Mushroom picking is a growing activity in European forests, and a long lasting tradition for several Mediterranean countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Portugal and the Balkans area. They grow in almost all types of forest ecosystems across Europe and are mainly collected from the wild (with exception of cultivated truffles in Spain, France and Italy).
The benefits related to wild mushroom picking can be broad and when maximised can involve a variety of actors playing at the recreational level (e.g. occasional pickers), the commercial level (e.g. mushroom traders), as well as activities proper of the tertiary sector (e.g. mycotourism and leisure activities, education initiatives). However, often private or public landowners do not benefit from the revenues generated by these activities that can also cause friction between mushrooms harvesters and forest owners. In some cases, high harvesting pressures or conflicts between commercial and non-professional pickers can emerge. Most of the mushrooms species show a great ecological plasticity in regards to plant symbionts and environment, as long as there is enough humidity, and their production can greatly vary from year to year. This jeopardises stable value chains. Production levels can potentially be affected by harvesting intensities or harvesting technics. Truffles are considered the most profitable Mediterranean NWFP with a high potential for development. Truffle species (Tuber magnatum and T. melanosporum) are highly demanding in respect to ecological conditions and have been domesticated only in some regions.
As all edible forest products, there are significant challenges in relation to traceability for safety regulations and market transparency. Innovative value chain integration models are often valuable tools to share benefit across all involved stakeholders. In addition, the development of diversified harvesting models aimed to co-production can improve resilience of the mushroom and truffles value chain.
During the celebration of the Scoping Seminars, some work sessions were held to identify the priority themes to focus Wild Mushrooms & Truffles iNet actions:
Value chain activity: Production/harvesting.
Main challenges (Typology of challenge)
WILD MUSHROOM SESSION
TRUFFLE SESSION
Value chain activity: Transformation.
Main challenges (Typology of challenge)
WILD MUSHROOM SESSION
TRUFFLE SESSION
Value chain activity: Commercialization
Main challenges (Typology of challenge)
WILD MUSHROOM SESSION
TRUFFLE SESSION
Value chain activity: Integration
Main challenges (Typology of challenge)
WILD MUSHROOM SESSION
TRUFFLE SESSION
Le projet INCREDIBLE vise à montrer comment les produits forestiers non ligneux (PFNL) peuvent jouer un rôle important dans le soutien à la gestion durable des forêts et au développement rural, en créant des réseaux pour partager et échanger des connaissances et des compétences. INCREDIBLE (dont l’acronyme signifie “ réseaux d’innovation du liège, des résines et des produits comestibles dans le bassin méditerranéen» encourage la collaboration intersectorielle et l’innovation, afin de mettre en valeur la valeur et le potentiel des PFNL dans les régions méditerranéennes.
Le projet 'Innovation Networks of Cork, Resin, and Edibles in the Mediterranean basin' (INCREDIBLE) a reçu des fonds du programme Horizon 2020 de la Commission Européenne sous le grant agreement N°774632
Email: info@incredibleforest.net or use the contact form.
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