Quality Assurance in the Truffle Industry
There has been discussion within the industry towards the development and implementation of a quality assurance scheme. From a recent survey in Australia, comparisons were drawn between respondents from different states and different size plantings and age of operation. It is apparent that most growers are using basic internal production techniques, such as soil testing, hygiene protocols and standard grading in an attempt to enhance productivity and to promote quality in their product. The level of adoption of external production standards and certification systems appears lower than that for internal production techniques. Some of the external systems being implemented by a small percentage of respondents are industry accreditation (NIASA), organic certification (Organic Growers of Australia), a customer quality system and food safety certification.
There are benefits and drawbacks associated with an industry specific QA scheme. The most pertinent benefits raised by respondents are improved marketing opportunities to help producers of all sizes sell their product, stability and maintenance of prices and formation of guidelines for best practice.  The most significant drawback raised was cost. In particular, the financial cost associated with implementation and the time required.
Two recent papers of interest are included below for your reference. The first is the study referred to above, QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE AUSTRALIAN TRUFFLE INDUSTRY, being the work of Nathan Carter, a student of the University of Melbourne. The second is a paper from Dr Ian Hall of New Zealand, WHAT IS AN IDEAL TRUFFLE INFECTED PLANT, and refers particularly to tree supply. Dr Hall is one of the Authors’ of ‘Taming the Truffle’, a book available from this site.
Truffle Hunter/Grader and Dog Trainer Position
This is a paid advertisement.
The Wine & Truffle Co. was formed in 1997 and is now the largest commercial producer of black truffles in the Southern Hemisphere. They have a unique opportunity for a motivated individual to join the company and fulfil the role of Truffle Hunter and Dog Trainer at their Manjimup farm, responsible for the sourcing, training of truffle dogs as well as grading and dispatching of fresh truffles worldwide. The successful applicant will be a critical part of the team, following the launch of their daily truffle hunt experiences. Training will be provided in the truffle industry. The position is full time, based in Manjimup and will play a long term and important role in a growing company and market leader. Click here for more detail.
(The above truffle industry related advertisement is paid for by the supplier and the Association does not necessarily endorse the services, products or offers. Advertisements submitted for inclusion on the website must relate to the interests of the truffle industry and its stakeholders and will be accepted or rejected at the sole discretion of the Executive Committee. The inclusion of advertisements is a commercial transaction, at a cost of $50 for members and $100 for non members, payable in advance of the listing, and will be kept on the site for a period of one month from the first date of publication on the website. All copy is to be provided by the supplier and all responses are to be managed by the advertiser.)
Truffle Rot Survey
At a recent meeting of key stakeholders in the truffle industry, it was agreed with the RIRDC, (see RIRDC Truffle Rot Survey Letter) to undertake a survey (see below) to identify the magnitude and distribution of the problem across Australia and identify potential causes and key issues for further research. Truffle rot is characterised by softness of the fruiting body, discoloration, ranging from off-white to brown to pink and a repulsive smell. It is often associated with pest damage but crop management, climate and bacterial or fungal pathogens are also possible causes.
It is understood that some growers may not wish to reveal management practices and yields but we ask that you fill in both the Weekly Survey and the Background Information Survey, (click to open) as accurately and completely as possible, so we can assess the extent of the problem. If we are to establish an industry approach to production and marketing issues, it is imperative that we have accurate and complete information to ensure the most beneficial outcomes for the whole industry.
We encourage your full support and prompt reply to the survey. Please send your completed surveys to newindustries@rirdc.gov.au or mail them to ‘RIRDC Truffle Rot Survey’, PO Box 4776, Kingston, ACT, 2604.
Truffle Quality Survey
A student of the University of Melbourne and an Associate of our Association, Nathan Carter, is undertaking an honours research project at the University of Melbourne, titled Quality Assurance of Australian Grown Truffles. The research aims to assess the perceptions of stakeholders towards the development of a quality assurance scheme for inoculated seedlings, trees and truffles, a vital step in the development of a quality system for the Australian Truffle Industry.
As the primary form of data collection, Nathan has developed a descriptive industry-based questionnaire. The research has been granted human ethics approval by the University and participants remain anonymous. The research has the full support of the Association and the results of the will be made available to members at the conclusion of the study.
We encourage your support in this research, by completing the questionnaire located on the University’s website via the following link, Truffle Quality Questionnaire. Please click to open. Please note that the questionnaire is identical to that available in hard copy at the conference in Tasmania on July 25th/26th. Please complete the Questionnaire only once. If you have a completed a hard copy, these can be mailed to Nathan directly at P.O. Box 364, Gembrook, Vic, 3783.
Agenda for the Association AGM and Workshop in Launceston, Tasmania.
Detailed agenda are now available for the Annual General Meeting 2009 and Information Day in Launceston.
The Agenda for Saturday 25 July will commence with the formal AGM in the morning on at the Country Club Tasmania in Launceston and will be followed by guest speakers, with discussion regarding issues facing the industry and growers.
On Saturday night after the AGM, a magnificent 4 course Truffle Dinner with accompanying wines will be served in the Terrace Restaurant at the Country Club. Places are filling rapidly so please call if you wish to join the dinner.
The Agenda for Sunday 26 July, will start with a field visit (by bus) to a local 3000 tree truffiere and include a workshop at the Tailrace Centre with guest speakers and discussion on grower issues.
Both the AGM and information day are open to the public.
Bookings are now being accepted for the AGM, the Field Trip/Workshop day, and the dinner. Please visit the Annual General Meeting 2009 and Information Day in Launceston page for details and information on how to pay.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Welcome to the Australian Truffle Grower's Association
Truffle Cutters
The perfect truffle accessory and a must for your kitchen or table, the precision engineered, adjustable, stainless steel Truffle Cutter. Now available from your Association for just $49.95 including postage and handling of $5 in Australia.The Truffle Book
The Truffle Book is a perfect, easy introduction to the pleasurable and mysterious world of truffles. The Truffle Book won a Special Award in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards July 2006, for books published in English, outside UK and USA, and was included in the finals for a global award in April 2007. It is available from the Association for $35 plus $5 handling and postage in Australia.
More on The Truffle Book...Taming the Truffle
The secrets of when, how, and where to collect truffles have been passed from generation to generation since ancient times, but artificial cultivation remains the holy grail. Here in the most comprehensive practical treatment of the gastronomic treasure to date, the art and science of the high-stakes pursuit come together. Signed copies are now available from the Association for $59 including postage in Australia.
More on Taming the Truffle...
Thank you for taking the time to visit! Take a second to look around and check out some of the information available.
Recent Comments