By Bashira Muhammad
Zoom Out Mycology Founder & Owner
My name is Bashira Muhammad and I'm the founder and owner of Zoom Out Mycology (ZOM). My mission is to drive sustainability with fungi allyship. At ZOM, I grow and source mushrooms and other herbs to manufacture and distribute premium, high-quality, loose mushroom tea products. I live where I farm (Springfield) and operate out of a commercial kitchen in Cottage Grove. 
Mushrooms come in many shapes, and sizes and have numerous benefits. But fungi are even broader than that, representing a whole kingdom of life. I'm considering fungi as a kingdom when I reflect on how they contribute to sustainability progress. Some of my favorite subjects are sustainable agriculture, bioremediation, food production, water conservation or mycofiltration, ecosystem restoration, accessible natural medicine, and carbon sequestration. These topics fall under applied mycology.
Agriculture, local food systems play vital roles in tackling climate crisis
Oregon is an ecologically diverse coastal state with a wide range of climates. It's no surprise that the agricultural outputs represent a diverse range of fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, trees, mushrooms, and more! Given the breadth of climates in Oregon and thus climate impacts, sustainable solutions look different depending on the purpose and actions of each farm. Agriculture and local food systems play significant roles in tackling climate crisis challenges, including through social, environmental, and economic lenses.
Social dimensions
Environmental dimensions
- Agriculture (ag) contributes the least to our GHG emissions by economic sector so maybe we can start with the heavier hitters like transportation and industry emissions. Agriculture has a different spread of gas emissions which have different lengths and strengths of impacts on climate. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions also result from livestock and other agricultural practices, land use, and the decay of organic waste in municipal solid waste landfills. Nitrous oxide can result from various agricultural soil management activities, such as the application of synthetic and organic fertilizers and other cropping practices, the management of manure, or the burning of agricultural residues. Agricultural soil management is the largest source of N2O emissions in the United States, accounting for 75% of total U.S. N2O emissions in 2021.
Economic dimensions
- Fair and reasonable pricing systems for food and labor in the ag and food systems
Increased BIPOC representation, decision-making critical moving forward
Having Lane County BIPOC communities represented at the decision-making table in agriculture, sustainability initiatives, climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, and economic opportunities is crucial for several reasons.
Equity and justice
- Barriers to access: BIPOC communities often face systemic barriers to accessing economic opportunities in all sectors, but definitely in agriculture.
- Historical marginalization: Black and indigenous communities have historically been excluded from decision-making related to land use, resource allocation, and economic development. Having a seat at the table allows us to address past injustices and ensure our future needs are met.
- Unique perspectives: BIPOC communities often have distinct knowledge and experiences related to agriculture, sustainability, and economic challenges. Our inclusion enriches discussions and leads to a more comprehensive solution.
- Environmental justice: BIPOC communities are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. Our participation ensures that environmental policies consider our needs and these challenges are being recognized and responded to.
Sustainability and resilience
- Traditional ecological knowledge: BIPOC community members, including native Kalapuya peoples, have deep-rooted traditions and knowledge in sustainable land management and resource use. This knowledge can be invaluable in addressing climate challenges in Lane County.
- Climate resilience: BIPOC communities are often at the forefront of climate change impacts. Our involvement in decision-making leads to more effective adaptation and mitigation strategies that benefit everyone.
Economic development
- Entrepreneurial innovation: BIPOC communities are a driving force of economic ingenuity through entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of new businesses. Our participation in economic development activities ensures that policies and resources are directed toward supporting economic opportunities that address the wealth gap.
- Sustainable food systems: BIPOC communities have often played a vital role in local food systems through small-scale farming, urban agriculture, and food distribution networks. Our involvement in shaping agricultural policies can promote sustainable and equitable food systems that benefit the entire community.
Next steps
Lane County’s scars run deep. Attempted genocide of native tribes and slavery have driven the massive wealth gap, and those wounds still bleed. I think reparations and the LANDBACK movement can improve equity and representation for BIPOC community members wanting to support or get involved in sustainable agricultural and food systems, climate resilience, and the creation of economic pathways for success.
Reparations aren't a bandage but a bridge that starts with acknowledging past wrongs and ends with building a future where justice flows like the McKenzie River. Cash payments, education, and business grants can help uplift our community. And these aren't handouts. Rather, they're investments in healing and shared prosperity. We can't move forward without facing the past.
I set out to become a farmer at 19 and I started Zoom Out Mycology at 21 years old. Success is a moving target. After seven-plus years in operation, I have achieved success many times over by supporting human healing, becoming the research scientist I set out to become, and growing my tea manufacturing operation to the scale of my most imaginative dreams. On occasion, I grapple with the idea that I still have a long way to go because I do. But success takes place in the present, so I am blessed to be where I am today.
Sources
Agriculture in the Northwest | USDA Climate Hubs
USDA ERS - Climate Change
Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions | US EPA
Overview of Greenhouse Gases | US EPA
Rogue Valley Food System Network
Learn more by visiting the Zoom Out Mycology website at zoomoutmycology.com.
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