Stay tuned!
Subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about our new training courses, our new products and our latest tips for growing your truffle farm!
The economic value of a forest is often associated with the wood that is sold, but there are other products that can be harvested from forests. These are called non-timber forest products, such as berries and mushrooms.
These non-timber products are the subject of several studies and projects at the European level. In a publication released in 2020 in the journal Forest Polity and Economics Lovrić et al. published a study entitled “Non-wood forest products in Europe – A quantitative overview.”
This study, summarized below, provides further insight into the importance of these non-timber products, particularly truffles.
Truffle harvesting in Europe represents a significant economic value, although this is often underestimated in forestry policies and management decisions. According to a study covering 28 European countries, the total economic value of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) collected, including truffles, amounts to 23.3 billion euros per year. This amount is considerable, representing approximately 71% of the value of annual roundwood production in Europe.
Within this broad category of NTFPs, truffles occupy a prominent place in terms of economic value. The study reveals that the annual economic value of truffles harvested in Europe is estimated at €3.1 billion.. This positions truffles as one of the most valuable NTFPs, contributing substantially to the European forest economy.
It is crucial to distinguish between the total value of truffles collected and the value of truffles sold. The study indicates that 86.1% of the total weight of NTFPs collected is intended for self-consumption., while the rest is sold. However, truffles are distinguished by a relatively high proportion of their collected weight being put on the market. Indeed, 28.9% of the weight of truffles collected is sold.
In monetary terms, the total value of NTFPs sold in Europe is estimated at €3.5 billion per year, representing 15.2% of their total economic value.. Among the NTFPs that are sold, the truffles account for the largest share of sales value, with an estimated €1.2 billion per year.. This highlights the economic importance of truffles in Europe’s NTFP markets.
Truffle harvesting is not evenly distributed across Europe. Analysis of the data suggests that harvesting of truffles are mainly associated with Italy, France, Spain, and Turkey.. This geographical concentration of harvesting is reflected in the economic contribution of truffles to these regions.
The economic importance of truffles is such that it warrants greater recognition in international product classifications. Currently, fresh truffles are grouped with fresh or refrigerated mushrooms (other than those of the genus Agaricus) under Harmonized System (HS) code 070959. Industry stakeholders have proposed separating fresh truffles into a separate category due to their high annual trade volume. The World Customs Organization requires a declared annual trade volume of more than €45 million worldwide to accept such changes. Given that the annual value of truffles traded in Europe is estimated at €1.2 billion, it is highly likely that the global trade volume far exceeds this threshold, arguing in favor of a separate classification that would better reflect their economic weight.
The underestimation of the economic value of NTFPs, including truffles, has implications for rural, forestry, and land-use policies. If forest management is primarily focused on optimizing timber production, this could lead to decisions that are detrimental to NTFPs, affecting the livelihoods that depend on these products. Recognizing the significant economic value of truffles and other NTFPs is therefore essential for more integrated and sustainable forest management.
In conclusion, truffle harvesting represents a significant economic activity in Europe, with a total estimated value of €3.1 billion per year and sales worth €1.2 billion per year. The predominance of harvesting in certain southern European countries and the high proportion of truffles sold commercially underscore their economic importance within the NTFP sector.
Better statistical recognition of the value of truffles at the international level could strengthen their role in national and international policies, thereby contributing to more sustainable forest resource management and support for rural economies. The study highlights the need to consider the co-production of wood and NTFPs, particularly in regions where their value per hectare is highest.
Subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about our new training courses, our new products and our latest tips for growing your truffle farm!
