Extreme Summer Weather Clouds Europe’s Olive Harvest

Prolonged hot and dry weather has emerged as a common challenge for olive growers across much of Europe this summer, on a continent scientists identify as the fastest-warming on the planet.

Olive trees are among the most drought-resistant perennial crops, but prolonged extreme heat and drought can significantly reduce their productivity.

In Turkey, exceptionally hot weather has affected olive fruit development in some of the country’s main producing areas, including the western region of Manisa.

“The summer season has been quite hot in and around Manisa-Köprübaşı, with temperatures reaching 35°C to 38°C,” Ismail Sahin of award-winning Zagoda Olive Oil told Olive Oil Times.