Hailstorms in northern Greece have caused extensive damage in olive-producing areas of the Chalkidiki peninsula, where the region’s characteristic green oval-shaped table olives are grown.
The hailstones knocked olives to the ground and dented the remaining fruits on the tree branches. The areas of Polygyros and Ormylia, among the most productive of the region, were most impacted.
“We try hard and spare no expense all year round for a good yield, and now this,” farmers affected by the hail told local media. “Let’s hope that ELGA [the Greek organization of agricultural insurances] will rise to the occasion to provide proper compensation and not just withhold money from our subsidies.”
ERT, the national broadcasting channel of Greece, reported that a 15-minute-long hailstorm in Ormylia almost completely destroyed the Chalkidiki table olives of the area ahead of harvest.
See Also:2022 Harvest UpdatesThe cost of the damage to olive groves caused by the adverse weather is expected to rise in Ormylia, according to some initial estimates.
“Out of 35,000 tons [of table olives] the area produces, 6,000 to 7,000 tons have been completely destroyed,” said Christos Tsipelis, head of the local Ormylia agricultural association. “Around 60,000 [olive] trees were hit [by the hail], and if we consider that the cost of cultivating a single tree is €30, the total financial loss inflicted amounts to €1.8 million.”
Harvest estimates for the Chalkidiki region predicted the table olive production to exceed 100,000 tons in the 2022/23 crop year, provided the weather conditions remained advantageous.
“There are 15 to 20 days left until harvest, and, fingers crossed, we hope no more erratic weather is coming our way,” said Vagelis Misailides, a farmer from the Simantra village.
“We can cope with the water shortage and the lack of workers in one way or another, but if extreme weather phenomena occur, then I am afraid that many fellow growers will shut down their businesses with dire consequences for the whole region.”
Last year, the olive trees of the Chalkidiki variety on the peninsula suffered from reduced fruition, resulting in an 80-percent lower yield than expected.
“If the weather is against us again this year, then the future of this Protected Designation of Origin product looks ominous,” said Misailides. “However, in recent years, the income we receive is satisfying provided the yield is robust and not lost due to inclement weather.”
Related Articles
Jan. 29, 2024
In Search of Chill: Cool Nights Needed for Olive Trees in Greece
After warm spells decimated their harvests, producers in Greece are hoping for cool temperatures during critical growing stages this time around.
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.
Jan. 3, 2024
Europe Grants PDO Status to Turkey's Çizik Zeytini Table Olives
Turkey now has E.U.-protected status for three table olive varieties while awaiting Protected Designation of Origin certification for another three.
Nov. 27, 2023
Two Greek PDO Olive Oils Receive Protection in India
Kalamata and Sitia Lasithiou Kritis extra virgin olive oils have been registered as in India to protect them from imitations.
Oct. 1, 2024
Egypt Aims for Significant Increase in Olive Oil Exports
Officials are developing a strategy to increase exports by expanding production.
Aug. 19, 2024
The Olive Tree and The Olympics: An Ancient Bond
The olive tree has always symbolized unity and excellence in the Olympic Games.
Sep. 16, 2024
Table Olive Production in Spain Rebounds, but Falls Short of Initial Expectations
Farmers warn that a hot and dry August impacted the size and marketability of table olives.
Dec. 14, 2023
Traditional Turkish Olive Cultivation Practices Recognized by UNESCO
The U.N. agency said Turkey’s traditional grafting, milling and table olive production methods are valuable to our global culture and must be safeguarded.