Saving the most adult truffle plants from being felled, planting others, creating new truffle grounds: actions in Piedmont are directed along these lines to cope with the increase in demand for prized truffles and the uncertainties linked to climate change.
It was discussed in Roddi (Cuneo) at the end of the Alba white truffle hunting season which began on 21 September.
For the occasion the Piedmont Region, the Langhe Monferrato Roero Tourism Board.
the National Center for Truffle Studies and the International Alba White Truffle Fair donated 30 truffle plants which were entrusted to the trifulau of the Alba Truffle Hunters Association.
"For the future - said Antonio De Giacomi, director of the Center for Truffle Studies - there is a need to move from exemplary actions to systemic actions, such as changing regulations, aligning the harvest calendar throughout Italy - (which Piedmont and Tuscany have already moved forward by 9 days, ed.) - moving the fairs forward, planning economic investments, increasing scientific research, also valorising black truffles".
There are studies available from Ipla (Institute for wood plants) with insights related to climate change, plant resilience, the best soils, the most suitable plants.
"After us and Tuscany - said Fabio Carosso, vice-president of the Piedmont Region and councilor with responsibility for Truffles - Liguria and Emilia Romagna are also thinking about moving the start of the harvest forward, but it would be appropriate for this change to concern the entire territory national".
In the next few days - Carosso recalled - the Region will publish a notice, with resources from the PSR (rural development plan), which assigns contributions to create new truffle grounds, "so that in 15-20 years new truffles will grow there, otherwise we run the risk to find ourselves without product".
Incentives will also be put in place for owners to avoid the culling of adult truffle plants.
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