“Valonas” are an agricultural technique of global value according to FAO (11/2020)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recognized the “valonas” as a TECA(Techniques and Practices for Small Agricultural Producers). TECA’s address multiple challenges in key areas such as crop production, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, forest management, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.

“Valonas” are dry-stone constructions, generally low in height - between 50 and 100cm - that surround the trunk of trees, normally olive trees, to protect them, especially from the wind. They are built on the basis of stones, but without using mortars for their construction.

The use of this technique entails various benefits for both the olive tree and its environment. They facilitate the rooting of the youngest specimens, protect the roots and conserve moisture around the tree, which helps to overcome times of drought. It is also a refuge for biodiversity: thanks to its crevices and corners, it is a strategic habitat for reptiles, amphibians or birds