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Spain: the price of olive oil soars due to drought
In Spain, the historic drought has had the effect of considerably reducing olive production and causing oil prices to soar. In a country that consumes it at every meal, this takes on the appearance of a national drama. – (France 2)
In Spain, the historic drought has had the effect of considerably reducing olive production and causing oil prices to soar. In a country that consumes it at every meal, this takes on the appearance of a national drama.
The price of olive oil continues to rise, with an increase of 25% in one year in France. 20% of world production is found in Andalusia, Spain. This February, Rafael Guzmán tends his 2,000 olive trees. “As there has been a drought for two years, we must help the olive trees to hold on until the next harvest in the fall, when the rain should return”, he explains. Water reserves are dry. “If at the time of flowering, we cannot give the olive tree water, it gets rid of its fruits and throws them to the ground”he adds.
No more than 800,000 tonnes in 2024
He harvested 20 tonnes of olives this year, half as many as normal. “I draw on my savings, I ask for loans and I try to spend as little as possible. But it’s very critical, what we are experiencing in Spain”, confides Rafael Guzmán. At the national level, the harvest should not exceed 800,000 tonnes in 2024, half as much as usual. The collapse in production disrupts the entire market.
