North Carolina truffle farm - $40,000/acre

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

Franklin Garland has found out how to grow genuine French truffles in America.  The rare black Perigord truffles wholesale at $800/lb. and the yield is expected to be 50 lb/acre.

 It takes 7-8 years for initial production.

http://www.garlandtruffles.com/

http://www.trufflegrowers.com/index.php

http://fayobserver.com/Articles/2010/03/21/984937

I've eaten truffles a couple of times in Europe.  Expensive and very good.

[Kay/NC]

I know/know of several people into truffle production in NC.  I tihnk some wil do okay, and I question how well their economics will hold up when supply increases as much as potentially possible, with so many acres planted...it is another version of the  Great Zuchini War. 

I like truffle oil and have had truffles, too.  If as  many as are thinking they will make $40 K per acre actually plant and harvest, we will probably be able to find truffle-flavored potato chips at the Piggly Wiggly store for a buck a bag.