Australia is the fourth largest truffle-producing country in the world and is earning a global reputation for premium French black truffles, also known as Perigord truffles (Tuber melanosporum). In 2023 alone, Australian truffle farms exported more than 11 tonnes of truffles, worth over $9 million.
Truffle farming in Australia involves cultivating hazelnut and oak trees, as truffles grow in symbiosis with their roots. Harvesting is done with the help of specially trained dogs that detect the truffles by scent within the top 30 cm of soil.
The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program works to grow Australia’s rural economy by supporting emerging industries with high growth potential.
Among these is truffle farming in Australia, a sector identified for its strong future prospects. AgriFutures Australia is investing in a major five-year research initiative to advance Australian truffle farms and strengthen industry capability.
The Australian Truffle Industry Association (ATIA) underpins this growth with its Strategic Plan (2021–2026), which defines research and development priorities to guide the industry’s expansion.
The Australian Truffle Strategic R&D Plan was developed through consultation with key industry stakeholders including the Australian Truffle Industry Association (ATIA) .
We are committed to working closely with all those involved in the truffle industry, as well as the AgriFutures Emerging Industries Technical Advisory Group. The Group works to identify research priorities and make investments which will have the greatest impact on the industry.
Want to shape the future of truffle farming in Australia? Join our research, contribute to events or ask us anything email today.
The Australian Truffle Program of Research, led by the University of Melbourne, unites researchers and industry partners to position Australian truffles as a premium product and ensure sustainable growth. Co-designed with ATIA, the Truffle Program of Research spans four themes: farm productivity, environmental resilience, biosecurity and industry data. Projects include improving management practices, predicting climate impacts, strengthening biosecurity and creating a national benchmarking platform.
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