Chalkidiki olive producers face production drop and price collapse

Olive producers in Chalkidiki are facing a severe crisis due to a significant reduction in production and a sharp decline in prices for green table olives. According to producers, this year's harvest has decreased by up to 50% compared to last year, while prices have dropped by approximately 40%. While green table olives sold for 1.80 euros per kilogram last year, current prices are hovering between 1.10 and 1.20 euros.

Producers claim these prices make it difficult to cover production costs. After expenses, the remaining amount may be as low as 80-85 cents per kilogram, whereas cultivation costs are estimated at 1.00 to 1.10 euros per kilogram depending on the estate.

Furthermore, producers in Chalkidiki are accusing processing units of accepting products without pre-established market prices, claiming these units unilaterally set prices after collection. They also reported unpaid amounts from the previous period. Producers are calling for immediate measures and compensation for lost income, noting that the issue extends to other regions in Northern Greece where harvesting has reportedly stopped.