​Mushrooms are decomposers, meaning they digest and assimilate the material they grow on through enzymatic breakdown. Unlike plants, which filter inputs through root systems, mushrooms directly metabolize their substrate. This makes substrate quality critically important—not just for yield and structure, but for purity and safety. We use certified organic substrates at Happy Mountain, which eliminates the risk of bioaccumulation of harmful pesticides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers, which can persist in conventional agricultural byproducts.

​

Certified organic substrates also support a healthier microbiome within the growing environment, leading to more vigorous mycelial growth, better fruiting performance, and ultimately a cleaner, more nutrient-dense mushroom.

Our. spent mushroom substrate is utilized by both home and commercial growers in our region to supplement soil and produce nutrient dense, healthier for you produce. By maintaining our certified organic status, we can ensure we are contributing to the health of soil as our products go back in. 

​

Being certified organic also means we are required to keep a stringent traceability, batch production and food safety program. We are required to be stewards of sustainability and demonstrate our commitment to the environment and our land.

​

Being a certified organic farm is more than just what's "sprayed" on crops. And it isn't just about the label for us, it's a key factor in producing high-integrity food for both the people in our community and the ecosystems we depend on.