The chestnut harvest in Ardèche, the French department that accounts for nearly half of national production, has been cut in half by drought and repeated heatwaves, according to the sector’s interprofessional committee.
A Promising Season Turned Sour
Spring had offered every reason for optimism. “The trees were beautiful, we were heading into what looked like an exceptional year,” recalled Olivier Baratier, president of the Comité interprofessionnel de la châtaigne d’Ardèche.
Then the weather turned. “The lack of water and excessive temperatures took their toll,” Baratier said. “The chestnut tree is a fairly resilient species, but with heatwaves in May, June, July and August, the farms suffered a great deal.”
The result is a harvest that has just begun and is shaping up to be “very difficult.” Last year’s crop reached almost 5,200 tonnes. “This year, it will be half that at the very most,” Baratier said.
Smaller Fruit, Protected Status
The chestnuts are not only fewer in number but also considerably smaller. “The tree goes into defence mode, and the fruit does not grow,” Baratier explained.
A protected designation of origin created 20 years ago, which has helped promote the traditional varieties grown in Ardèche, will allow growers to sell these smaller chestnuts at a fair price, limiting the economic damage. “But it will not do anything to improve farmers’ books,” he warned.
Europe-Wide Shortage to Hit Consumers
For consumers, the poor harvest across Europe is likely to translate into higher prices. “The heat did not stop at the borders. Spain and Portugal also have poor harvests,” Baratier noted.
In Italy, Europe’s largest producer, the situation is somewhat less critical at national level, with output down 25 percent compared with last year. As a result, chestnuts are trading at nearly 65 percent more on the wholesale market.
An Appeal to Consumers
Faced with the exceptional circumstances, Baratier urged enthusiasts not to turn their backs on the traditional varieties grown in France, as opposed to hybrids between species.
“They are small chestnuts, agreed, but their flavour is far superior to the hybrid varieties you can find,” he said, proof that when it comes to roast chestnuts, size is not the only thing that matters.
- Ardèche accounts for nearly half of French chestnut production.
- Last year’s harvest reached almost 5,200 tonnes; this year’s could be half that.
- Italian wholesale prices have risen by almost 65 percent.
- Spain and Portugal are also reporting poor yields.
