By Karen Villarreal

McALLEN, TEXAS – JUNE 7, 2023 – Before collaborating with UTRGV’s Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA), Jose Aguirre’s specialty mushroom production was the definition of small-scale. He and his two partners hand-created small batches of products, in a garage, and could reach only a few niche buyers in Mission and McAllen.

“SARA helped us break down the process of applying for a USDA Value-Added Producer Grant,” Aguirre said. “It made a world of difference. We were able to automate the packing process, develop marketing. And now One Up Mushroom Products are available in 25 locations across the Rio Grande Valley, and some are in Austin, San Antonio and Miami.”

The Valley-based company shared its success story today at a USDA – UTRGV press conference which announced the USDA’s continued support of small-scale growers and producers – such as through SARA – with two grants totaling more than $375,000.

“This is a great investment in our partners, who know how to help rural communities thrive,” said Lillian Salerno, the USDA’s rural development Texas director.

Colin Cain, co-director for SARA and principal investigator on one of the two grants – a Socially Disadvantaged Group Grant (SDGG) in the amount of $174,845 – said the funding helps leverage UTRGV’s research efforts to develop projects with long-term effects for the community.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey (center) speaks with Lillian Salerno, USDA Texas state director, following the press conference. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

“We’ve been doing work in the areas of food access, energy efficiency, equitable participation in federal programs, lowering carbon dioxide emissions and other sustainable efforts,” Cain said. “Students and faculty across disciplines are addressing big-picture challenges that we face today and will in the future.”

Annelies Lottmann, SARA program coordinator and principal investigator on the second grant – the $198,954 Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG) – said the USDA funding helps ensure agricultural longevity and job creation for the region by expanding small businesses.

“More than two decades of work has created 23 cooperatives, 70 jobs, and saved about 200 jobs,” she said. “We help businesses pivot when needed by listening carefully to what would get them to that next level of success, and we collaborate on innovative approaches.”

Jose Aguirre, co-owner and chief financial officer of Mycological Solutions dba One Up Mushroom Products in Mission, Texas, shares a few words about working with UTRGV's SARA program during a press conference where UTRGV was presented with two USDA grants on Wednesday. (UTRGV Photo by Paul Chouy)

Lottmann said students are engaged in the work, too, from helping with business plans to implementing new discoveries from UTRGV research experts.

“They get first-hand experience working with some of the most creative entrepreneurs in the area to solve real problems,” she said.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the USDA grants represent true partnership between UTRGV, the U.S. government and the Valley community.

 “We are the Rio Grande Valley’s university, and that includes agriculture,” he said. “It is an important part of our heritage, and our present.”