R&D

GETTING TO THE ROOT OF IT

Starting a truffle plantation to grow and sell truffles can be a very exciting and profitable business! Truffles are becoming increasingly popular and are still viewed as a delicious, luxurious delicacy. However, as with starting any business, it can also be a very overwhelming undertaking. A truffle plantation is there for life, so take into account any future plans you may have which may affect your plantation.

We’re here to help whether you’re in the beginning stages, middle stages, or final stages in your planning process. The three key things you need to focus on when planning for a truffle plantation: Location, Time, and Cost.

LOCATION

TIME

CoST

LOCATION

Site location is very crucial to the success of your truffle plantation. Choosing the correct sight for your
plantation is very important, we will work with you to determine this. Truffles can grow in a variety of different soils and climates, but there are key features that are required in order for optimal results.We developed a proprietary program that determines the success of truffle implementation in your land. Below are a few talking points that will help build out your custom analysis:

  • Sight selection should take into account that contains suitable water supply for irrigation.
  • Soil should be soft and rock/stone free, the quality and texture will determine volume and shape of your truffles.
  • With a planting regime of 5m x 4m you will have around 500 trees per hectare, this should help you determine how many trees you can expect to plant on your chosen site.
  • What infrastructure does your site have: you will need suitable power to run your irrigation motors, if this is not close it may be expensive to bring it in.

The ideal site has a suitable soil pH range between 7.5 and 8.3; however, the ideal pH level is 7.9. If the natural pH of the soil is not within this range, you will need to add lime to raise the pH. In doing so, it may take 2 or more years for it to take full effect on the soil. That being said, once we analyze your land, we will provide you with a custom made Truffle Juice Fertilizer ® in order for your land to reach peak production.

Truffles prefer to grow in climates that have hot summers, warm springs, and cold winters. Extreme weather (humidity, snow) does not support successful truffle growth.

In the U.S. areas such as California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, and Idaho have climates to support successful truffle growth. Our proprietary program will determine if your location can be just as successful as other proven areas.

TIME

In addition to the time it may take for you to reach ideal soil pH level (~2 years), the time in which it takes for the planted inoculated trees to fruit truffles averages between 4-7 years. Yet, even that is not a guarantee as it depends on a variety of factors e.g. soil, weather, irrigation system. Eventually you will see your trees surrounded by brules (burnt areas) where the grass dies off and it’s a sign that truffles should appear soon. From here, we will help you with a management strategy that works best for your plantation.

The two trees we offer for truffle plantation are Hazelnut and Oak. Hazelnut trees typically begin truffle production a few years earlier than Oak. However, the life of the Hazelnut tree declines after 20 years, whereas an oak can maintain production up to 50 years.

COST

Owning a truffle plantation is a lifelong investment. The start up costs can be expensive depending on your territory, irrigation, and maintenance plan. However, we will help you navigate the smartest strategy to save time and money investing in a successful plantation.

There is a lot of monetary gain in starting a truffle plantation. Due to the increasing popularity of truffles, they are in very high demand. There are three main factors which dictate the price of the truffle:

  • The time investment for the spores to find their way to the habitable tree’s roots, combined with weather and the PH level of the soil has to be right.
  • Truffles grow underground, and so the only way they’re able to be detected is by a dog’s strong sense of smell. This takes time and energy in training these dogs.
  • Truffles have a very short shelf life and are typically imported from across the world, so logistics and expedited shipping are taken into account for the final price as well.

The good news is, consumers understand that truffles are a special product, and are willing to pay a high price to enjoy such a rare delicacy. And thus, you can see a strong return on your investment.