Olive oil industry adapts to climate challenges with innovative strategies
(MENAFN) Pedro Barato, head of the Professional Organization for Olive Oil in Spain, underscores the unprecedented challenges facing the sector due to market tensions and soaring prices. He describes the current situation as a crucial test, comparable to the turmoil experienced by the banking sector during the 2008 financial crisis. Barato emphasizes the need for proactive measures to navigate increasingly complex scenarios posed by the climate crisis.
The Mediterranean basin, responsible for over 90% of global olive oil production, faces a heightened threat from climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this region is warming 20% faster than the global average, making it a climate change hotspot. This accelerated warming poses long-term risks to olive oil production worldwide.
Yiorgos Kobouris, a researcher at the Greek Olive Institute, stresses the urgency of adapting agricultural practices to mitigate climate impacts. He advocates for innovative approaches to tree and soil management to enhance resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Jaime Lillo of the International Olive Council notes the olive tree's natural adaptation to dry climates but warns of its vulnerability during severe droughts, which hinder olive production. He highlights the necessity of sufficient water supply for olive trees to bear fruit, underscoring the critical role of irrigation strategies in sustainable production.
At a recent conference in Madrid, experts discussed genetic research as a pivotal solution. Researchers are identifying olive tree varieties resilient to climate stress, focusing on characteristics like reduced cold requirements and tolerance to water scarcity during critical growth stages, such as spring.
Juan Antonio Polo, overseeing technological issues at the International Olive Council, emphasizes the importance of optimizing irrigation practices. He advocates for transitioning from inefficient surface irrigation to precision drip systems that deliver water directly to tree roots, minimizing water waste.
Kostas Kharzoulakis, from the Hellenic Olive Institute, echoes the call for advanced irrigation methods, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and seawater desalination, to improve water use efficiency across olive groves.
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