Drought-Resistant Carob Trees Replace Vineyards in Southern France

An association of Occitan producers is starting to grow the carob tree in the Aude. Benoît Valéry, an organic winegrower and president of the association "Caroubes Occitans", is one of the first to embark on this culture already well established in Morocco, reports franceinfo. From early 2025, his vines have given way to those of carob trees in experimentation. He decided to plant 8,000 carob tree seedlings.

Faced with persistent drought that weakens the vine on the coast, this resilient Mediterranean tree appears as an alternative. "One of the characteristics of the carob tree is that it has a tap root that goes deep to seek water. The carob tree has a penetration capacity into the soil up to eight times greater than that of the vine. It needs much less water," says Benoît Valéry.

Another asset: this Mediterranean tree produces nutrient-rich pods, used in various sectors: food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or for animal feed. "The seeds can be used to produce the additive E410, a natural thickener widely used in the food industry. They can also serve as a substitute for cocoa," adds Valéry. His association intends to plant 40 hectares of carob trees on several Aude sites, "especially where the vines have been abandoned."

Carob production is effective after three years. Optimal yield occurs after five years. But the association will not be able to plant this tree in all areas of establishment because it is very vulnerable to frost.