Thousands of small farmers are having to contend with seasonal labor shortages, a lack of spare parts for their machines, severe drought and wild boars roaming through unworked fields. Italian agriculture is facing challenges from all directions in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Olive oil flowing from a metal pipe during the extraction process in a facility. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Apr. 21, 2020

Italian Production in 2019 Exceeds Initial Estimates

Italian olive oil production reached 365,000 tons, an increase of 110 percent compared to 2018 and 25,000 tons higher than initial estimates. Consumption, imports and exports also increased.

Wide view of an empty city street lined with bare trees and streetlights on either side. - Olive Oil Times

Apr. 21, 2020 Business

Mixed Fortunes for European Olive Oil Sector Amid Covid-19 Pandemic

A close-up view of Kalamata olives in a bowl, showcasing their dark purple color and glossy surface. - Olive Oil Times

Apr. 20, 2020 News Briefs

Row Over Kalamata PDO Divides Opinions in Greece

Close-up view of a leaf showing green and brown discoloration with holes. - Olive Oil Times

Apr. 17, 2020 Production

Spain Deploys New Technology to Combat Olive Tree Pathogens

A close-up view of a brown bug resting on a green leaf with visible texture. - Olive Oil Times

Apr. 17, 2020 News Briefs

A New Strategy Against a Dreaded Pest in Italy

A hillside covered with rows of olive trees, with a small building and cypress trees in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Apr. 17, 2020 World

Producers in Spain Prepare for New Reality as Crisis Grinds On

Several black metal tables and chairs stacked on a cobblestone surface. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Apr. 14, 2020

Europe Approves €1B in Aid for Greek Agriculture

Farming enterprises are eligible to receive up to €100,000 ($109,000) in repayable advances under the aid program.

Close-up of a tree trunk with red markings visible on its surface. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Apr. 13, 2020

New Treatment for Xylella-Infected Trees Is Working, Researchers Say

Researchers have developed and tested a new bactericide that can help olive trees affected by Xylella to return to full production.

Aerial view of Civita di Bagnoregio, an ancient hilltop village in Italy, surrounded by mountains and valleys. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Apr. 8, 2020

27th ‘Golds of Lazio’ Announces 2020 Winners

The winners of the 27th Orii del Lazio have been revealed, in anticipation of the Ercole Olivario, rescheduled at the earliest possible date.

A man in a red jacket loading wooden pallets into the back of a red delivery truck. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Apr. 2, 2020

Transporters Warn of Effects of Covid-19 Measures on Food Supply

European logistics firms fear the quarantine measures and bureaucratic hurdles, while consumer demand keeps growing.

Selection of root vegetables including black radishes, turnips, and carrots in wooden crates at a market. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Mar. 31, 2020

Europe's Supply of Fruits and Vegetables Hindered by Covid-19 Restrictions

Travel restrictions are keeping agricultural laborers from their seasonal jobs, leaving crops unharvested amid the coronavirus emergency.

Man standing in an olive grove with olive trees in the background and mountains visible in the distance. - Olive Oil Times

Europe

Mar. 30, 2020

Olive Growers and Producers Support Compatriots in Italy

As everything but essential work remains halted in Italy, olive oil producers are finding new ways to persevere, while raising money to help the nation's overwhelmed healthcare service.

Narrow street featuring graffiti on a wall and buildings under evening light. - Olive Oil Times

Europe

Mar. 30, 2020

Domestic Consumption Rises in Greece Amid Covid-19, Economic Growth Predicted to Halt

Greek olive oil remains in high demand among national consumers as the country's economic growth is predicted to grind to a halt.

Olive trees growing among vibrant lavender fields in a rural landscape. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Mar. 30, 2020

EU Grants PDO Status to Olive Oils of Provence

Provençal olive oil represents distinctive organoleptic characteristics, unique chemistry and strong historical ties to the land.

A landscape featuring leafless trees along a body of water with dry vegetation on the ground. - Olive Oil Times

World

Mar. 27, 2020

Covid-19 Hinders Xylella Fight in Italy

Funds are coming to counter the bacteria and sustain the local economy. But the Covid-19 epidemic has stymied urgent action

Olive trees growing in a hilly landscape with distant hills and cloudy sky. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Mar. 27, 2020

Italian PDO and PGI Extra Virgin Olive Oils Are Increasing in Value

According to a new report, the value and volume of extra virgin olive oils with geographical indications are increasing across Italy. Puglia and Tuscany are leading the way.

Aerial view of a historic Italian town illuminated at night with buildings and streets visible. - Olive Oil Times

World

Mar. 21, 2020

Olive Oil Sales Jump While Italian Economy Shrinks From Covid-19

Italians are shopping in masks and gloves, but they're still shopping, and buying more than they used to. Olive oil sales in Italy have jumped 22 percent since Covid-19 hit, and stores are finding that Mediterranean diet staples are now the top sellers

Street view of a yellow building featuring a café with outdoor seating and illuminated signage at night. - Olive Oil Times

Europe

Mar. 19, 2020

Demand for Olive Oil in Spain Rises as Country Goes Into Coronavirus Lockdown

As anxious shoppers crowded into supermarkets, olive oil was at the top of many of their lists. Factories are running 24/7 to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked.

The Congreso de los Diputados building in Spain with a statue in front and a flag on top. - Olive Oil Times

Grades

Mar. 19, 2020

Laws Governing Olive Oil Sector in Spain Set to Change

Updated legislation will require the implementation of a new traceability system and change labeling requirements.

Black and white image of a narrow cobblestone street with buildings and pedestrians. - Olive Oil Times

Fairs, Competitions

Mar. 11, 2020

Covid-19 Lockdown in Italy Brings Critical Promotion Season to a Standstill

At a time when Italy's agriculture sector was already reeling, the coronavirus lockdown has wiped out major spring events and promotional activities.

Old stone house with a weathered roof, partially covered by grass and trees. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Mar. 4, 2020

New Bank Set to Auction Abandoned Farms in Italy

Almost 25,000 acres of abandoned public lands will be auctioned to a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs and farmers.