Olive Thefts Surge Amidst Declining Greek Olive Production

News in brief:- Greek olive growers are grappling with a surge in olive thefts coinciding with a substantial decline in production, projected to drop by up to 50% this year due to adverse weather conditions. - The reduced yields have led to a doubling of olive oil prices, prompting growers and oil mill owners to implement several security measures to protect their valuable crops. Greek olive growers are facing a surge in olive thefts, a troubling trend coinciding with a significant decline in olive production this year. The thefts have prompted growers and oil mill owners to implement various security measures to protect their valuable crops. Greece is among the world's leading olive oil producers, ranking third globally behind Italy and Spain. Its "extra virgin" olive oil is highly sought after for its exceptional quality. However, this year's olive production is projected to drop by up to 50%, reaching approximately 170,000 tons. This drastic decline is primarily attributed to erratic weather conditions, including storms, droughts, and soaring temperatures, which have negatively impacted olive yields. Furthermore, the reduced production has led to a doubling of olive oil wholesale prices, reaching 8-9 euros per liter. Retail prices have also climbed to as high as 14 euros, making olives an increasingly attractive target for thieves. An Olive grower named Dimitris Plakonouris, who owns 2,000 trees in Filiatra, expressed his dismay at the rising theft incidents. He also told a news outfit that the only way out to save some crops, is to collect the olives as quickly as possible so that thieves can't steal them. Panagiotis Foudas, an oil mill owner, has also been affected by the surge in thefts. He and his business partner have taken proactive steps to safeguard their crop, including installing security cameras and alarms, fencing off the oil mill area, and implementing nighttime patrols. The olive thefts crisis highlights the challenges faced by Greek olive growers, who are grappling with both declining production and increased security concerns. As the situation unfolds, growers and oil mill owners have expressed a need to adapt their practices to protect their valuable crops. This they believe would ensure the continued production of high-quality Greek olive oil.