The olive harvest has started earlier than usual in the Croatian olive-growing regions of Istria and Dalmatia, bringing disappointing yields for producers. While 2013 was a record year for the Croatian olive harvest, local olive growers are facing a poor crop this time around.
Following a rainy summer with less than average temperatures, olive trees have been ravaged by the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) which thrives in such climatic conditions. This pest is a serious threat to olive growers, causing the attacked fruit to fall prematurely and impacting the quantity and quality of olive oil produced.
See Also:Complete Coverage of the 2014 Harvest
Davor Zanini, an oil mill owner in the Istrian peninsula, told the regional newspaper Glas Istre that local oil producers are facing a particularly bad harvest and, despite their hard work, are getting less olive oil from their crop than expected. While 10 kilograms of olives usually produce a liter of oil, this year 12 to 13 kilograms are needed because of the poor quality fruit.
Though the Croatian olive harvest this year is overall very disappointing compared to previous years, there are a few regions which have had good yields. Ivica Ljubenkov, president of the Association of Croatian Olive Oil Growers and Producers (Zajednice maslinara i uljara Hrvatske) told Croatian news portal tportal.hr that some small areas of Dalmatia known for their high-quality olive oil were spared the wrath of the olive fruit fly, like the coastal town of Skradin and Vela Luka on the western part of the island of Korčula.
An increase in consumer prices for Croatian olive oil is likely to be the result of this year’s poor olive harvest.
Related Articles
Jan. 5, 2024
Experts Offer Pest-Control Tips for California's Hobby Growers
Hobbyists use organic practices to combat weeds and treat and prevent olive knot, yellow leaves, the olive fruit fly, peacock spot and Verticillium wilt.
Mar. 27, 2024
Olive Oil and Soparnik Are Indispensable for Croatians at Easter
Olive trees and extra virgin olive oil play important roles in Croatian Christians' celebrations of Holy Week, especially in the flagship dish, Soparnik.
Oct. 18, 2024
Team Lithuania Triumphs at Seventh Olive Picking Championship
In addition to the competitive part of the program, numerous tastings, excursions and social events were held in Brač, which boasts a centuries-old olive oil-producing tradition.
Jan. 3, 2024
Researchers Develop Algorithm to Predict Harvest Potential from Climate Data
The publicly available algorithm was developed using 15 years of data from Italy to compare how combinations of climatic events impacted subsequent harvests.
Jun. 3, 2024
Croatian Producers Share Secrets Behind Their Award-Winning Success
The small southeastern European country produced just 3,500 tons of olive oil in the 2023/24 crop year but earned 80 awards from 97 entries at the World Competition.
Apr. 24, 2024
Officials Urge Croatia's Tourism Operators to Showcase Award-Winning Olive Oils
Olive growers and millers are being encouraged to showcase their products and processes to the country’s 20 million annual visitors.
Apr. 12, 2024
Olive Growing Starting to Take Root in Central Europe
As climate change makes Central European winters milder and drier, farmers in Austria and northeastern Croatia are beginning to plant olives.
Mar. 19, 2024
Growers in Croatia Await Contest Results
Industry advocates and producers see the NYIOOC as a way to showcase Croatia's quality and combat adulteration and fraud.