Local olive farmers are angry after 65 percent of applications for recovery aid were rejected. They argue the authorities are underestimating long-term damage.

A drone flying in the foreground with a person operating it in the background during sunset. - Olive Oil Times

Business

Dec. 17, 2021

Dogs and Drones: New Projects in Puglia Emphasize Early Detection Against Xylella

Using thermal sensing and the powerful noses of dogs, authorities in Puglia ramp up efforts to detect the latest outbreaks of Xylella fastidiosa before symptoms occur.

A solitary tree beside a dirt path surrounded by fog and greenery. - Olive Oil Times

Dec. 17, 2021 News Briefs

New Efforts Underway to Restore Abandoned Olive Groves in Sardinia

Market stall displaying a variety of fruits and vegetables, with a vendor and a customer wearing masks. - Olive Oil Times

Dec. 17, 2021 Business

Greeks Are Consuming Less Extra Virgin Olive Oil

An olive tree with a twisted trunk situated in a mountainous area with rocky terrain. - Olive Oil Times

Dec. 16, 2021 Production

Political and Economic Crises Complicate the Harvest in Lebanon

A man with a beard overseeing machinery in an oil production facility. - Olive Oil Times

Dec. 16, 2021 Production

European Commission Predicts an Upward Trend in Production After This Year's Setback

Workers loading large burlap sacks of olives onto a truck during the harvesting process. - Olive Oil Times

Dec. 16, 2021 Production

Harvest Unfolds with Mixed Results in Greece

Aerial view of a container port with cranes and cargo containers at night. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Dec. 15, 2021

Olive Oil Exports to Exceed 1M Tons by 2030, E.U. Forecasts

Despite positive trade news, climate change and declining consumption present challenges for the sector in the coming decade.

Interior view of the International Space Station's Cupola with a circular window showing Earth. - Olive Oil Times

World

Dec. 15, 2021

Extra Virgin Olive Oils Will Be Sent to Space in 2022

Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti will bring seven extra virgin olive oils for her crew to enjoy with their meals and to see how the oils hold up in space.

Three individuals harvesting olives from trees using handheld tools in an olive grove. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Dec. 10, 2021

Harvest Underway in France with Varying Expectations

Challenges created by springtime frost and summer drought have led to an uncertain harvest forecast, with production predictions ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 tons.

Young man in a cap picking olives from a tree during nighttime. - Olive Oil Times

Producer Profiles

Dec. 9, 2021

Centonze, a Forward-Looking Farm Rooted in Sicily's History

In western Sicily’s Belice Valley, Centonze produces award-winning extra virgin olive oil, celebrating the land and history, while focusing on sustainability and innovation.

Plaza de España in Seville with a water canal and architectural structures in the background. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Dec. 7, 2021

Up to 27 Million in Spain Face Water Shortages by 2050, Minister Warns

The southeast of Spain is at the highest risk. New investments in infrastructure and technology are critical to mitigating the impacts of the crisis.

Aerial view of a coastal area featuring a harbor with boats and a shoreline. - Olive Oil Times

Producer Profiles

Dec. 7, 2021

In Victoria, Taralinga Estate Celebrates Tradition While Embracing Innovation

Salvatore Tarascio started growing olives in Australia in 2015, 85 years after his grandfather first cultivated them in Sicily. Now he is one of the country’s top producers.

Expansive olive grove with neatly arranged trees and a mountain in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Dec. 7, 2021

Producers on Crete Look to DNA Analysis to Add Value

Local producers have joined forces with scientists In Chania, Crete, to identify, analyze and transfer the DNA identity of olive oil from the field to the bottle, achieving authenticity and traceability for their local products.

Rows of olive trees planted on a sloped field with tilled soil in the foreground. - Olive Oil Times

World

Dec. 6, 2021

Global Olive Oil Production Will Reach 4.4M Tons by 2050, Expert Projects

Intensive groves will outnumber traditional farms thirty years from now, and the number of olive oil-producing countries will rise to 80, says Juan Vilar.

European Union flag displayed on the glass exterior of a building with circular design elements. - Olive Oil Times

News Briefs

Dec. 6, 2021

European Parliament Approves CAP Reform Amid Strong Opposition

Supporters of the new Common Agricultural Policy said it will more fairly distribute funds to small farmers. Opponents said it does too little on climate change.

Two olive trees in a dry landscape with a distant view of buildings and clouds. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Dec. 6, 2021

Climate Extremes, Conflict Complicate Harvest in Palestine

Fighting in the West Bank are crippling the harvest, while climate change is blamed for lower yields in the Gaza Strip.

A grove of olive trees with green grass and a cloudy sky in the background. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Dec. 6, 2021

Study: Traditional Olive Groves Absorb More Carbon than Intensive Ones

A study from the University of Jaén shows that traditional olive groves directly combat climate change and cause far less environmental damage than intensive cultivation methods.

Aerial view of Chateau d'Estoublon surrounded by vineyards and trees. - Olive Oil Times

Producer Profiles

Dec. 1, 2021

Award-Winning French Producer Looks to The Past to Meet Challenges of The Future

Maintaining organic farming methods and experimenting with ancient olive varieties are how Château d’Estoublon keeps its 500-year olive oil production history alive.

A landscape featuring several olive trees with bare branches under a clear blue sky and bright sun. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Dec. 1, 2021

New Olive Trees Are Being Planted in Xylella-Ravaged Puglia

A new law in Italy has changed monitoring and removal operations in Xylella-plagued areas. Funds are being used to replant trees and compensate millers.

Row of glass bottles filled with olive oil on a production line, each capped with a green lid. - Olive Oil Times

World

Dec. 1, 2021

Future Lies in Specialized, Sustainable Production, Deoleo CEO Says

According to Ignacio Silva, specialization is key to the survival of traditional producers, and the whole sector must modernize to thrive.

Four workers in green shirts harvesting olives from trees in an olive grove. - Olive Oil Times

Production

Nov. 30, 2021

Egypt Expects Lower Production After Extreme Weather Damages Groves

In many parts of Egypt, yields are expected to be between 50 and 80-percent below the average. However, producers are optimistic about the future.