In Alt Empordà, over half of the olive oil harvest is lost.
The regions of Alt Empordà and Girona have suffered severe losses in olive oil production due to poor weather conditions last summer (drought and high temperatures).
Losses exceeding 60% are expected in the region.
In particular, for dryland crops, a decrease of 70% to 90% in olive oil production is forecasted.
Irrigated olive crops will also experience significant losses, with a decrease in harvest between 40% and 60%.
Farmers in Empordà, the region with the highest number of olive crops, have been the most affected. In fact, thirty-six municipalities have declared a state of emergency due to water scarcity during the summer. Measures such as the suspension of agricultural irrigation have been implemented, particularly affecting irrigated crops and slowing down the production of olive oil with the protected designation of origin “ Huile de l’Empordà “.
Impact of the drought on olive oil production and prices.
With low harvests, olive oil in supermarkets has decreased, leading to price increases and making it a more exclusive product. However, farmers complain that this increase does not benefit them. For many years, the selling price has been lower than the production costs.
The union Unió de Pagesos denounces that the olive oil price crisis is not always due to market reasons. This situation is often caused by misleading campaigns carried out by packaging companies and large distributors.
To address this situation, the union suggests using short marketing channels and direct sales as a strategy to add value to producers.
It is also noted that the currently perceived excessive prices were already the usual minimums ten years ago, and this increase has not had a significant impact on the consumer’s wallet.
Bellverd olive oil, an estimated loss of 25% in its production.
We can be proud, Bellverd maintains its EVOO production despite the drought.
We have 14,500 olive trees in super-intensive plantation in a small village called Borrassà, in the province of Girona, 15 minutes from Figueres.
The drought has certainly affected us as well. However, all our fields are equipped with an automatic drip irrigation system, connected to our wells.
Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, we keep our olive trees in perfect condition and anticipate a loss of only 25% in our olive oil production.
Also, we have not been subject to water restrictions, and thanks to our automatic drip irrigation system, we have been able to ensure that our olive trees receive the necessary water for their optimal well-being without wastage.
This year, the harvest is certainly lower but the quality of the olives is EXCEPTIONAL.
Indeed, at temperatures above 30°C, the fly does not reproduce, which guarantees the quality of the olive oil. The damage caused by the fly is both quantitative and qualitative. The larva develops inside the olive, affecting its nutrition, maturation, and attachment to the stem, resulting in accelerated fruit drop.
Additionally, the olive pulp in contact with air and larva excrements alters the quality of the oil. The acidity level, peroxide value, and K270 constant of the oil are modified. This can even be detected in the taste of the olive oil.
We are aware that the drought has had a significant impact on the overall olive oil production, leading to a decrease in supply in the market and price increases. However, we are delighted to be able to provide our high-quality olive oil even during the most challenging times.
Disastrous weather conditions have had a significant impact on olive maturation.
Due to these exceptional weather conditions, the olive harvest, usually carried out towards the end of November, has been advanced to the end of October.
The olives, already changing color, show signs of early maturation.
Therefore, we are optimistic about the possibility of offering you our new olive oil from mid-November.
This means that you will be able to enjoy the exceptional freshness and flavor of our freshly pressed olive oil earlier than expected. Good news despite a rather chaotic campaign.
Vanessa
(0034) 671.26.05.48
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La entrada Bellverd maintains its EVOO production despite the drought. se publicó primero en Bellverd OOVE Eco 100% Arbequina.
Bellverd maintains its EVOO production despite the drought.
