New surveys indicate that overall yield in the Jaén region could fall below the lowest reported tonnage in a century.
Growers in Jaén, one of the most important olive oil-producing areas in the world, have had to cope with harvest volumes much lower than what was forecast. This year’s harvest might end up being the lowest ever in modern history.
After its latest survey, the farming association COAG Jaén described the current situation as a “true disaster” and definitely worse than any previous projection.
See Also:Climate Change Taking a Toll on Andalusian Olive Oil ProductionAccording to COAG Jaén, the current campaign could produce 140 thousand tons of olive oil. That is two thousand tons less than the 142.849 thousand tons reported in the 2012/2013 season, which had been considered the worst harvest in a century.
The association explained that the initial forecasts could not take into account what happened in October and November. “The lack of precipitation in those two months has been unusual and has greatly limited the harvest projections, downwards modifying the calculations made,” the association wrote.
COAG Jaén detailed the numbers coming from its associates. In areas such as Jimena or Las Escuelas, the average 60 to 70 kilograms harvested from every tree dropped to 8 to 10 kilograms.
“They had initially expected for the current year to harvest 50 percent less olives, down to 30 to 35 kilos,” the association explained the striking differences between the first estimates and the current scenario. Local producers, therefore, should expect to harvest just a fraction of what was forecast.
In other areas, such as Mancha Real, olive oil production seems to be dropping 60 to 80 percent, with local growers reporting trees that typically reach around 50 kilograms of olives now being harvested at 15.
“In the La Loma region, in Torreperogil, well-irrigated olive trees, which usually offer an average harvest of six thousand kilograms per hectare, are now staying at one thousand kilograms,” wrote COAG Jaén.
In other areas, such as Fuerte del Rey, rainfed olive trees are almost completely fruitless, while irrigated orchards are down 30 percent. Two local cooperatives, whose average yield exceeds nine million kilos, now expect to harvest two million.
In Mengíbar, COAG Jaén also reported a greater drop than previously expected, with trees producing 80 kilos on average now reduced to 20.
“The same happens in Porcuna, where Mariano de la Rosa points out that of the 3,800 kilos on average that are collected per hectare, they will barely collect 13 percent, about 500 kilos per hectare,” wrote the association.
“In Alcalá la Real Francisco Cano, who usually reports an average harvest of 4,000 kilos per hectare, good rainfed olive groves, this year is expecting about 800 kilos per hectare,” COAG Jaén added.
The exceptional drought conditions that have affected Spain, including the Jaén area, since last winter are exerting long-lasting effects on the trees, whose branches are much more fragile and dry than in the past.
See Also:Study Reveals Impacts of Climate Change on Spanish Olive SectorOne of COAG Jaén’s experts, Juan Carlos Hervás, noted that farmers must adapt to the new situation. Harvesting operations can now easily damage the trees, since “their roots are suffering, and the trunk is stripped, which is why rods are being used instead of machinery,” he noted.
The significant drop in Jaén olive oil production exemplifies an already grim scenario for Spanish olive oil production.
In its note, COAG Jaén underlined how even before the revised forecast for Jaén, Andalusian official estimates showed a 49.1 percent drop in production from the previous harvest, down to 587 thousand tons of olive oil.
And now, the lack of precipitation this fall is having a larger-than-expected effect on the overall yield for the region.
More articles on: climate change, drought, Spain
Sep. 28, 2023
Regenerative Ag Practices Improve Profitability of Steep-Slope Olive Farms
After finding that soil health improved in abandoned steep-slope olive groves, researchers determined organic and regenerative farming could yield similar results.
Jan. 29, 2024
The Joy and Sacrifice of Organic Olive Oil Production on Mallorca
Oli de Santanyi founder Dirk Müller-Busch believes that producers who want a fair price must meet consumer demands for organic, high-quality extra virgin olive oil at all costs.
Feb. 23, 2024
World Trade Organization Finds U.S. Noncompliant in Table Olive Trade Spat
The WTO ruled that the U.S. must remove tariffs on Spanish table olive imports, while a separate case is pending in the Court of Appeals.
Feb. 22, 2024
Experts Back Olives in a Hotter, Drier World
Olive farming may play a critical role in the future of agriculture. Researchers have suggestions for doing it right.
May. 9, 2024
Renewed Concerns of Extra Virgin Olive Oil Shortages in Spain
Extra virgin olive oil supplies from the world's largest producer are expected to fall short of both domestic demand and export needs, potentially signaling an impending global shortage.
Nov. 20, 2023
Olive Oil Sales Slump in Spain and Italy Amid Rising Prices
Consumers are switching to smaller bottles of extra virgin olive oil and, in some cases, choosing lower grades.
Feb. 28, 2024
Córdoba Festival Promotes Local Olive Oil Against Backdrop of Harvest Challenges
Organizers hailed the event as an opportunity for local producers to promote their products after a demanding harvest.
Sep. 18, 2023
Storms in Greece Flood Olive Groves, Damage Trees
Heavy rain and hailstorms swept across Greece, damaging olive trees ahead of the upcoming harvest and raising concerns over the spread of disease.