The hazelnut sector in the regions of Girona warns of a very significant drop in production and cultivated area during the last decade. Currently, the demarcation has about 640 hectares dedicated to hazelnut trees, a figure that is far from the thousand registered twenty years ago.
Decrease of 30% in the cultivated area
In the last ten years, nearly 30% of the hazelnut hectares in Girona have been lost. The number of farms has constantly decreased since 2013, which has caused a notable reduction in local production. Despite this trend, this year's entire harvest is already sold, which confirms the stable demand for the product.
Lack of generational relay and pressure on the sector
Pere Arbonès, hazelnut producer and Nuaset partner, points out that the lack of generational replacement is one of the main factors that explain the reduction of the cultivated area. Many fields are uprooted and destined for other crops such as cereal or, in the worst of cases, they are abandoned, which can pose an added risk due to forest fires.
"The reality is that there is no generational replacement, much less if they have to start from scratch" - Pere Arbonès, hazelnut producer
The process to start a hazelnut project requires the purchase of land, an approximate investment of 9,000 euros per hectare, and several years of waiting until obtaining benefits. This situation makes it difficult for new farmers to enter the sector.
Climate impact and international dependence
The sector also faces episodes of intense heat that, in recent years, have moved forward to the month of June, directly affecting the development of the crop.
"That hurts the hazelnut grower a lot" - Pere Arbonès, hazelnut producer
Additionally, local producers have a very limited margin to set the price of hazelnuts, since the market largely depends on Turkey, responsible for 70% of world production. In 2025, the Turkish harvest has been somewhat lower and, together with a protectionist attitude from producers, the price has exceeded four euros per kilo.
Viability and future of cultivation in Girona
Despite the difficulties, farmers insist that the hazelnut remains an appreciated product and that the business is viable. The sector is committed to adaptation and innovation to maintain tradition and ensure the future of this crop in the Girona regions.
"We need adaptability because if not, we will sink. We must overcome the problems we have now and increase production again" - Pere Arbonès, hazelnut producer
From the sector, producers are encouraged to diversify and to bet on the elaboration of their own products, such as hazelnut creams, to reactivate the local economy and attract new farmers.
- The number of hectares dedicated to hazelnuts in Girona has fallen by 30% since 2013
- Turkey produces 70% of the world's hazelnuts
- All of this year's Girona production is already sold