Christmas Trees Under Fire: Are They Really Public Adversaries?

In the picturesque Morvan region of France, a long-standing tradition faces both criticism and the impacts of climate change. The Morvan, known for its high rainfall, has been the oldest Christmas-tree growing region in France, with approximately 100 local farmers selling around 1 million trees a year on over 3,700 acres of farmland.

However, the region's Christmas tree farming has been under scrutiny. In 2010, the Regional Health Agency discovered traces of a potentially carcinogenic herbicide in a small town, a substance that was later banned in France. This finding has been a point of contention, with the Morvan Collective, a group of roughly a hundred locals, speaking out over the use of pesticides in the region. The Collective claims they have witnessed the river pollution and its havoc on local birds and insects with their own eyes.

The Christmas tree farmers, on the other hand, deny these accusations. They maintain that there is a misunderstanding of what they do and that they have been working to adopt more sustainable practices. Some farmers in the Morvan are certified organic, while others are trying to reduce their use of pesticides, using sheep to help with weeds, diversifying the kinds of trees they grow, and sometimes growing fruits like tomatoes and blueberries alongside their Christmas trees.

Despite these efforts, the industry is not immune to the effects of climate change. Farmers work longer and more strenuous hours to adapt to the changing weather conditions. The region's high rainfall can transport pesticides and herbicides more easily into local watersheds, causing pollution and harm to local wildlife. Over the past decades, farmers have reported significant losses due to extreme heat, droughts, and floods. This year, extreme heat and unseasonable hail have caused damage to Christmas tree farms in the Morvan.

The ongoing challenges have led some farmers to question whether they want to continue working in the industry. The ongoing shortage of Christmas trees, driven by extreme heat damage in the Pacific Northwest in 2021, has contributed to a hike in prices across the U.S. This, combined with the constant stream of attacks from groups like the Morvan Collective, has some farmers wondering if they wanted to keep working in the industry at all.

Despite the difficulties, Christmas tree farming in France and the U.S. makes up less than 1% of agricultural land. However, the industry has a positive impact on local biodiversity. An industry-led study revealed that the presence of Christmas trees in the region has been associated with a rise of sparrows, woodlarks, linnets, and ladybugs.

As the industry faces challenges, farmers continue to invest in new agricultural methods that protect the environment and their bottom line, such as growing organically and diversely. However, not all farmers have the resources to transition to organic farming, particularly as climate change creates financial strains.

In the face of these challenges, the future of Christmas tree farming in the Morvan remains uncertain. Yet, the resilience of the farmers and the beauty of the region's traditions continue to shine through.