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natural disasters

Europe

Aug. 7, 2020

Farmers, Politicians Blame Each Other as Wildfires Burn in Puglia

Farmers have blamed the rapid spread of the wildfires on dead olive trees that were killed by Xylella fastidiosa and never removed by local governments. Some politicians have insinuated that these trees are being intentionally burned.

Africa / Middle East

Jun. 1, 2020

Ancient Olive Trees Burn in Jordan Wildfires

Thousands of acres in one of the most important Jordan regions for olive oil production are burning.

Europe

May. 20, 2020

Monumental Olive Trees in Cyprus Destroyed by Wildfires

Wildfires ravaged northern Cyprus last weekend, destroying tens of thousands of acres of crops and forest. Olive growers and oil producers, already struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, are facing additional challenges in the aftermath of the blaze.

World

Mar. 23, 2020

Coronavirus Deals Another Blow to an Industry Already Reeling

An Olive Oil Times survey reveals growing despair and uncertainty for an industry that seemed under attack even before the pandemic arrived.

News Briefs

Mar. 21, 2020

Farmers Help Fight Coronavirus in Spain

Farmers use their tractors to disinfect public places, while farmworkers are constrained by traffic limitations trying to reach work.

Europe

Mar. 21, 2020

Olive Oil Sales Jump While Italian Economy Shrinks From COVID-19

Italians are shopping in masks and gloves, but they're still shopping, and buying more than they used to. Olive oil sales in Italy have jumped 22 percent since COVID-19 hit, and stores are finding that Mediterranean diet staples are now the top sellers

Business

Sep. 28, 2018

Fire in Tuscan Countryside, Thousands of Olive Trees Up in Smoke

A massive wildfire on Mount Serra, in the province of Pisa, devastated a huge area of woodland and ten thousand olive trees.

Europe

Apr. 19, 2018

Landslide in Western Greece Sweeps Olive Trees Away

About 2,500 centenarian olive trees were swallowed by the tumbling soil.

N. America

Oct. 23, 2017

Wildfires Not Expected to Impact Record Olive Oil Production in California

The 2017 harvest is on track for a record production of 4.3 million gallons, according to the California Olive Oil Council.

N. America

Oct. 10, 2017

'Apocalyptic' Scenes in Napa and Sonoma

Communities along Northern California's famous wine region have been ravaged by wildfires that came out of nowhere.

Asia

Jul. 10, 2017

Wildfire Destroys Grove in Turkey

In an ironic twist of fate, Turkey's olive trees had just been saved from proposed changes to the country's “olive law” when they went up in flames.

Africa / Middle East

Feb. 14, 2017

South African Olive Farmers Feel the Heat as Wildfires Take Their Toll

South Africa's olive industry is set to take a blow from recent wildfires that have plagued the Western Cape region, an area home to most of the country's olive farms.

Europe

Aug. 26, 2016

Earthquake in Central Italy: How to Help

In a race against time, the search continues unabated in the hope of finding people still alive.

Europe

Nov. 3, 2014

Add France to Growing List of Poor Harvests

The olive fly enjoyed a mild winter in Provence this year, devastating crops and the region's prized olive oils.

Europe

Oct. 30, 2014

Umbrian Leaders Seek Action for 'Huge Damages' to Region's Growers

Umbria's olive oil production will suffer a dramatic loss, that in some areas could reach 80 percent.

Production

Oct. 27, 2014

Umbrian Farmers Find Little to Celebrate

Umbrian farmers are in no mood to celebrate this year's dismal harvest. Many will simply leave the olives to rot on their trees.

Europe

Oct. 20, 2014

Ruinous Floods in Liguria Add to Poor Outlook for Italian Production

Damaging floods in Liguria are adding to a rough year for Italian olive oil farmers, resulting in a drop in production and rising prices.

Europe

Oct. 1, 2014

Experts Gathering in Italy to Tackle New Olive Tree Killer

Experts from around the world will meet in Gallipoli, the epicenter of the outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa that threatens thousands of olive trees.

Production

Sep. 4, 2014

Italy Unveils Plan to Battle Olive Tree Killer

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has promised to increase monitoring, research, and funding to better understand Xylella Fastidiosa.

World

Sep. 2, 2014

Napa Olive Oil Merchant Recovering from Earthquake

Lucero Olive Oil will be open for Labor Day weekend despite damage to inventory caused by the Napa earthquake.

Production

Aug. 25, 2014

Blight Continues to Threaten Olive Crops in Italy

Widespread bacterial infection has already destroyed thousands of olive trees across Italy’s Puglia region.

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