Falling prices upset olive growers

2 December 1999



Falling prices upset olive growers

FALLING prices are causing concern among Europes olive growers as the harvest approaches, reports the Financial Times.

Italys crop is expected to be high — 35% up on last year – but prices are continuing to fall, and are some 35% down year on year.

Greece and Spain, the other leading European producers, are also facing problems. In Greeces case, quality is expected to be lower.

Spain is expecting the harvest to be 20% lower but the production shortfall will not be compensated for by higher prices.

• Spanish olive growers strike over EU production-cut proposals, FWi, 15 May, 1998
• Spanish olive oil farmers protest against subsidy reform, FWi, 27 February, 1998
  
• Financial Times 02/12/99 page 36