Aegina Pistachio Farmers Struggle Amid Climate Change, Urbanization And The Tourism Surge In Greece

Published on September 9, 2025

On the sun-drenched island of Aegina in Greece, the scene is one of hard labor and quiet frustration. Workers, under the relentless midday sun, swing sticks with practiced precision at the towering pistachio trees, causing the ripe nuts to rain down onto large tarps spread beneath the branches. The sight of so many nuts hitting the ground might give the impression of a bountiful harvest, but the workers’ faces betray a sense of disappointment and resignation.

Despite the abundance of fallen nuts, the yield is not enough to meet expectations, and the labor feels futile. For the farmers and laborers on Aegina, the harvests they once relied on are no longer as plentiful, and the challenges they face in cultivating pistachios have grown far more pressing in recent years. The weariness in their eyes speaks volumes about the uncertainty that now surrounds their livelihoods, as environmental and economic factors threaten the island’s pistachio industry.

Climate Change’s Impact on Pistachio Harvests

Pistachio farming in Aegina has been increasingly difficult due to climate change. The island, which was once known for its abundant crops, is now struggling to maintain its yield. Rising temperatures and fluctuating weather patterns have affected the trees’ growth, leading to a drastic reduction in harvests.

The trees require a certain balance of warmth and cold during their growing season, needing cool temperatures below 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in the winter months to rest. A mild winter—without sufficient cold—prevents the trees from entering the necessary dormancy period. Without this, the yield of pistachios diminishes significantly the last couple of years have been particularly poor due to this unpredictable climate.

Decline in Production and Quality

Despite the challenges faced by the island’s pistachio farmers, the overall pistachio production in Greece has increased in recent years. In 2023, Greece produced nearly 22,000 tonnes of pistachios, a noticeable improvement from the 12,000 tonnes recorded in 2015. However, Aegina’s contribution to this total has declined. In 2015, the island produced over 2,600 tonnes of pistachios, but by 2023, that number had dropped to around 2,300 tonnes.

The number of productive pistachio trees on the island is also dwindling. Trees that were once ripe with fruit are increasingly being replaced with other structures, contributing to the overall reduction in pistachio cultivation on the island. As urbanization takes root, the space once used for farming is increasingly devoted to building homes and tourist accommodations.

The Dwindling Pistachio Culture

The island of Aegina, while not the largest producer of pistachios globally—countries like Iran and the United States dominate in terms of volume—has long been famous for the unique flavor of its pistachios. The special flavor of Aegina’s pistachios is attributed to the soil and the salty water that nourishes the trees. But even though the island’s pistachios are considered some of the best in Greece, the once-thriving agricultural tradition is under threat.

Kypreou, now 88 years old, tends to her 750 pistachio trees—referred to as “riza” in Greek—with great care. She speaks to them and sings to them, hoping for a better harvest each year. However, over the past few seasons, her hopes have been dashed. In 2023, Kypreou harvested only around 100 kilograms of pistachios—a far cry from the bumper crop she once enjoyed. The year before, she managed only 20 kilograms.

The Economic and Emotional Toll of Declining Pistachio Yields

The Pistachio Farming represents more than just a source of income; it is part of a tradition that has sustained families for generations. However, the decrease in harvests and the replacement of pistachio trees with holiday homes and commercial developments have taken an emotional toll on those who remain in the business.

In addition to the challenges posed by climate change, there is another pressing issue: the declining interest among younger generations to continue the pistachio farming tradition. As tourism on Aegina continues to boom, many young people are drawn away from farming, lured instead by opportunities in the tourism and service industries. Some even choose to move away from the island entirely in search of new prospects, leaving fewer hands to tend to the pistachio groves.

The Changing Landscape: Holiday Homes and Development

One of the most poignant issues facing pistachio farmers in Aegina is the increasing development of the island. With Greek tourism booming, the demand for short-term rentals and vacation homes has led to a rapid increase in the construction of new houses on what was once fertile land. Developers have been cutting down pistachio trees to make way for new homes, adding to the growing concern that the island’s agricultural heritage will soon be lost to urbanization.

In some cases, the loss of pistachio trees has been a personal blow to local farmers. Kostas Peppas, a retired sea captain and one of the island’s remaining pistachio producers, was dismayed to learn that a friend had cut down his best pistachio tree to build a house. Such decisions have left him feeling “sad, angry, and surprised.” The island, which once felt like a place of endless possibility for pistachio cultivation, is now becoming increasingly crowded with tourist accommodations, further squeezing the space available for farming.

Preservation Efforts and Hope for the Future

Despite these mounting challenges, there is still hope for the future of pistachio cultivation on Aegina. Many of the island’s farmers, like Peppas and Kypreou, are committed to preserving their trees and ensuring that the next generation will continue the work. However, the future of pistachio farming on the island depends on a delicate balance. Efforts will need to be made to protect the trees from climate change and urban development, while also fostering the growth of a new generation of farmers who are passionate about maintaining the island’s rich agricultural heritage.

In the face of climate change and growing urban pressures, Aegina’s pistachio farmers are faced with the difficult task of ensuring that the island’s cherished pistachios do not become a thing of the past. Whether through innovative farming techniques or a renewed interest in agricultural traditions, the island’s pistachio culture will need to adapt if it is to survive.