Madrid, 19 Aug, 2023 (GNP): The olive oil industry is confronting a mounting crisis as scorching temperatures sweep across southern Europe, jeopardizing both the health of olive trees and the supply of olive oil.
Experts caution that the extreme heat is causing fruit to drop prematurely or is diverting resources away from tree health in favor of fruit production. This perilous situation is exacerbated by last year’s poor olive harvest, following Europe’s hottest summer on record.
Spain, the world’s largest olive oil producer, experienced a drastic production drop of around 620,000 metric tons compared to the five-year average of 1.3 million metric tons. The current summer heat, which scientists attribute to climate change, has also affected other olive oil-producing countries like Italy and Greece.
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As per the experts, European olive oil production might decrease by over 30%, equivalent to around 700,000 metric tons, compared to the five-year average. Bulk olive oil prices have doubled from last year, signaling an impending shortage in the upcoming harvest.
While the International Olive Council refrains from terming it a crisis, a spokesperson acknowledged the complex situation stemming from climate change. Global olive oil production is projected to decrease by 20% between October 2022 and September 2023, the spokesperson said. This predicament raises uncertainty for consumers, who may face higher prices and potentially consider alternatives to olive oil.
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Moreover, the broader impact of extreme heat on crops is a growing concern, affecting multiple agricultural products. According to experts, crops’ vulnerability to extreme heat primarily arises from water stress caused by the interaction between a parched atmosphere and dry soils, resulting in lasting damage.
As the human-caused climate catastrophe increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather, experts predict a worsening situation for food production.
