“The olive harvest is at its peak, but the quantity and oil yield are significantly down compared to the previous season,” stated the CNA in a statement.
The price per kilogram of olives is currently 0.55 euros, lower than the 0.75 euros in 2024 or the 1.10 euros three years ago.
Many producers are delivering their olives to mills without knowing when they will be paid or how much, with reports that some were told they would only receive payment in September next year.
This is compounded by rising production costs, particularly in traditional olive groves, with increases in labor, fertilizers, fuel, and plant protection treatments.
The operating costs of the mills have also increased, from 12 cents per kilogram in the 2024 season to 14 cents in some cases.
The CNA attributes this to the “total deregulation of the market,” leading to a “deeply unfair” situation that could have serious consequences for traditional olive growing.
The CNA is calling for public policies to enhance traditional olive groves, such as an integrated plan for their promotion, boosting the consumption of national olive oil in public canteens, and the inclusion of a dedicated intervention for traditional olive groves within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
