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en English fr Français el ελληνικά it Italiano pt Português es Español tr Türkçe ja 日本語

COVID-19

Business

Sep. 16, 2020

Climate and COVID Worry Farmers Preparing for Harvest

An Olive Oil Times survey reveals a season of growing uncertainties and challenges for olive oil producers.

Europe

Aug. 31, 2020

E.U. Trade Commissioner Steps Down After Breaking Covid Rules

In an uncommon occasion in European politics, Phil Hogan has left his post as agriculture commissioner over the Golfgate scandal.

Business

Aug. 31, 2020

Mounting Concerns in Greece as Harvest Nears

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and persistently low olive oil prices remain the biggest worries for producers.

Business

Aug. 27, 2020

Worker Shortages Problematic for Italian Farms as Harvest Nears

The usual influx of seasonal workers who come to harvest apples, grapes and olives in Italy has been interrupted. Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 has politicians and farmers worried that key crops will not be picked in time.

Africa / Middle East

Aug. 24, 2020

Kırkpınar Governor Calls for Cancellation of This Year’s Event

The COVID-19 pandemic originally delayed the 659th edition of the world's oldest sporting event from the first week of July to September. Now the main sponsor and ceremonial head of the event says he no longer supports the tournament taking place.

Europe

Aug. 12, 2020

Italy Pledges €20M to Buy Local EVOO for Families in Need

The move comes after a previous effort to provide extra virgin olive oil to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic sparked controversy, with farmers asserting that the effort favored imported oils over Italian ones.

Business

Jul. 7, 2020

Poor Demand for Kalamata Olives in Greece

Thousands of tons of Kalamata olives remain idle in many producing territories of the country as a result of the pandemic and the closure of eateries.

Business

Jul. 7, 2020

EVOO Consumption in Italy Predicted to Grow Even As Consumer Spending Falls

The increase in olive oil consumption is partially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led consumers to change their eating priorities.

News Briefs

Jul. 6, 2020

Trade Group Donates 190k Liters of Pomace Oil to Hospitality Sector in Spain

In the wake of the pandemic, the Spanish interprofessional, Oriva, will distribute the refined oil to 12,500 hotels, restaurants and caterers.

Business

Jun. 25, 2020

Decline in Exports Add to Troubles for Puglian Producers

Exports are down and storage facilities are full in Puglia while farmers and local politicians call for urgent support.

Africa / Middle East

Jun. 18, 2020

Tough Times for Producers in Jordan's Jerash Province

Ever-changing weather, marketplace turmoil and a surplus of olive oil have severely impacted local farmers and cast a shadow on the coming season

Africa / Middle East

Jun. 18, 2020

South African Producers Share Realities of Harvesting During Lockdown

Even with ongoing water shortages and the challenge of working during a lockdown, growers anticipate a good harvest.

News Briefs

Jun. 15, 2020

Relief Program Waves Social Security Contributions for Italian Farmers

The exemption is part of a broader effort to promote entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

Europe

Apr. 21, 2020

Drought, Worker Shortages and Roaming Boars: Challenges Mount for Italy's Farmers

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.

Business

Apr. 21, 2020

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

Olive oil consumption has crept up as a result of the pandemic and prices of extra virgin, virgin and lampante olive oils have started to stabilize. However, both exports and imports are expected to fall.

News Briefs

Apr. 20, 2020

FAO Introduces Resources to Assist Policymakers During COVID-19 Crisis

Along with updating a database that policymakers can use to help inform their decisions, the FAO has also issued guidelines to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus on the global food supply chain.

Business

Apr. 17, 2020

Uruguay Anticipates Poor Harvest Amid Pandemic

Uruguayan olive oil producers are expecting a 60-percent production decrease in 2020, after a record-breaking harvest in 2019. The coronavirus toll on tourism, exports and production costs are hurting their profitability.

Europe

Apr. 17, 2020

Producers in Spain Prepare for New Reality as Crisis Grinds On

The immediate economic impact of the coronavirus crisis is being felt by producers in Spain to varying degrees as they gauge its lasting effects on the sector.

Business

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.

N. America

Apr. 13, 2020

U.S. Olive Oil Imports Fall Due to Coronavirus

The U.S. olive oil import market has seen significant declines in the first two months of 2020, with a continued fall predicted for the remainder of the year.

Africa / Middle East

Apr. 8, 2020

Olive Harvest in South Africa Proceeds Largely Unhindered

South Africa is in lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, but with the necessary permits, EVOO producers continue harvesting.

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