European Union olive oil producers fared poorly this year. Spain, the notable exception, is well poised to make up the difference in the export market.
According to the latest estimates released by the European Commission, Spanish olive oil production is projected to reach 1.76 million tons in the 2018/19 season, up from 1.39 million tons the preceding season.
Ironically, Spanish olive oil producers have climate change to thank for the successful harvest season.- El País
Spain is expected to export 1.22 million tons this season, up almost 40 percent from the 2017/18 season. This is largely in response to the sharp decrease in production in other countries, such as Greece and Italy.
Italy is projected to produce just 226,000 tons of olive oil in the 2018/19 season, less than half the amount of the preceding harvesting season. Greece will fall by 35 percent to 248,000 tons and Portugal will drop almost 20 percent, down to 121,300 tons.
See Also:Olive Oil ProductionOverall, European Union olive oil production numbers are expected to remain fairly stable, at 2.375 million tons in 2018/19 compared with 2.410 million tons in 2017/18.
Spain’s production will make up three-quarters of total EU olive oil production in the 2018/19 season, and more than half of the worldwide production.
After a slight dip over the holiday season, exports are expected to pick up again in January. Consumption in Spain is also increasing in the 2018/19 season after prices dropped back down below €3.00 ($3.42) per kilogram for extra virgin olive oil, and is expected to reach 578,700 tons.
Davide Granieri, president of the Italian olive oil consortium Unaprol, blamed this year’s disappointing crop on climate change, fraud and the tariff-free influx of Tunisian olive oil into the EU market.
Italy is also still in the throes of an infestation of Xylella fastidiosa, a plant pathogen that is ravaging olive oil groves in the eastern part of the country. A few cases of Xylella fastidiosa were found in Spain as well last year.
The majority of this year’s crop so far was harvested in December, when Spain collected 679,000 tons of olive oil, the second-most productive month in the last decade. The province of Jaén is responsible for 40 percent of Spain’s olive oil production, equating to more than Greece and Italy combined.
Ironically, Spanish olive oil producers have climate change to thank for the successful harvest season.
Unseasonable cold snaps and heat waves lined up perfectly to produce a bumper crop of olives in many regions this year. Jaén suffered a worse-than-expected harvest in November due to poor weather, but managed to compensate for it in December.
The climate in January will determine whether Spain reaches the estimated olive oil production figures for the 2018/19 season.
The most important olive oil producing countries outside of the EU are also seeing a drop in figures. Tunisia and Turkey are expected to fall by around 50 percent and only Morocco will increase its production, reaching about 50 percent more than the previous season.
According to the latest figures from the International Olive Oil Council, worldwide olive oil production for the 2018/19 season is expected to reach 3.451 million tons, down slightly from 3.653 million tons in the 2017/18 harvesting season.
More articles on: European Commission, European Union, exports
Oct. 11, 2023
Expansion of Organic Olive Groves Slows in Spain
Organic land cultivation in Spain increased by 1.5 percent in 2022. Some organic olive groves were abandoned due to poor harvests and lower profit margins.
Apr. 16, 2024
Award-Winning Catalan Producer Bets on Growing Demand for Arbequina
Two heat-hampered harvests have not deterred the producers behind Gaudea, who are betting that demand for Arbequina extra virgin olive oil will keep growing.
Apr. 16, 2024
Researchers Investigate Solar Panel and Olive Grove Synergies
Solar panels between rows of high-density olive groves generate electricity with minimal impact on yields.
Oct. 11, 2023
Olive Growers in Madrid Benefit from CAP Funds
Officials in Madrid have released €8.5 million from the Common Agricultural Policy to promote traditional landscapes and biodiversity in the capital region.
Aug. 2, 2023
Spain Reclaims Top Spot as Largest Olive Oil Exporter to U.S.
The removal of trade barriers and changes in strategy by Spanish companies has resulted in a steady increase in olive oil exports to the lucrative U.S. market.
Oct. 12, 2023
Researchers Identify Three Olive Varieties Resistant to Pervasive Fungus
Three cross breeds of Frantoio, Koroneiki and Arbosana olives resisted Verticillium dahlia in a controlled environment.
Feb. 20, 2024
New Research Rekindles Debate on Nutri-Score’s Effectiveness
The OECD found Nutri-Score could save money on healthcare. Dutch researchers questioned the integrity of studies supporting the labeling system.
Feb. 5, 2024
Agricultural Groups Call on Spanish Government to Step Up Climate Change Response
Climate and agricultural advocates seek funding for insurance and investments in water-saving infrastructure.