World Olive Day is celebrated on November 26. It was UNESCO that agreed at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference that this day would commemorate this tree which is “much more than a gnarled tree: it is an emblem that embodies the values of peace, wisdom and hope, values that today, on this World Day, we wish to celebrate” (Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO).
The olive tree in Spain
The olive tree is emblematic of the Spanish landscape, its fields, and its people. Olive cultivation, and the associated industry, are a key factor in the Spanish economy. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, more than 350,000 farmers are dedicated to olive cultivation, the sector maintains some 15,000 jobs in the industry, and generates more than 32 million workdays per season. Olive groves cover 2.75 million hectares, of which 2.55 million hectares are dedicated to olive oil production (931,000 hectares of the total olive grove area). This crop is present in 15 of the 17 autonomous communities. Regionally, Andalusia accounts for the majority of production with 1.67 million hectares, with Jaén being the leading province.
The olive tree provides Spanish gastronomy with one of its greatest treasures, hence its nickname, "liquid gold." Olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and one of the products that best represents us beyond our borders. Spain is the world's leading exporter of olive oil and the largest producer. Olive oil produced in Spain accounts for 701,000 metric tons (TP3) of the European Union's production and 451,000 metric tons (TP3) of the world's total.
By autonomous communities, 801% of olive oil production is located in Andalusia. Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura follow, with 8% and 41% respectively.
2022/2023 Campaign
A smaller harvest is expected across Spain this season. The lack of water and high temperatures have led to a general decline in production from north to south.
In Andalusia, olive oil production is projected at 587,000 tons, almost 501,000 tons less than the previous season. According to the olive grove production forecast prepared by the Andalusian Regional Government, “the extraordinary and intense heat waves experienced during flowering and initial fruit set have resulted in a significantly lower number of fruits than average.”.
These downward revisions are echoed in other producing regions. In Castilla-La Mancha, Cooperativas Agro-Alimentarias forecasts an olive harvest 251,000 tons lower than last year's. Extremadura estimates the reduction in the olive harvest will be 801,000 tons. Navarra also anticipates a 351,000-ton decrease in production, and in Catalonia, it is expected to fall from 39,068 tons to 19,000.
The outlook for the coming years indicates that climate change will continue to be one of the major challenges facing the olive sector, and its consequences will continue to cause annual variations in oil yield and quality.
From an agronomic perspective, these negative effects can be mitigated to minimize their impact on the crop. For example, biotechnology... EDYPRO Adapted to olive cultivation, it can increase oil yield, achieving more kilograms of oil per hectare, as well as improve the condition of the trees with enough reserves to ensure a good harvest in subsequent years.
Learn more here.
