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
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, 2024
In Molise, Olive Tree Adoption Supports Health Research
As a tribute to the memory of his wife Gianna, Orazio Ferrelli planted a new olive grove and put the olive trees up for adoption to support research and raise awareness on prevention.
May. 28, 2024
Greek Producers Celebrate Successful Finish to Historically Low Harvest
Farmers and millers in Greece earned 56 awards at the 2024 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition after the worst harvest in a decade.
Jan. 2, 2024
Greece to Provide Work Permits to 30,000 Migrants to Curb Labor Shortage
By easing vetting procedures for migrants already in the country, Athens plans to increase the agricultural workforce.
Jul. 20, 2024
Award-Winning Producer Promotes Rhodes as An Olive Oil Destination
Greece’s fourth-largest island is a well-known tourist destination. Consistently winning quality awards is helping Natura Rodos raise its profile as an olive oil producer.
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.
Jul. 24, 2024
Organic Olive Cultivation in Italy Continues to Expand
More than 6,000 hectares of olive groves were converted to organic agriculture in the last year as Italy inched closer to achieving European sustainability goals.
Jan. 29, 2024
Meet the Man Trying to Transform the Olive Sector in France
Yannick Masmondet is working with farmers to plant 50,000 hectares of olive groves on unused agricultural land, expanding national production while diversifying farmer portfolios.