The move came after the situation was discussed by the working party. Chairman of Copa & Cogeca’s working party Mr Pinatel said “We expect a fall across Europe of over 10% on average in EU olive oil production this marketing year but quality remains quite good. Reasons behind the drop are because there was a cold and rainy Spring which limited the flowering of the crop. This was followed by drought which prevented the fruit from developing and caused a decline in yields. The figure is however provisional and masks differences across Member States”.
“In my own country France, production is estimated to fall by over 30% from 5561 t in 2015/2016 to 3700 t in 2016/2017 mainly as a result of drought and fly infestations. Whilst in Italy, a sharp decline is forecast falling from 475, 000 tonnes to 298, 000 t due to weather events and fly infestations but prices for extra virgin olive oil have risen in recent weeks. In Spain, production is forecast to decline by around 7% to reach 1.317 mt and prices are stable. Quailty is good with a lot of extra virgin olive oil varieties but a lot will depend on weather conditions during the harvest. In Croatia, we expect an 8-10% drop compared to the previous season to reach 5000 t. Whilst in Portugal, a big decline of 20-30% is foreseen to reach around 90, 000 t. There is also a downward trend in Cyprus with production declining from 6900 t in 2015/6 to 5800 t. In Greece, a slight rise is expected to total 290, 000t but this is likely to fall and much will depend on the weather conditions, pests and diseases during the season ”, he said.
On trade, imports have fallen by 55% in 2015/6 whilst exports have risen by as much as 11%.
He went on to underline the need for a good supply of plant protection products to help fight against pests and diseases. He also highlighted the many health benefits of olive oil in terms of reducing the risk of heart disease, breast cancer, strokes, and diabetes, saying that these benefits need to be better promoted.
