The AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program helps grow up-and-coming rural industries for which there is a clear interest in their products but whose pathway for growth is unchartered.

This research explores opportunities for growth through skills development for industry leaders. Our goal is to sustainably grow developing rural industries and help them reach new markets.

The Australian truffle industry has been identified as an industry with high growth potential. To maximise value and leverage the industry’s growing engagement, the Emerging Industries Program proposes a five-year (May 2025 – May 2030) research program benefiting the Australian truffle industry.

There are two streams:

• Research Organisation see application form here
• Industry Participant see application form here 

Areas of investigation may focus on, but are not limited to: 

• Improve Grower Operations
• Phenology and Environment (including Life Cycle analysis)
• Biosecurity including Industry Mapping
• Market expansion and logistics optimisation

This collaborative program of research will bring together research organisations and industry participants to carry out and amplify research in the Australian truffle industry.

Research Organisation requirements:

Research organisations will be required to show the following:

• a strong interest in the Australia industrial truffle industry, which could include through another research project/programs.
• skills and experience in the identified research interest areas within truffles or other similar crops. 
• willingness to collaborate with other research organisations and industry participants. This could include examples of involvement in other collaborative programs of research.
• ability to deliver research projects successfully and on time.
• ability and willingness to provide cash and/or in-kind contributions to the program.

Managing Research Organisation requirements:

In addition to research organisation requirements, the Managing Research Organisation will also be required to demonstrate experience in the following:

• timely and successful management of a large program of research that includes the management of multiple service providers and sub-contracts.
• consolidating milestone reports from many researchers to create one cohesive overall report.
• managing participation, including ensuring appropriate oversight is provided for all trials, and Material Transfer Agreements. 
• logistical management of seed distribution to multiple locations in a timely manner. 
• efficient and effective communication capabilities with funding bodies.
• ability and willingness to provide cash and in-kind contributions to the program.

It is anticipated that the Managing Research Organisation will also be involved in research activities within the program.

The Managing Research Organisation Program Lead must be available and present in person at the face-to-face workshop and have the competency to both lead this investment together with sound technical knowledge of the industry.

Industry participant requirements:

Industry participants refer to those involved, or want to be involved, in the Australian truffle supply chain. It is anticipated that industry participants may include producers, distributors, exporters, and other industry stakeholders. Industry participants will be required to identify what contribution they would bring to the program in their EOI response. For example, a producer could be willing to provide their land for a trial site.

• Email: programs@agrifutures.com.au