The project objective: 1) to research the Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum) – a European fungus that grows under ground in the wild; 2) to introduce a network of soil start-ups for truffle growing in conditioned environment by potential experimenters and growers (e.g. universities, entrepreneurs). The research would involve – 1) inoculation of the host trees with spores of the Burgundy truffle; 2) study of symbiosis; 3) study of adaptation to local climates and soils; 4) observations of the influence of mycorrhiza on forest species in the wild and orchards. Communities on both sides of the Latvian-Lithuanian border would be involved in the research. Wild local growing sites of truffle have been surveyed – in Latvia, locations in Kurzeme and Zemgale; in Lithuania, the Klaipeda area. Soil structure, soil chemistry, climate, vegetation, and species of the host trees have all been analyzed and comparisons made. The initial data from Latvian-Lithuanian Mycology societies would be utilized and truffle-sniffing dogs trained. The project results: 1) to determine local truffle diversity in both Latvia and Lithuania, and to indicate the potential of truffle production and optimal growing conditions; 2) to promote a bilateral effort in innovative agriculture; 3) to promote a non-traditional branch of agriculture; 4) to create employment in the border region. Seminars and workshops would include: 1) to demonstrate truffle growing, cultivation, and orchard establishment; 2) to create educational courses based on learning experience; 3) to show films on the subject matter. The project contribution to the support region will be: stimulation of sustainable commercial truffle growing, handling over through partnership new knowledge to the target groups. Both directly and indirectly business activities will be encouraged in the region along with increased employment. In the project will be involved strong research institutions - Latvia University of Agriculture (LUA), Klaipeda University (KU), Riga Technical University Liepaja branch (RTU) and Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LRCAF). Achievements: Established university research partnerships for non-traditional agriculture content delivery. To promote these partnerships, farmers will be invited to participate not only to transmission of the learning material, but also to plan and evaluate truffle growing approach. Cross-border non-traditional agriculture network on new advanced business aplications. New tourism routes to popularize truffle growing sites in cross border contries LV/LT.Truffle methodology manual addressing teacher/consultants/farmers about growing conditions.Joint studies. Joint strategy on non-agricultural business promotion service. 2. Evaluation methodology of truffle growing conditions. 3.Technology verification reports on truffle inoculation methodology. 4. Research of wild truffle species.