News Briefs
The Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Catalonia (FCAC) warns that olive oil production for the 2022 – 2023 season could fall to 16,000 tons, far lower than the average of 31,000 tons for the region.
If the forecast proves accurate, it would make it the worst season in 15 years, with an almost 25 percent lower output than the 20,600 tons produced in the 2018/19 season, the previous record low. If production reaches 16,000 tons, the results would be even lower than the previous forecast of 19,000 tons made in September.
Antoni Galceran, head of olive oil at the FCAC, explained that “the drought with which we’re burdened after two consecutive years of rainfall deficit, aggravated by the heat waves that followed each other since May, and the heavy frosts of April, has led to a historic fall in the olive oil harvest, 50 percent lower than the average in Catalonia, that has severely affected rainfed areas.”
In addition to persistently unfavorable meteorological conditions, the drop in production has been aggravated over the past year by increased materials and energy costs, quadrupling in twelve months.
See Also:Olive Oil Business NewsThe FCAC has requested an urgent meeting with the Department of Climate Action. According to Galceran, “expectations are not good, and […] it is necessary to establish measures to address the situation suffered by cooperatives in the olive oil sector today in order to avoid the substantial increase in consumer prices towards which we see ourselves heading.”
Throughout 2022, the consumer price of olive oil in Spain rose a staggering 50 percent. Extra virgin olive oils continue showing record-breaking weekly increases during the first few weeks of 2023.
Though the production drop is forecast to be 25 percent across Catalonia, several individual areas are expected to suffer even worse declines.
In Baix Ebre and Montsià, output could be as low as 4,500 tons, an 80 percent reduction from the average. In Lleida (Garrigues and Segrià), the drop is forecast at approximately 50 percent (6,000 tons), and in the producing areas of Tarragona, the situation is variable. In the provinces of Barcelona and Girona, around 1,000 tons are expected, 33 percent less than average.
More articles on: Spain olive oil production, olive oil prices, drought
Nov. 2, 2022
A Bumper Harvest Predicted in Jordan
Despite drought and extreme weather, olive oil production is expected to reach 30,000 tons for only the third time in Jordan.
Sep. 12, 2022
Drought, Heat Hit the Table Olive Harvest in Spain
Prices will rise due to poor harvests elsewhere and increasing production costs.
Aug. 29, 2022
Olive Oil Production in Portugal Set to Slump After Record Year
A combination of drought and many producers entering an ‘off-year’ will keep Portugal to around 100,000 tons of olive oil production in the 2022/23 season, according to the latest data.
Aug. 23, 2022
Italy Anticipates Steep Drop in Olive Production
A combination of unseasonal heat and drought means production in olive oil-soaked southern Italy will fall by 30 percent this year.
Aug. 18, 2022
Olive Growers in Extremadura Brace for 'Worst Harvest in History'
The local farmers’ association predicts olive oil and table olive production to fall by up to 85 percent due to the ongoing drought.
Sep. 7, 2022
Farmers in Morocco Prepare for Modest Yield
After last year’s record-high production, the North African country’s two largest olive-growing regions are expecting small harvests.
Feb. 9, 2023
Olive Oil Consumption Slumps in Europe as High Prices Persist
Olive oil sales and exports have slowed down in Spain as prices at origin remain high and general inflation remains elevated.
Jul. 11, 2022
Preliminary Estimates Suggest Significant Drop in California Production
The Olive Oil Commission of California, which represents 90 percent of the state’s production, said its members will produce 1.8 million gallons this crop year.