In the press
NEWS
Prof. Paul Thomas (our Managing Director) has appeared on several TV programmes, radio shows and in many written articles. Specific areas of expertise include the biology, cultivation, hunting and cooking methods of the wide range of truffle species. If you would like an interview or require information for an article then please use our contact form and we would be very happy to help.
Below, our most recent news articles are displayed and our back-catalogue is open for browsing.
November 23, 2018
A research collaboration between Dr Paul Thomas (Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd and University of Stirling) and Professor Ulf Büntgen (University of Cambridge) has been published this week in the influential academic journal, Science of The Total Environment. The research, led by Dr Thomas, is the first study to consider the future threat of climate change on European truffle production. The research summarises that the warmer and drier climate predicted in the traditional Mediterranean truffle producing regions of France, Spain and Italy will be responsible for the decline and could be accelerated by other factors, such as heatwaves, drought, forest fires, pests and diseases. Though the research suggests a more favourable climate for truffle production in the north and east of Europe, the decline in the traditional production regions will have a huge economic, ecological and social impact.
November 5, 2018
Are you based in Scotland and interested in learning more about truffle cultivation on your land? Dr Thomas will be delivering a seminar in Angus aimed at farmers and landowners who are considering diversification. The seminar will be held during the evening of Wednesday 28th November in Alyth, Angus and for more information please send an enquiry through our contact page.
November 5, 2018
Farm Business Innovation Show – 7th & 8th November 2018 – Birmingham NEC This week we’ll be returning to Birmingham’s NEC for the Farm Business Innovation show. Following on from previous year’s success Dr Paul Thomas will be delivering a seminar on both days of the show. Dr Thomas will be discussing the breakthrough we’ve had in cultivating the first black Perigord truffle in the UK, it’s the first time this has been achieved north of central France. The seminar will also cover truffle basics, truffle cultivation and the ‘business’ of truffles and due to the popularity we would recommend arriving as early as possible if you’d like to be seated.
October 16, 2018
We’ve been shortlisted for an award: for bringing successful truffle cultivation to Scotland and the potential this has for boosting the region’s economy. The winner is decided by public vote. You can read more and vote (hopefully!) on the SRA’s website , we very much appreciate your support. Thank you!
September 13, 2018
Next week Mycorrhizal Systems will be attending the APF Forestry Show where we will be offering advice and information on truffle cultivation. Come and talk to us to around any aspects of planting truffle trees and growing truffles, we’ll be happy to help you. The APF exhibition in Alcester, Warwickshire on 20th, 21st and 22nd September 2018 Click through for further information around the event.
August 8, 2018
Whilst a heatwave hits large parts of the northern hemisphere, it’s winter truffle season in the south. Last weekend, during the first ‘hunt’ of one of our Southern African truffle orchards a total of 40 black winter (Périgord) truffles were found including one 380g monster (click through for pictures)! We have some great projects in South Africa and a number of plantations are now in production with a total of three different truffle species. Production at 5 years is young for a plantation but these results again highlight the importance of checking your trees for signs of truffles from quite early on.
July 23, 2018
Ruth Sanderson meets a truffle farmer on the Isle of Bute, just off the west coast of southern Scotland. Truffle expert Dr Paul Thomas is planting the first truffle plantation on the island, in joint venture with sheep farmer Ian Dickson. Ruth helps to plant hazel trees which have been inoculated with the truffle fungus, and hears how they hope to reap a profitable harvest within at least six years.
July 23, 2018
The Scottish Daily Mail accompanied Dr Thomas to a truffle plantation near Edinburgh, one of our growing partner plantations now producing our native summer truffle. The article considers the secrecy around truffle growing, the future of the Scottish truffle industry, truffle dog training and hunting (sneak peak – you don’t need an expensive breed!) and the burgeoning demand for local produce.
January 18, 2018
We are holding two seminars aimed at those interested in learning about truffle cultivation. These are free to attend and focus on what truffles are, how to cultivate them, the wider truffle market and details of our partnership offer – they are ideally suited for those interested in learning about whether truffle cultivation is for them and for people who have already been in talks with us to meet us face to face. The seminars will be informal with questions from attendees encouraged. Venues are start times are yet to be confirmed but we will be in central Glasgow on February 5th, starting around 1.30 pm and in central Birmingham on February 8th, starting around 2 pm. Please contact us at shop@plantationsystems.com if you’d like to attend one of these seminars and we’ll send out full details.
