The 2017 harvest is on track for a record production of 4.3 million gallons, according to the California Olive Oil Council.
October finds olive oil producers throughout California dusting off equipment, monitoring oil content and preparing for harvest. As the state begins what is expected to be an unprecedented harvest, mother nature challenged the course of events in several oil-producing regions with wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake counties and beyond. Overall the industry is expecting only minor setbacks, according to the California Olive Oil Council (COOC).
The 2017 harvest, taking place from October through December in California, is on track for an estimated total production of 4.3 million gallons. This would be the highest production to date, with the fall 2016 harvest having produced 3.5 million gallons of extra virgin olive oil and 4 million gallons in 2015.
From 2015 to 2016, nationwide sales of California olive oil experienced almost 40 percent growth year over year according to IRI data. This is 10 times the overall category growth of 4 percent. This upward trend in demand is being reflected in widespread investment in new acreage.
As of August 2017, there are over 40,000 acres planted in California for the production of extra virgin olive oil. This number is comprised of over 400 growers and producers of olive oil in California, with the greatest concentration of olives for oil throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.
An additional 20,000 acres are anticipated to be planted by 2020, according to the COOC, increasing the total acreage by 50 percent. With the devastation caused by the recent wildfires somewhat isolated to the North Bay region, consumers are likely to be unaffected as production volumes and price comparisons are expected to remain constant.
In an effort to support producers impacted by the wildfires, the COOC has established a funding mechanism to assist those in need. Contributions will be donated to recovery on behalf of the entire industry.
In addition, a registry has been set up on the COOC website for those who have been affected to become eligible to receive aid.
More articles on: California olive oil, California Olive Oil Council, natural disasters
Nov. 27, 2023
The company says it will produce its first California olive oil in 2027 and anticipates yields of one million liters.
Nov. 6, 2023
Making Award-Winning Olive Oil from California’s Centenarian Trees
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Guilio Zavolta and Rachelle Bross seek to promote and protect the state’s historic olive trees.
Aug. 14, 2023
State-of-the-Art Irrigation Management Leads to Rising Yields in California
To endure a changing climate, new approaches for managing and optimizing irrigation are paramount.
Dec. 14, 2023
California College’s Olive Harvest Brings Campus Together
Students and faculty members harvested the Los Angeles campus’s 130-year-old Mission trees to begin what officials hope becomes a new tradition.
Dec. 11, 2023
Small-Scale Farmers Celebrate Big-Time Success in Central California
Richard and Myrna Meisler have turned a passion project into one of California’s most-awarded extra virgin olive oils.
Jan. 29, 2024
Experts Predict Bigger Swings Between Wet and Dry Years in California
Investing in infrastructure and management techniques can help olive growers protect crops from flooding and save water for droughts.
Jul. 19, 2023
Researchers in California Test New Solutions for Olive Fruit Fly
Researchers at the University of California are testing a range of insecticide products for efficacy in controlling olive fruit flies.
Oct. 17, 2023
California Olive Farmers Create Pollinator Habitats to Boost Biodiversity
Farmers are cultivating native plants to reverse the effects of climate change on beneficial insect and pollinator habitats.