The olive oil sector in Mallorca is facing an unprecedented crisis, exacerbated by extreme drought, abnormal temperatures, and a devastating olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) infestation. Given this situation, the Government of the Balearic Islands has officially declared a production crisis for the 2024-2025 campaign, acknowledging that climatic and phytosanitary conditions have created a critical scenario that jeopardizes the sector’s viability.
Declaración oficial de crisis productiva
El 28 de noviembre de 2024, el Gobierno Balear publicó una resolución en el Butlletí Oficial de les Illes Balears (BOIB) declarando la situación de crisis productiva del olivar. En el documento, se reconoce que la combinación de la sequía meteorológica extrema y la alta incidencia de la mosca del olivo ha llevado a una drástica caída de la producción.
Asimismo, la administración ha calificado la sequía y las temperaturas elevadas como un fenómeno climático adverso asimilable a un desastre natural, según el Reglamento (UE) 2022/2472. Esta calificación es clave para que los productores puedan acceder a medidas de apoyo y ayudas económicas.
Official Declaration of Production Crisis
On November 28, 2024, the Balearic Government published a resolution in the Butlletí Oficial de les Illes Balears (BOIB) declaring the olive oil production crisis. The document recognizes that the combination of severe meteorological drought and high olive fruit fly infestation has led to a drastic drop in production.
Furthermore, the government has classified the drought and high temperatures as an adverse climatic event comparable to a natural disaster, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/2472. This classification is essential for producers to access support measures and financial aid.
Key Factors of the Crisis
Extreme Drought and Abnormal Temperatures
During May 2024, Mallorca recorded 58% less rainfall than the historical average, with only 20.10 l/m² of precipitation. Additionally, the unusually high temperatures during the olive flowering period caused a massive flower loss and a significant reduction in fruit fertilization.
Olive Fruit Fly Infestation
The climatic conditions also favored the uncontrolled spread of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae), severely affecting production. In some areas, such as the Sóller Valley, the pest presence exceeded treatment thresholds as early as June, with an incidence of 14.47 flies per trap per day, accelerating olive losses and reducing oil quality.
Historic Drop in Production
Official data show a 78.62% drop in olive harvest, with total production at 1,385.36 tons, compared to 6,478.48 tons in the 2023-2024 campaign. This decline has also affected the Mallorca PDO, where milling has dropped by 78%.
Impact on the Olive Oil Sector
This crisis affects not only producers but the entire olive oil value chain in Mallorca. Currently, the total olive oil stock barely exceeds 85,000 liters, posing serious challenges for:
- Fulfilling commercial commitments with national and international customers.
- Maintaining the viability of oil mills, which depend on a minimum production volume to cover costs.
- Avoiding excessive price increases, which would impact end consumers.
Outlook and Necessary Measures
The government’s official recognition of this crisis is a crucial first step in ensuring that the sector receives aid and institutional support. Key measures proposed include:
- Direct subsidies and financial aid for affected producers.
- Integrated pest control programs, with a focus on the olive fruit fly.
- Promotion of efficient irrigation techniques to improve the resilience of olive groves against future droughts.
- Marketing strategies to maintain the presence of Mallorca’s olive oil in key markets.
Conclusion
The combination of severe drought, high temperatures, and pests has led to an unprecedented collapse in olive oil production in Mallorca. The official declaration of a production crisis by the Balearic Government is a vital acknowledgment of the problem and paves the way for support measures essential for the sector’s recovery.
Despite the difficult outlook, Mallorca’s olive oil remains a high-quality product, backed by protected designations of origin that guarantee its excellence. Moving forward, producers, institutions, and consumers must work together to overcome this challenge and ensure the future of this emblematic sector.
This drastic reduction has also affected Finca Sa Cadernera, limiting our oil availability. Since practically all of our production is already committed, this year we will not be able to market our oils through our online store.
We are confident that the next harvest will be much more prosperous!
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