The NC Alternative Crops and Organics Program is hosting a Truffle Field Day!

Please join us on December 7, 2021, from 9 a.m.–noon for this educational event in our research truffle orchard at the Mountain Research Station in Waynesville, NC.

Dr. Jeanine Davis, her staff, and the research station staff planted the first truffle orchard in 2010 and harvested their first truffles in 2017. So this is a producing orchard! And this is your opportunity to learn firsthand what goes into truffle orchard maintenance, testing, and (hopefully!) harvest.

We will be showcasing a Truffle Dog Truffle Hunting Demonstration with Lois Martin and her Lagotto Romagnolo, Monza.

We'll also hear from Ella Reeves, Research Assistant in Inga Meadows Plant Pathology Lab about DNA testing for the presence of truffle fungi in an orchard. This is a service offered by their lab.

Katie Learn, research assistant and graduate student, in the NC Alternative Crops and Organics Program will give a brief history of the orchard and detail the standard yearly maintenance that contributes to an orchard’s success.

This event will occur rain or shine, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing for December mountain weather and shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty.

There are only 40 tickets available, so register soon to secure your spot! Register through Eventbrite.

This is a free event, but we would appreciate donations to our NC Alternative Crops and Organics Program. Donations can be made securely online through our donation page.

We also work closely with the North American Truffle Growers Association and suggest you check out their website.

If you have any questions, please email Katie Learn at katie_learn@ncsu.edu.