Meet Carmen Adriana Rodriguez of South Florida Fungi in Kendall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Adriana Rodriguez.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My mother and I migrated from Lima, Peru when I was 7 years old to look for a better future. I am now 31 years old but stay rooted in my Peruvian culture. I was accepted into Florida International University, majoring in Environmental science, and in the AgroEcology program where I was awarded a USDA (Department of Agriculture) Scholarship to work on agricultural research. I surveyed a beautiful piece of land called possum trot, with farmer Robert Barnum, where we looked at the various aspects (age, health condition, height, width, etc.) of tropical fruit trees present on his 40 acres piece of land. This data established a better understanding (For the University) of the flora, for future research projects. I was able to present and discuss my findings of this Agroforestry system in various conferences. Additionally, I received a first-generation scholarship, for being the first in my family to graduate with a Bachelor’s.

I met my now husband in an AgroEcology class and we knew our passions would grow into a business. In 2013, I interned for IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture) in Costa Rica, developing an online course in Permaculture, which was released to all their Latin American offices for farmer outreach programs. I graduated upon arrival back to the states. I have been given many names – the girl with the pig (my pet pig), dog rescuer, but most recently referred to as the mushroom lady (which has been my favorite)- by Cristina Ivory from Angry Booch.

I got a job with Fresh king as a broker, importing and exporting agricultural goods. In 2015, I began to work with the USDA (Department of Agriculture) assisting local farmers and beginning farmers with their farm enterprise. Me and my husband’s combination of USDA experience behind us, combined with our passion for Agriculture is what led us to experiment with mushrooms.

I am a BIG fan of mushrooms. Not just for culinary purposes but also for medicinal purposes. Did you know that Reishi mushrooms have been found to prevent tumor growth and cancer? This mushroom improves liver function, fights allergies and asthma, helps balance hormones and fights diabetes, promotes heart health and balances blood pressure, and so much more. It has been used in Asia for more than 4,000 years and referred to as the “mushroom of immortality”. I encourage everyone to do basic research and learn on their own the benefits of mushrooms.