Drought Threatens 'White Gold' in Europe as Price Reaches 4,000 Euros per Kilogram

White truffles, one of the world’s most expensive fungi, are facing a difficult season in European forests after heatwaves and scarce rainfall led to a drop in yields and rising prices, amid concerns that climate change will continue to affect their production.

In the Piedmont region of northern Italy, truffle hunters noted since the start of the season in early October that the truffles have become smaller and less abundant.

The Italian National Truffle Research Center explained that the drought in July and August weakened production and accelerated the spoilage of the truffles.

At the famous Alba market, prices rose by 20 to 30 percent compared to last year, with the price per kilogram ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 euros depending on quality, according to Italian media reports.

The problem has extended to Croatia, where hunters estimate a 30 percent decline in yields, with the price per kilogram reaching 4,000 euros.

Experts warn that the natural habitats suitable for white truffle growth are shrinking, but they do not expect the species to disappear soon.

Researchers are testing solutions that include reforestation, improved forest management, and irrigation, although results may take many years, especially since commercial cultivation of white truffles remains more difficult than that of black truffles.