Espelette pepper faces water shortages

The Espelette pepper, a symbol of the Basque Country, is struggling with water shortages caused by a hot summer and a severe drought. This has led to increased pressure on producers to find solutions to protect their crops.

Historical weather patterns shift

Previously, the Basque Country’s high rainfall and mild temperatures meant water was not a concern for growing Espelette peppers. However, Ramuntxo Lecuona, an organic farmer who grows 2.5 hectares of peppers, notes that the situation has changed dramatically due to recent extreme weather.

Climatic hazards disrupt production

Over the past three years, producers have faced increasing challenges from unpredictable weather. These include destructive hailstorms in 2023, extreme rainfall in 2024, and intense heat in 2025. The Espelette pepper syndicate reports that this year’s heatwaves began as early as May, affecting the planting period.

Irrigation requested despite restrictions

Irrigation is not currently allowed under the Espelette pepper’s protected designation of origin (AOP). However, the syndicate has requested an exemption from the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO) to allow limited irrigation. This measure helped some producers increase their yield slightly, though not to pre-drought levels.

Regulatory changes in the works

The Espelette pepper syndicate has conducted experiments for five years to support the case for controlled irrigation. They plan to submit revised regulations in June 2027, aiming to update the AOP specifications to reflect new agricultural practices.

Fungus adds to challenges

In addition to water shortages, a fungus called sclerotium has caused significant damage to pepper crops. The intense heat has accelerated its spread, leading to substantial losses for many producers. Research is ongoing to understand and combat the fungus, but no effective solution has been found yet.