Ironwood Mycology

Ironwood Mycology is the Wood River Valley area's first sustainable mushroom farm.

Ironwood Mycology is committed to running a zero-waste operation and eventually incorporating solar power with the goal of making the farm energy independent. Its operational principles directly align with the objectives of the Impact Idaho Fund. Their facility has increased the diversity of local food in our area. Since June of 2023 Ironwood Mycology's mushrooms have been at area farmers markets and retail stores.

IMPACTS

Approximately 23,500 pounds of nutrient-dense food were locally produced and sold in 2021

14.5 acres under sustainable cultivation, 3 acres are currently producing vegetables and most of the 2 acres in transition will be producing vegetable crops in the 2022 season.

Improved financial modeling and reporting, contributing to long-term business success.

Leveraged precision farming and regenerative agriculture techniques to reduce nutrient and soil run-off and protect water quality.

Avoided approximately 7,084 lbs of carbon dioxide equivalents by selling produce locally

Project Overview

A $25,000 low-interest loan provided start up capital for Ironwood Mycology to purchase the specialized equipment required for a small-scale commercial mushroom growing operation.

Beyond filling the gap for this nutrient-rich food source in the Wood River Valley, Ironwood Mycology is committed to creating a zero-waste facility. The growing medium for the mushrooms is sourced from agricultural and wood by-products. The planned incorporation of solar into the farming operation will eventually make the facility energy independent.

TESTIMONIALs

“Investment from the Impact Idaho Fund has allowed me to start Ironwood Mycology off the right way. I am able to make the capital investments in equipment that will put me in a good position to start growing 25 pounds of mushrooms per week immediately. From there it will be easy to expand the operation to meet demand.”

Zackary Wood, Ironwood Mycology

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Guiding Principles

We have strong relationships with local farmers and deep knowledge in the local and regional food system built through our Food & Farm program, the Local Food Alliance.  We are deeply familiar with local investing and able to provide the technical assistance required to prepare borrowers for financing.

Impact investors provide capital for resilience businesses

Funding Objectives

Impact Idaho Fund objectives are primarily aligned to UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 – Zero Hunger – and 11 – Sustainable Communities. In pursuit of more resilient, regionalized food and agriculture systems, the Impact Idaho Fund Pilot will also consider critical impacts on land, water and energy resources.

SVIR envisions a resilient community with a nourishing regional food system, a healthy environment and a vibrant and equitable economy. Through the Impact Idaho Fund, SVIR catalyzes capital for regional resilience projects that advance local food security.

Funding Model

Funding Model for Impact Idaho Fund model