Economic Analysis of Truffle Cultivation in Turkey: Comparing the Costs of Establishing a Truffle Growing Facility through Spore Inoculation of Adult Hazelnut Orchards and Using Inoculated Oak Saplings

Abstract

Currently, in Turkey, there are truffle mushroom garden businesses established only through inoculated oak saplings, and economic analyses have been conducted on this approach. For Turkey, which holds approximately 75% of the world's hazelnut cultivation areas, the income of hazelnut farms can be significantly increased through dual cultivation of hazelnuts and truffle mushrooms. In this context, this study aims to compare the establishment costs and profitability rates of a truffle orchard business established using inoculated oak saplings and a truffle orchard business created through spore inoculation onto mature hazelnut orchards. The materials related to the research were obtained through the secondary data collection method. Financial analyses of the Truffle Mushroom Orchard Project Feasibility Report and Investor Guide were brought to the present day using the compound interest method. Additionally, based on literature and market research, the cost of the inoculation material required for the inoculation process was calculated, and two different methods of establishing truffle mushroom garden facilities were analyzed in terms of formation and profitability through a comparative approach. As a result of the study, it was found that the hazelnut project has a lower initial investment cost compared to the oak project, reached the break-even point in a shorter time frame, and therefore, the cash flow method was considered easier and more profitable due to these advantages, coupled with the advantage of hazelnut dual production. It is recommended to conduct an economic feasibility study considering hazelnut and truffle mushroom dual production as a single business entity.