News Briefs
Following predictions of record harvest losses in Italy and Spain, France Olive has warned that this year’s extreme weather events are likely to result in 50 percent losses for the olive harvest in France as well.
According to data from the International Olive Council, France produced 4,600 tons of olive oil in the 2021/22 crop year, which was also marked by several climatic challenges.
See Also:2022 Olive HarvestFrance Olive said 2022 has been marked by record heat and drought in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, which accounts for more than 60 percent of French olive oil production.
The organization added that this summer’s heatwaves “follow one another and have had frequent adverse effects on production.”
Although the olive tree is particularly resistant to heat and drought, water plays a crucial role in certain stages of the plant’s life cycle. The tree is forced to sacrifice elements of its normal biological processes to survive a drought, thereby saving available resources.
“[France has] had exceptionally hot years before, but this is different,” said Laurent Bélorgey, a producer and the president of France Olive. “The drought occurred at the time of flowering… only 20 percent of our crops in France are irrigated. This is the first time we’ve seen [drought] happen on this scale.”
France had the driest July ever recorded, and the summer has already seen three heatwaves. Additionally, the sweltering and dry summer has been made worse by a lack of snow that fell in the Alps during the winter, as meltwater forms a significant part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur’s water supply.
According to the European Commission, about half of the European Union is currently facing a drought risk due to the prolonged absence of rainfall, raising fears of significant harvest losses across multiple sectors, with traditional rain-fed olive groves, particularly at risk.
More articles on: 2022 olive harvest, Afidol, drought
Jun. 26, 2023
Once Again, Olive Growers in Western Mediterranean Face Severe Drought
In Andalusia, rainfed olive groves are barren. Similar situations have been reported in North Africa. Officials in Europe are focusing on the soil to mitigate the drought.
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.
Sep. 25, 2023
Morocco's Olive Harvest Expected to Rebound, Despite Headwinds
Despite a hot and dry summer, recent rain has improved conditions, with more expected in the coming weeks. Officials expect production to improve compared to last year.
Dec. 21, 2023
Climate Extremes, Economic Pressures Dampen 2023 Harvest, Survey Finds
Olive oil producers gave the 2023 harvest a dismal rating in terms of yields and quality.
Feb. 19, 2024
How One Producer Deals with Rising Volumes and A Shorter Harvest in France
In the South of France, the producer behind Mas des Bories manages a bumper harvest and a shorter window to mill.
Jun. 21, 2023
Andalusian Producers Achieve Outstanding Quality After Disastrous Harvest
After the smallest harvest in more than a decade, producers in Spain earned their fourth-highest award count at the World Olive Oil Competition.
Sep. 28, 2023
Olive Oil Production Expected to Fall Below 1M Tons in Spain
Anticipation of a second-consecutive poor harvest in the world’s largest olive oil producer means prices are likely to keep rising.
Oct. 3, 2023
Tunisian Producers Anticipate Production Rebound Despite Heat, Drought
Officials estimate olive oil production will be 200,000 to 220,000 tons as the harvest gets underway in Tunisia.