Storm-force winds destroy up to 70% of olive crop in Meriç region

Olive growers in the coastal Miri area of Greece’s Meriç (Evros) region have suffered severe crop losses after powerful winds reportedly knocked around 70% of the olives from trees ahead of the planned harvest.

The remaining crop could amount to less than a quarter of last year’s production, according to Dimosthenis Hacinikolaou, president of the Miri Olive Producers’ Cooperative, who spoke to Greek public broadcaster ERT.

Winds reaching Force 10 on the Beaufort scale struck the area in recent days, affecting olive groves across the coastal zone just as the fruit was approaching maturity. Harvesting had been scheduled to begin next week.

Hacinikolaou said only around 30% of the olives remained on the trees, describing the damage as a major blow to local producers.

OLIVE OIL OUTPUT ALSO EXPECTED TO FALL
The substantial reduction in the olive crop is expected to affect olive oil production as well. According to the cooperative president, this year’s harvest may not reach even 25% of last year’s level.

The full extent of the losses should become clearer when the area’s olive oil processing facility begins operating next week.

GROWERS AWAIT DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS
Local producers are awaiting inspections by Greece’s Agricultural Insurance Organisation (ELGA) to assess the damage to their groves.

Growers are also concerned that wild boars may consume olives that have fallen to the ground, further complicating the situation. Hacinikolaou said the animals had been moving into olive-growing areas and even approaching residential settlements.

The losses threaten both the current harvest and the amount of olive oil local producers will be able to bring to market this season.