New pessimistic olive oil production estimates from Italy indicate the harvest could fall by as much as 120,000 tons, 37 percent, compared to last year.
The result may be even worse if the research conducted by the Italian Institute for the Agricultural and Food Market of Ismea at the beginning of November is accurate.
According to this research, production in the 2022/23 crop year is estimated at 208,000 tons, which would see Italy fall from the second to the third largest olive oil producer in Europe.
See Also:2022 Harvest UpdatesIn Spain, the world’s largest olive oil producer, the forecasts are dire as well, with an expected 30- to 50-percent drop in production from the Iberian country. Yields are also expected to drop in Portugal and France.
The cause of this dramatic decrease across Southern and Western Europe has largely been attributed to the historic drought and high summer temperatures, which hindered the vegetative development of olive trees and the accumulation of oil in the fruits.
Regarding the leading producer countries, it is estimated that only Greece can exceed last year’s yield and reach more than 300,000 tons, thus occupying the place that previously belonged to Italy.
Other exceptions to Europe’s poor harvest come from the olive groves running along the rest of the Balkan Peninsula’s Adriatic coastline.
Initial reports have found the olives in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, where timely rains during August and September enhanced oil accumulation, are healthy.
Along with low rates of pests and diseases, producers on the Adriatic coastline anticipate better harvests than last year and high quality. They said the olive oils stand out for their spiciness and bitterness but do not lack fruitiness.
The European Commission has predicted a 25-percent decrease in olive oil production from the seven main producing countries in the 27-member bloc.
Related Articles
Mar. 19, 2024
Registration of Kalamata Olives as Intellectual Property Renews Controversy in Greece
The registration of the Kalamata table olive PDO from Messenia with WIPO will restrict the term's use by table olive producers in Greece, re-igniting an ongoing debate.
Jul. 1, 2024
Three Beloved Greek Dishes to Try This Summer
Fresh, seasonal ingredients are combined with the year’s extra virgin olive oil to create some of the most delicious summer dishes of Greek cuisine.
Dec. 14, 2023
Farmers in Greece Call for Subsidies Amid Low Yields
A steep drop in production has led the country’s table olive and oil producers to protests, asking for financial aid of €200 per stremma to be granted to all olive farmers.
Jun. 15, 2024
Report Reveals Growing Number of Olive Producers in Northern Italy
Olive farming is shifting north in Italy as sustainability in a changing climate guides new ventures. Organic growing is also on the rise.
May. 7, 2024
European Olive Oil Supply Hits Decade-Low
A production drop and low stocks have kept prices high, tempering demand.
Sep. 13, 2023
Investing in Community and The Environment Through Olive Farming
Paolo Miceli and Sergio Sensat’s farm in western Sicily is a forward-looking investment in the region and community.
Jun. 12, 2024
Proposal Would Ban Solar Panel Installation on Italy's Farmlands
Exemptions for agri-voltaic systems would still allow research and development of projects in olive groves to continue.
Nov. 27, 2023
Producers Behind Loco Galbasa Achieve Childhood Dream, World-Class Quality
The Sicilian brand Loco Galbasa combines the pursuit of quality and the commitment to environmental sustainability.