The National Institute of Agriculture and Fisheries Statistics, Portugal estimated that olive production for olive oil would be historic this year.
In the Agricultural forecast released on February 17, 2016, olives for olive oil production could be as high as 765,000 tons, which would be the third-largest harvest in the last 75 years. It would also be 75 percent more than the olive harvest of last year.
Portugal only produced 438,000 tons of olives in 2014, a significantly lower yield than the 634,000 tons harvested in 2013.
Although olives are cultivated in several different regions of Portugal, the high output expected this year is mainly from the Alentejo region in south Portugal. Alentejo is the largest and most important region for olive production in Portugal and produces about two-thirds of the country’s olive oil.
The region uses varied traditional, semi-intensive and intensive methods for olive tree cultivation. However, intensive restructuring of olive farms, planting of highly productive olive varieties, efficient irrigation systems, appropriate fertilization and less severe pruning in Alentejo may be responsible for the high olive harvest expected this year.
Although there are more than 30 varieties of olives native to Portugal, the most common varieties cultivated for olive oil and table olives in Portugal are Galega, Cobrançosa, Cordovil, Verdeal, Madural and Carrasquenha.
Of the six regions with the Protected Designation of Origin for production of olive oil, three — Azeite do Norte Alentejano, Azeite de Moura and Azeite Alentejo Interior — are in the Alentejo region. The remaining three regions are Azeite de Trás-os-Montes, Azeite do Ribatejo and Azeite da Beira Interior.
Although not as well-known as olive oils from Spain, Italy and Greece, 22 Portuguese olive oils were recognized among some of the world’s best at the 2015 New York International Olive Oil Competition.
Related Articles
May. 28, 2024
Monte do Camelo Wins Big with Sustainably Grown Native Varieties
The small-scale Portuguese producers earned a Silver Award at the 2024 NYIOOC for a Galega monovarietal. The company focuses on growing native olives sustainably.
Mar. 21, 2024
Olive Oil Producers in Portugal Celebrate Country’s Second-Highest Yield
From the traditional groves in the north to the super-high-density plantations of the south, producers across Portugal overcame winter rain to achieve a bountiful harvest.
Jul. 7, 2024
Portuguese Producers Highlight Quality as the Cornerstone of Promotional Efforts
After achieving their second-biggest harvest ever, Portuguese producers celebrated impressive results at the World Olive Oil Competition.
Jun. 27, 2024
The 1,000-Member Co-Op Taking on The Challenging Terrain of Northern Portugal
The members of the Agricultural Cooperative of Olive Growers of Murça farm the rugged terrain, working together to produce award-winning extra virgin olive oil.
Nov. 20, 2023
Finding Balance in a Changing Sector Yields Success for Portuguese Exporter
Quality serves as Est. Manuel Silva Torrado’s north star as the company navigates export markets and the country’s rapidly changing sector.
Oct. 31, 2024
Producers in Portugal Anticipate Another Bumper Harvest
Production could reach 190,000 tons after a wet winter replenished aquifers. However, labor remains a challenge for some growers.