mycelium

Derek Sarno Helps Transform Ex-Chicken Farm Into Mushroom-Growing Operation in “UK-First” Project

In a groundbreaking new project, a former chicken farm in Norfolk, England, has been transformed into a sustainable mushroom-growing operation.

The vision for the initiative was provided by Chef Derek Sarno, who partnered with The Little Mushroom Co. and Smithy Mushrooms to make his idea a reality. According to Sarno, the project is a UK-first and there is nothing similar elsewhere in the country.

The initiative has been documented in a short film produced by Oh Brother Creative, which is now available to watch on YouTube. The film demonstrates the evolution of the farm and the teamwork and innovation that made it possible.

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The successful implementation of the concept demonstrates how existing farms can be repurposed to produce nutritious, flavourful, and sustainable food solutions, all while using less water, less land, and minimal inputs. It is hoped that the mushrooms produced at the new facility could become a game-changing ingredient for restaurants, retail products, and home cooks.

“This project is about what we can accomplish when farmers, chefs, and the community come together with a shared goal of sustainability and nutritious food,” says Sarno.

Redefining farming and cooking

Mushroom sales have boomed in recent years, partially driven by the increasing popularity of plant-based food. Last year, Smithy Mushrooms said its business had grown by three times in as many years, with particularly high demand for oyster mushrooms.

© Derek Sarno

On his YouTube channel, Sarno shares recipes and techniques for preparing specialty mushrooms, demonstrating their versatility and ability to transform a variety of dishes.

“I’ve worked with these mushrooms for years and know how they can replace meaty textures in almost every sense, surprising both chefs and home cooks alike,” said Sarno.

“We’re not just swapping chickens for mushrooms; we’re redefining how we farm and cook. And this transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible teamwork behind it.”

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