Italian Olive Oil Faces Crisis: Heatwave and Drought Threaten Harvest

Italy’s olive oil industry, a cornerstone of its culinary heritage, is facing a significant challenge due to extreme weather conditions. Puglia, a region renowned for its high-quality olive oils, is experiencing a severe drought and record-breaking heatwaves. This has led to a drastic decline in olive production, with some experts predicting a harvest significantly worse than last year. The water crisis in Puglia, exacerbated by low reservoir levels, threatens the region’s agricultural sector, including olive groves. This situation could have a profound impact on consumers across Europe, potentially leading to reduced availability and higher prices for Italian olive oil. As one of the world’s largest olive oil producers, any disruption in Puglia’s harvest will ripple through global markets, affecting both restaurants and home kitchens.