Startup promotes cactus pear farming as sustainable solution in drought-prone southern Italy

A startup in Italy, Wakonda, is promoting cactus pear cultivation as a solution to agricultural challenges in the drought-prone south. Founded in 2021, the company aims to replace damaged olive trees with this hardy crop, which requires significantly less water. Wakonda has planted 10 hectares of cactus pear and plans to expand to 300 hectares by 2025. The cactus can produce various products, including juice, flour, and animal feed, while also offering a sustainable farming model that supports local farmers through licensing agreements. Cactus pear cultivation is gaining global interest, with its production expanding in arid regions. The plant thrives in conditions where traditional crops struggle, presenting a potential alternative for farmers facing climate-related challenges.