ATIA, the National voice for the Australian truffle industry, is working diligently on creating a framework for industry best practices.
TruffleCare™ Industry Best Practice
What is TruffleCare™?
Establishing the framework.
The Australian Truffle Industry Association’s TruffleCare™ Industry Best Practice program is a collaborative / co-design process with industry participants. The aim is to address truffle quality and farm productivity issues, delivered through continuous improvement education and training programs.
A series of industry consultation workshops have recently been held to determine the priorities and range of ‘Industry Best Practices’ for consideration and incorporation into the initiative. These include;
- Quality Control Standards,
- Harvesting Techniques,
- Storage and Transportation,
- Sustainability Practices,
- Traceability and Certification,
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing,
- Investment in Research and Development,
- Marketing and Branding,
- Training and Education Programs.
By incorporating these best practice elements into the TruffleCare™ program, Australian truffle growers can enhance the quality and competitiveness of their products, ultimately delivering an exceptional sensory experience to consumers.
Feedback from truffle industry consultations.
Your voice matters
A series of truffle industry regional workshops were undertaken during April this year. Two online workshops and one face-to-face workshop. Collectively, the workshops generated over 360 comments on industry best practice needs and priorities, providing broad confirmation of the draft TruffleCare™ framework.
The outcomes of these regional workshops were presented at the ATIA Conference held in Adelaide, May 2024. TruffleCare™ training resources were also available for comment. An open call was made for participants in a proposed 2024 season TruffleCare™ ‘Test and Trial’ group program.
The TruffleCare™
'Test & Trial' pilot.
'Test & Trial' pilot.
Driving industry best practice together
The TruffleCare™ 'Test & Trial' pilot program is open to all growers / grower-packer-marketers / packers / consolidators / distributor-marketers – in the domestic and/or export markets.
There is no limit on the number of ‘Test & Trial’ participants. A number of 20 ATIA members is desirable, ideally with several participants in each productive region.
The focus of the 2024 season program is on the Australian Black Truffle, T. melanosporum.
Many elements of the TruffleCare™ Industry Best Practice program will also be applicable to other truffle species in future.
What are the program benefits to TruffleCare™ participants?
Steady growth for your future
- ATIA members who join TruffleCare™ will be authorised to apply the ATIA Verified ‘Australian Premium Truffles™’ Trade Mark to truffle product batches, packaging, point of sale materials and websites, in accordance with the rules governing the use of the trademark.
- Through the TruffleCare™ verification process a participant achieves formal recognition of their commitment to continuous improvement. This is underpinned by industry best practices that aim to deliver consistently high quality truffle products to consumers.
- ATIA product verification will be a positive conversation starter with customers. This also demonstrates to customers that, as a TruffleCare™ participant, you have made a commitment to product quality.
- TruffleCare™ participant brands and website details will be listed and linked to the ATIA website and promoted to truffle consumers.
- By joining and actively supporting TruffleCare™ and displaying the ATIA Verification Trade Mark logo on your websites and products, you are:
- helping to educate consumers about Australian Premium Truffles™;
- differentiating your truffle products from lower quality offerings in the market place;
- supporting the Australian industry commitment to producing high quality truffles.
- TruffleCare™ participants will receive a regular best practice newsletter with useful information and tips on all aspects of farm management and marketing, as well as having 24/7 on-line access to information and guidance.
Anticipated costs for 'Test & Trial' program participants
Necessary financial support
- An initial TruffleCare™ co-contribution joining fee of $100 will be charged as a nominal ‘buy in’ to the program. This fee will also entitle the participant to use ATIA verification trademarks on products complying with the Australian Truffle Standard.
- Participants undertake an ATIA introductory sensory training face-to-face workshop.
- Grower participants - Chemical residue testing of farm soil is to be undertaken by a NATA accredited laboratory in accordance with ATIA National soil sampling and testing protocols. Cost to be quoted by the testing organisation.
- Marketer participants - Chemical residue testing of truffle samples is to be undertaken by a NATA accredited laboratory in accordance with ATIA National product sampling and testing protocols.
Cost to be quoted by the testing organisation.
Application Form
Complete the form to become a part of this exciting opportunity