Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Portugal’s biodiverse cork oak landscapes, known as montado, are losing the characteristics that make them so attractive to so many species: could eating acorns help to save them? In this paper, the reasons behind this decline will be investigated, and the extent to which the harvesting of
acorns for human consumption might be able to make a contribution to the economic and ecological sustainability of these landscapes will be assessed.
The montado is facing many challenges, including overgrazing, shrub encroachment, climate change, pest and disease pressure, lack of economic viability and land abandonment. The human consumption of acorns has a long history in all parts of the world where oak trees grow, and the nutritional profile of acorns has the potential to provide several health benefits. A survey
undertaken as part of the research indicates that consumers are open to trying food products containing acorns, and are particularly motivated by messaging which emphasizes the excellent flavour of acorns and the environmental benefits of harvesting them. The author concludes that the
harvesting of acorns for processing into food products has the potential to provide a useful additional layer of diversified income to montado farmers and landowners. It is unlikely to ever provide more than a small supplemental income in the overall economy of such farms, however,
and policy work is required to reform the agricultural subsidy regime which currently incentivizes management practices that are detrimental to the biodiversity and cultural value of the montado.