The TRUFAQUA project was created with the purpose of taking a qualitative leap forward in Aragonese truffle farming, a strategic sector both economically and socially in rural areas such as Teruel. Its central objective is to optimize irrigation in black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) plantations through the application of cutting-edge technologies: IoT sensors, Big Data analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain.
The initiative is being developed in a plantation located in Cella (Teruel), a rural environment where truffle farming represents a real opportunity to retain population, diversify the economy, and generate quality jobs in a territory affected by depopulation and aging.
Main Objectives
TRUFAQUA aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of truffle farms, with an integrated approach that combines technological innovation, knowledge transfer, and product valorization. Its specific goals include:
Designing an intelligent irrigation system that optimizes water and energy use, reducing costs and mitigating environmental impact.
Developing predictive models based on AI and Machine Learning to anticipate truffle yield and quality in each season.
Implementing a blockchain-based traceability and certification system to guarantee the origin and authenticity of Aragonese truffles to consumers.
Facilitating training and knowledge transfer to truffle growers through educational materials, in-person sessions, and accessible digital resources.
Key Areas of the Project
Data capture and integration on climate, soil, irrigation, and truffle quality.
AI predictive models to optimize irrigation and improve productivity.
Blockchain traceability and certification to strengthen consumer trust.
Knowledge transfer and agricultural advisory services, with educational resources, tutorials, and in-person workshops.
Participating Partners
The TRUFAQUA consortium brings together stakeholders from across the agri-food value chain:
Mytruff: a producer and marketer of black truffles, with plantations in Cella serving as an experimental Living Lab.
MicoLab: a leading agronomic consultancy in truffle farming, specializing in advisory services, analysis, and grower training.
Aragon Institute of Technology (ITA): a pioneer center in digitalization, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence applied to agribusiness.
Aragon Food & Nutrition Cluster: responsible for project coordination, dissemination, and ensuring results are transferred across the sector.
Gender Perspective
TRUFAQUA emphasizes the key role of women in rural areas. At MicoLab, the team is composed entirely of women specialists in agronomy and biotechnology. In addition, the management and project leadership of the Aragon Food & Nutrition Cluster are led by women, and ITA employs numerous female engineers and researchers in positions of responsibility. This participation reinforces an inclusive, sustainable, and equitable vision for the agri-food sector.
Expected Impact
Increase truffle plantation productivity by 15%.
Reduce energy and water consumption, contributing to climate change mitigation.
Strengthen the competitiveness of the Aragonese truffle sector, adding value across the entire agri-food chain.
Attract new producers and encourage generational renewal in rural agriculture.
Ultimately, TRUFAQUA seeks to professionalize truffle farming, promote innovation, and ensure the sustainability of a strategic sector for Aragon.
The TRUFAQUA project has a total budget of €150,000 (2025–2028) and is funded by the Government of Aragon and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food under the framework of Innovation Operational Groups aid within the Aragon Rural Development Program (RDP).
