We're thrilled to announce that Mush Ohio has been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the EU-U.S. Fellowship for Young Leaders in Agriculture, a prestigious program under the Transatlantic Sustainable Transition Initiative (TSTI). This fellowship brings together 28 emerging agricultural leaders, 14 from the European Union and 14 from the United States, to shape the future of sustainable agriculture on both sides of the Atlantic.
A Year-Long Journey of Innovation and Exchange
Starting October 15, 2025, and running through September 2026, this comprehensive fellowship offers an unprecedented opportunity to engage with international peers, policymakers, and innovative farmers. The program, implemented by the EU Delegation to the United States in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, represents a significant investment in the next generation of agricultural leadership.
As Ohio's premier mushroom cultivation operation, our selection for this program recognizes our commitment to sustainable farming practices and our potential to contribute meaningfully to transatlantic agricultural dialogue. The fellowship aligns perfectly with our mission to advance sustainable food production while building resilient local food systems.
What This Means for Mush Ohio
Through this fellowship, we'll participate in:
International Exchange Programs: Two weeklong immersive experiences with one in Europe and one in the United States. featuring farm visits, policy briefings, and hands-on learning opportunities with leading agricultural innovators.
Ongoing Virtual Engagement: Bi-monthly lectures and workshops connecting us with experts in sustainable agriculture, supply chain innovation, and agricultural policy from both continents.
Communities of Practice: Collaborative working groups focused on developing practical solutions to shared challenges in sustainable agriculture, from soil health to market access.
Policy and Economic Insights: Deep dives into EU and U.S. agricultural policy frameworks, farm economics, income support structures, and production trends that will inform our strategic planning and advocacy efforts.
Building Bridges Across the Atlantic
This fellowship represents more than professional development—it's about forging lifelong relationships with like-minded farmers and agricultural leaders who share our vision for a sustainable food future. By understanding different approaches to common challenges, we'll bring innovative solutions back to our Ohio community and contribute to broader conversations about agricultural sustainability.
The program focuses on critical areas including:
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Future challenges and opportunities along the agri-food chain
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Comparative analysis of food supply chains in the EU and U.S.
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Global market dynamics and their local implications
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Best practices in sustainable production and profitability
Gratitude for Those Who Believed in Us
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Farmer Veteran Coalition for believing in us and providing the crucial support that opened this door. Their commitment to veteran farmers and their recognition of our potential made this incredible opportunity possible. The Farmer Veteran Coalition's advocacy and nomination were instrumental in our selection for this prestigious fellowship, and we're proud to represent both veteran farmers and Ohio agriculture on this international stage.
Strengthening Our Local Impact
While this fellowship operates on an international scale, its benefits will be deeply felt here in Ohio. The knowledge, connections, and innovations we gain will directly enhance our operations and our ability to serve our community. We're committed to sharing insights from this experience with fellow Ohio farmers, our customers, and partners as we work together toward a more sustainable agricultural future.
Looking Forward
As one of only 14 U.S. participants selected from a competitive national pool, we recognize the responsibility and opportunity this fellowship represents. Over the coming year, we'll be documenting our journey, sharing insights, and bringing international best practices home to Ohio and beyond.
We're grateful to the European Union Delegation to the United States, the Farmer Veteran Coalition, our nominating organizations, and our local community for their support in making this opportunity possible. This fellowship marks an exciting new chapter for Mush Ohio as we continue to grow, innovate, and contribute to the global conversation on sustainable agriculture.
Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this transformative journey. We look forward to sharing what we learn and strengthening our commitment to sustainable, profitable farming that benefits our community and our planet.
Follow our fellowship journey on social media @mushohio and join the conversation using #TSTIAgFellows #EUintheUS #EUForeignPolicy.
Learn more about the Transatlantic Sustainable Transition Initiative at https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/united-states-america/transatlantic-sustainable-transition-initiative-tsti_en
