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Mushroom foraging tours face rising insurance costs

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

Published

3 months ago

July 11, 2025

Ahron Young

Erin Patterson’s murder trial has increased insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours, though insurers deny a direct link.

In Short:
Erin Patterson’s trial for poisoning relatives has raised concerns about rising insurance costs for mushroom foraging tours in Australia, impacting operators like Feresh Pizarro and Natasha Vorogushin. Despite increased premiums, the Insurance Council maintains these changes are not directly related to the trial, highlighting a need for better public education on fungi.

The trial of Erin Patterson, who poisoned three relatives with death cap mushrooms, has affected mushroom foraging tours in Australia.

Operators report rising insurance costs, though the Insurance Council of Australia states these increases are unlikely linked to the trial. Patterson was recently convicted, prompting concerns among tour guides like Feresh Pizarro, who claims her insurance premiums have skyrocketed, threatening her business viability.

She explains the importance of educating the public about fungi, which play significant ecological roles. Similarly, Natasha Vorogushin from Morwell faces challenges obtaining adequate insurance for her foraging workshops, illustrating industry-wide issues.

Insurance costs

Richard Ford, a tour operator in Mount Macedon, also notes high insurance costs looming over his activities. Despite these challenges, the Insurance Council asserts that insurance adjustments often do not arise from perceived risks associated with singular events, such as Patterson’s case.

University of NSW actuarial studies professor Michael Sherris believes that while premiums are rising generally, this specific trial is unlikely to affect the insurance landscape for mushroom foraging.

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