RetechFOR is helping to promote a digital and transparent model for the marketing of Tuber melanosporum
The digitization of the forestry sector is one of the strategic pillars of the RetechFOR project, and the development of the new digital auction platform currently being implemented by Cesefor serves as a concrete example of how technology can also transform the source markets for non-timber forest products.
Very soon, this technological solution will enable the management of online black truffle auctions by incorporating real-time data analysis and artificial intelligence, with the aim of improving transparency, competitiveness, and the value of the product in rural growing regions.
Best market benchmarks
The increase in black truffle production in recent years has highlighted the need for more structured marketing channels and publicly available price benchmarks. The platform facilitates the matching of supply and demand through traceable online auctions and the automatic generation of open statistics that serve as a benchmark for the sector.
In this way, the development of Cesefor will help create an environment of greater security, trust, and efficiency throughout the value chain. The solution integrates artificial intelligence tools for both market analysis and the objective characterization (classification) of batches using computer vision techniques. This enables a shift toward a data-driven model, reducing processing times, increasing objectivity, and improving the competitiveness of the truffle sector.
We are also working to ensure an optimal user experience by automating notifications regarding the opening and closing of bids, providing statistics on results, analyzing market supply and demand, and offering other features.
Impact on rural areas
The experience gained during recent seasons at the Abejar Market (Soria) demonstrates the potential of this model. So much so that it has been replicated in Lerma (Burgos) during the 2025–2026 winter season. Since the truffle auction began, 52 auction sessions have been held, with over 870 kilograms sold and the participation of more than 50 producers and 22 domestic and international buyers.
Such developments boost economic activity in rural areas, promote the professionalization of the sector, and position Spain as a leader in innovation applied to truffle farming. Furthermore, this consolidates a
a model that can be replicated in other production areas and reinforces the role of these initiatives as drivers of forestry innovation.
About RetechFOR
The RetechFOR project—the Technological and Territorial Network for Forest Monitoring and Environmental Disaster Mitigation as Levers for the Development of the Forest Bioeconomy—is one of the initiatives of the RETECH program (Territorial Networks for Technological Specialization), a tool launched by the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. RetechFOR is being developed by the Regional Government of Castile and León and the Government of the Canary Islands. The consortium also includes the technology centers AIR INSTITUTE, CARTIF, Cesefor, CTME, ITAGRA, and ITCL; the Universities of León (ULE) and Valladolid (UVa); and the companies LUCE and VEXIZA. This initiative is part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, funded by the European Next Generation EU funds. The project budget totals 28.45 million euros, with 75% co-financed by the European Union and 25% by the autonomous communities of Castile and León and the Canary Islands.
RetechFOR aims to digitize and transform the forestry sector through the use of advanced technologies that enable the monitoring of the natural environment and the prevention of environmental disasters by improving forest management and fire prevention, while also strengthening the local economy and reducing the carbon footprint.
To address this transformation, a technology consortium is being formed to oversee the implementation of the most significant digital developments and solutions, for which a budget of 9,453,709 euros has been allocated.
