The Precarious Survival of an Ancient Cultural Landscape: The Thousand-Year-Old Olive Trees of the Valencian Maestrat (Spain)

Abstract

The object of study of this article is the Valencian Maestrat olive growing system (eastern Spain). Its landscape and heritage values are evaluated through a qualitative assessment method based on a Spanish research project studying MTASs (Multifunctional, Territorialized Agrifood Systems), which can be described as an alternative agricultural model to the worldwide agro-industrial model. The results of this analysis show that this olive growing system coincides with the MTAS criteria as regards the landscape, which offers ecosystem services (food, structured soil, and absorption of CO2 emissions) and possesses cultural and heritage values (ancient olive trees, traditional rain-fed lands, unaltered plot structures, and dry stone structures). However, as far as production is concerned, the Maestrat olive growing system does not respond fully to MTAS principles: its particular environmental conditions (soil and climate) restrict the production of quality oil, which is processed and marketed mainly through cooperatives and is economically viable only thanks to CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) aid. Nevertheless, the cooperative system allows for the survival, albeit precarious, of this agricultural system. Only a small number of Maestrat olive growing farmers produce quality oil in accordance with MTAS criteria (such as local single varieties, unique flavour, proximity sales, territory closeness, or good farming practices).