A dramatic crisis is unfolding in the agricultural regions of Tarragona: once-vast walnut plantations are rapidly disappearing. In recent years, the area of orchards has shrunk by nearly two-thirds, putting not only the harvest but also the region’s very identity at risk. The reasons lie not only in the weather, but also in economic realities that are changing faster than local farmers can adapt.
A drought that has lasted for several years has all but dried up hopes for stable harvests. Winters have become too warm, depriving trees of the cold needed for proper flowering. As a result, nuts fail to form well and some trees die altogether. This is especially hard on orchards in mountainous areas: when old trees disappear, the surrounding landscape loses a vital source of pollen, making it impossible for new plantings to bear fruit fully.
But it’s not just the climate making life difficult for farmers. The market is dominated by cheap imports, and local walnuts, despite their superior quality, can’t compete on price. Over the past decade, the cultivated area has dropped from 30,000 to just 12,000 hectares, with only about 9,000 hectares actually yielding crops. Many farms have found themselves on the brink of survival, while some fields have simply been abandoned.
In this situation, scientists and farmers are looking for innovative solutions. One idea is to use artificial pollination to make up for the pollen shortage. Another option under consideration is irrigating with treated wastewater, although nut trees are highly sensitive to water quality. The region has launched the ADAPTEX project, which combines research on new varieties, heat protection, and pest control. All these measures are aimed at helping local producers survive in the new conditions.
However, the problem is not just technological. Young people are reluctant to continue the family business: working in the fields seems too hard and unstable. Many are forced to look for extra income, combining agriculture with other types of work. Nevertheless, some enthusiasts are not giving up—they believe that nut orchards can come back to life if fair prices and support for local products can be secured. In Tarragona, festivals and competitions dedicated to nuts are held regularly to remind residents of their importance to the region and to inspire a new generation of farmers.
