The production of \u00a0olives\u00a0, and consequently olive oil, has experienced turbulent times. The \u00a0drought\u00a0 of 2023 jeopardized the harvest, but the return of rains last year provided some relief to producers. However, the agricultural sector in \u00a0Ja\u00e9n\u00a0 is now expressing concern about what the future holds.<\/p>\n
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Pessimism in Projections.<\/strong> The Coordinadora de Organizaciones de Agricultores y Ganaderos de Ja\u00e9n (COAG Ja\u00e9n) has expressed its concerns regarding the current olive harvest<\/a>. Although the association suggests that it is still too early to make precise predictions, certain areas within the province already anticipate yields that are \u00a030% to 40% lower\u00a0 than last year\u2019s output.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Producers identify several factors<\/a> contributing to these grim forecasts, including \u00a0high temperatures\u00a0, pest risks, and a natural phenomenon known as crop alternation or \u00a0vecer\u00eda\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Weather plays a crucial role.<\/strong> One of the major concerns highlighted by the coordinadora is the weather. Specifically, the \u00a0heat waves\u00a0 that have persisted since late May pose a significant threat. This year, temperatures in various regions of Andalusia soared above 40\u00baC before spring ended.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Notably, this issue may not extend to other regions. \u00a0Rainfall\u00a0 across the Mediterranean may yield a \u00a0positive impact\u00a0 on local crops. Farmers are now hoping that temperatures do not drop at the beginning of summer, minimizing the risk of the \u00a0prays\u00a0 pest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pests are a significant concern.<\/strong> Various pests threaten this year\u2019s olive harvest, with the \u00a0prays\u00a0 (Prays oleae<\/em>), commonly known as the olive moth, being particularly alarming. By May, the Junta de Andaluc\u00eda alerted<\/a> to \u201cnotable levels of attack\u201d associated with this pest.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The life cycle of this insect is intimately linked to the olive grove, featuring several generations per year which can adversely affect the plants. Data from the Junta focuses on the \u00a0foliage-destroying generation\u00a0, which impacts the leaves. Experts are currently monitoring the \u00a0flower-destroying generation\u00a0, affecting the flowers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The cottony cushion scale<\/a> (Euphyllura olivina<\/em>) also raises alarms. This insect derives its name from the “cotton-like” appearance surrounding its nymphs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Understanding vecer\u00eda.<\/strong> Vecer\u00eda, or alternation, is a natural occurrence affecting various crops. It manifests when crops struggle to produce at \u00a0full capacity\u00a0 for two consecutive years. According to the coordinadora, while some regions in Ja\u00e9n experienced \u201caverage\u201d production last season, certain olive trees are already \u00a0showing signs of vecer\u00eda\u00a0.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Searching for Indicators.<\/strong> As emphasized by COAG Ja\u00e9n in their statement<\/a>, it is still early to make accurate estimations for this year\u2019s harvest. The agricultural association notes that olive trees have two \u00a0critical moments\u00a0 demanding significant water: \u00a0flowering\u00a0, typically occurring between April and May, and \u00a0maturation\u00a0 in September.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Therefore, it will be necessary to wait a few months before forming a concrete understanding of the harvest. However, what insights can be gleaned about the flowering process? \u00a0Pollen\u00a0 levels could provide clues.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to COAG Ja\u00e9n\u2019s data, the peak concentration of pollen in the air was recorded on May 19, with \u00a07,711 grains per cubic meter\u00a0, significantly lower than peak levels in previous years, which often exceeded \u00a015,000 grains\u00a0, as stated by the association.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While the future of the olive harvest remains uncertain, the agricultural community is keeping a vigilant eye on both meteorological conditions and pest threats. Constant monitoring and adaptive strategies will be essential moving forward.<\/p>\n Image Source: Natalia Gusakova<\/a><\/p>\nUnfavorable Weather Conditions<\/h2>\n
Pest Threats<\/h2>\n
The Vecer\u00eda Phenomenon<\/h2>\n