Valle dell’Aterno Model Forest delegation explores sustainable truffle practices in Istria

From March 28 to 30, a group of researchers, stakeholders, institutional representatives, and advisors from the Valle Aterno Model Forest traveled to Istria for a study trip, as part of the activities in the second phase of the FOR.TA.BIO Project (Forest Biodiversity Truffles).

On the first day in Croatia, at the Istria Model Forest, the delegation, led by Alessio di Giulio and Ana Fornažar, president of the Istria Model Forest, visited the company Zigante Tartufi, its truffle processing laboratories, and shop. It was a stimulating meeting and exchange of good practices and entrepreneurship that sparked many questions about truffle commerce and the history of the company, which is now a national leader with sales all over the world.

On the second day, the group visited the coworking space and business incubator Verzi, partners of the Istria Model Forest, where Ana Fornažar presented the association’s projects.

The group then headed to another very successful truffle sales and trading company, Karlić Tartufi, where the family—running the business for four generations—shared their story and offered a tasting of their products before a truffle hunt in their truffle grounds.

After visiting the truffle museum located at the company, the delegation reached the Motovun Forest (Motovunska Šuma) for a truffle hunt in the natural woodland. The day concluded with a wine tasting at Coslovich Istrian Wines and dinner at Konoba in Oprtalj.

On the third and final day of the field visit, the group spent the day among the beautiful city walls of Motovun, where they met the association “Drvo & Sova” (Tree and Owl), a women’s collective dedicated to local crafts and cuisine.

“The trip to the Istria Model Forest enriched our association members with ideas and experiences that emerged from the valuable exchange fostered by the Mediterranean Model Forest Network and the International Model Forest Network” reported Alessio di Giulio, president of the Valle dell’Aterno Model Forest.