They’ve had enough. Pushed by the financial crisis and the recession, many big city dwellers in Greece are contemplating moving permanently to the rural territories of the country. According to a gallop held by Kapa Research on behalf of the Dimitra project, 51.5 percent of those people intend to enter the olive oil sector and become producers and exporters of standardized oil.
The explanation is quite simple: many of the urbanites have inherited and possess small olive groves which have flourished with practically no attention and provide the year’s olive oil for the family. Before the crisis, many thought that looking after the small family land was of no value, but today things have changed. Spending has been dramatically reduced due to the heavy austerity measures and family budgets have been sharply reduced. Any additional income is more than welcome.
Cultivating olive trees is not a highly demanding procedure — effort is required only at harvesting periods — and it allows farmers to have another occupation. A month’s work can give the year’s oil and maybe allow for some extra quantity to be sold.
Many of the farmers-to-be will also turn toward organic cultivation. In fact, they are likely already be applying organic methods without knowing it. The use of fly traps — not chemicals — is the dominant practice and organic fertilizer is already used because of its low cost. And since many of these new farmers bear business, economic or engineering degrees, they can bring new ideas about growing olive trees and extracting and exporting olive oil.
Today’s turbulent times can lead to unprecedented phenomena but common wisdom says that when things go wrong, look for the positive side. The revival of the rural can give extra momentum to the olive oil industry and especially to the suffering branded oil sector.
Related Articles
Apr. 16, 2024
Olive Oil Production Becomes Increasingly Viable in Oman
The oil-rich Gulf country planted its first commercial olive trees about ten years ago, which are now bearing fruit and yielding returns for farmers.
Mar. 19, 2024
Registration of Kalamata Olives as Intellectual Property Renews Controversy in Greece
The registration of the Kalamata table olive PDO from Messenia with WIPO will restrict the term's use by table olive producers in Greece, re-igniting an ongoing debate.
May. 29, 2024
Azerbaijan Joins Olive Council
Investors believe joining the International Olive Council will improve quality and standards in Azerbaijan while facilitating access to international markets.
Dec. 14, 2023
Tightening Water Regulations in California May Spur Olive Cultivation
While irrigated olive groves still use plenty of water, increasingly strict prohibitions, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, may carve out a new niche for dryland olive groves.
Jul. 29, 2024
Olive Trees on Corfu Face Threat from Wood-Eating Insects, Experts Rule Out Xylella
A lab in Athens ruled out Xylella fastidiosa as the cause of the dieback in central and northern Corfu groves.
Dec. 15, 2023
Meet the Start-Ups in Central Italy Reviving Abandoned Olive Groves
The startup Ager Oliva in Tuscany and the association Le Olivastre in Umbria are committed to restoring abandoned olive groves through adoption plans for citizens and companies.
Jan. 16, 2024
IOC Leader Focuses on Expanding Cultivation, Fighting Climate Change
The International Olive Council director, Jaime Lillo, says the future of olive oil production lies beyond the Mediterranean.
Aug. 7, 2024
Hazara’s Olive Oil Boom Lays Roadmap for Pakistani Sector
Systematic grafting and planting programs, new mills and efforts to educate farmers and millers have resulted in a rapid rise in production in one critical Pakistani region.