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Startup MycoLogic pitches containerized mushroom modules to Georgia small farms
Summary
A university spinout described an automated 40-foot production module that the founders say can let small farms produce specialty mushrooms using cotton and peanut byproducts; committee members asked about costs, markets and technical support.
Chris Cornelison, a professor of microbiology and co-founder of MycoLogic, told the Small Business Development Committee that his company has developed a containerized cultivation system to let small farms grow specialty mushrooms locally. "We're optimized for mushrooms," Cornelison said, describing a 40-foot converted shipping container fitted with sensors and software to control humidity, CO2 and temperature for different mushroom varieties.
Cornelison said the project began with a 2017 research grant from the Georgia Department of Agriculture through the USDA specialty crop block grant program and expanded with additional support from the Georgia Research Alliance and Georgia Centers of Innovation. He said the company licenses a culture library from the university and built a product line that supports more than 23 edible and medicinal varieties.
The technology is a combination of hardware and software: Cornelison described a semi-autonomous, clean-in-place system that reduces labor and uses agricultural residues such as cotton gin byproduct and "spent peanut holes" as substrate. He cited one Georgia case study — Gowan Valley Farms of Dalton — which he said produced more than 15,000 pounds a year from a single unit and reported "over $200,000 a year in revenue" with two employees after switching away from conventional vegetables.
Committee members asked about practical details. When Representative Tom asked whether mushrooms start from a spore or a seed, Cornelison answered, "A spore," and later explained the production steps: spore → mycelia → inoculation into substrate → fruiting. Chairman Yoda asked about cost; Cornelison said the 40-foot unit is currently offered for $127,000. He also told members that, based on pilot data, a unit at "max capacity" could produce about $270,000 of mushrooms annually under modeled wholesale prices.
Cornelison credited university and state programs with helping translate research into a company and said the start-up benefited from a Grow New York competition prize: he said the company placed third and received a $250,000 SAFE note administered by Cornell. He also said Georgia Farm Credit has been open to financing units as farm infrastructure.
Committee members pressed on training and market channels. Cornelison said the company provides onboarding, troubleshooting guides and consultation to help new growers succeed. He said growers sell through farmers markets, restaurants and local wholesale accounts; small farms see best margins at direct retail outlets but are exploring wholesale channels.
A number of lawmakers asked Cornelison to bring demonstrations and outreach to districts; Cornelison said he would be happy to work with localities and meet interested growers. The presentation concluded with members thanking the presenter and asking for follow-up materials.
