In the context of increasingly severe climate change, challenges such as drought, disease, and extreme weather are posing serious threats to global agriculture. Amidst this crisis, a plant once thought to be forgotten has suddenly emerged as a “shining star” in the agricultural industry.
That plant is the Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia Ficus), a symbol of resilience and adaptability in harsh environments.
Prickly Pear Cactus not only adapts well to arid conditions but also provides outstanding economic value. (Photo: Reuters).
The story of the Prickly Pear Cactus begins in the dry southern regions of Italy, where agriculture faces unprecedented challenges. In the context of olive trees—the signature crop of the Puglia region—being devastated by the Xylella disease and climate change, the startup company Wakonda has found an innovative solution.
Andrea Ortenzi conceived the idea of cultivating cacti 20 years ago while working in Brazil, where cacti were used as livestock feed. Upon returning to Italy, Ortenzi realized that cacti not only adapt well to dry conditions but also provide significant economic value. Thus, in 2021, he and four friends founded Wakonda, launching an ambitious project: transforming the Prickly Pear Cactus into a strategic crop for Italy’s agriculture.
The Prickly Pear Cactus can be seen as a “savior” for modern agriculture. Not only is it robust, but it also consumes an extremely small amount of water—only one-tenth that of corn, one of the most water-intensive crops today. Thanks to its strong growth in arid conditions, the Prickly Pear Cactus thrives in areas unsuitable for other crops.
A worker harvesting Prickly Pear Cactus, a plant that withstands extreme temperatures, at a farm in Al Qalyubia, Egypt. (Photo: Reuters).
Moreover, products derived from cacti are diverse and valuable. Cacti can be processed into low-calorie energy drinks, rich in nutrients from cactus juice. Additionally, cacti serve as a protein-rich food source for livestock, contributing to a sustainable food supply chain. Furthermore, the by-products from cacti after processing can be used in biogas digesters to produce methane—an environmentally friendly biofuel.
A unique aspect of Wakonda’s model is its close collaboration with local farmers. Andrea Ortenzi shares that rather than occupying farmland, the company commits to purchasing the entire cactus yield from farmers for at least 15 years. This approach not only provides stable income for farmers but also helps mitigate risks due to market fluctuations.
Wakonda also supports farmers with technology, equipment, and knowledge, helping them grow cacti efficiently and sustainably. This represents a combination of innovation and tradition, bridging science and technology with deep agricultural understanding, creating a supply chain that is not only sustainable but also environmentally friendly.
Andrea Ortenzi pouring a low-calorie drink made from pressed Prickly Pear fruit at Wakonda’s headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The Prickly Pear Cactus is not just a hope for Italian farmers. In Tunisia, cacti account for up to 12% of arable land, providing stable income for thousands, particularly women. In Mexico, cactus pads are being used as raw materials for producing plant-based leather, attracting the attention of major brands like Adidas and Toyota.
Expert Makiko Taguchi from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) affirms that the cactus industry is rapidly growing, especially in the fields of livestock feed and biofuels. Particularly in the age of climate change, when land becomes barren and water-scarce, the Prickly Pear Cactus has proven to be not only an effective agricultural solution but also a sustainable option for the future.
