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At a truffle grower's workshop held at Claremont in North Canterbury in 1990, it was decided that the infant New Zealand truffle industry would benefit from a formal association to represent its interests, and in September 1991 the New Zealand Truffle Association was formed.
The aims of the Association are to:
Assist the development of a truffle industry in New Zealand. Foster co-operation between New Zealand truffle growers and others interested in the industry. Develop a unified approach to the marketing of New Zealand truffles.
The Association plays a leading role in promoting research into truffle growing in New Zealand, and in 2003 released to members the results of a major research project conducted by Crop & Food Research on behalf of the Association. Further research is being commissioned, with the aim of assisting NZ growers to bring their truffières into production as soon as possible, and to define the best management practises for maximising truffle yields
The Association sets the standards that all New Zealand truffle growers have to meet if they are to export their product. The NZTA subsidiary company, Southern Truffles Ltd, is recognised by the Horticultural Export Authority (HEA) as the recognised product group for all truffles produced in New Zealand, and issues licenses to intending exporters. The NZTA's principal concern is to ensure that the industry's future export markets are developed in the most appropriate manner, in particular by ensuring that the highest possible quality standards are in place.
Full membership of the NZTA is available to all New Zealand bona fide truffle growers (individuals, partnerships or companies) whilst associate membership is available to others interested in the development of the industry in New Zealand. From the 1st April 2010, the annual membership fee for associate members is NZ$175.00 (+ GST) and $225 + GST for full members. The full membership fee includes a $50 research levy.
To find out more please download this NZTA Fact Sheet.
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