Italian olive oil growers seek urgent aid as prices plunge

Italian olive oil producers are facing a severe liquidity crisis after wholesale prices fell to about €4.50 per kilogram, roughly 30 % lower than in May. The steep price drop threatens the viability of farms ahead of the next harvest season.

Confagricoltura Puglia, together with Unapol and Assofrantoi, is calling for immediate measures: easier access to credit, financial subsidies, de‑minimis storage aid, reduced social security contributions, stricter import controls and greater traceability. They also urge the government to open a dialogue with the large‑scale retail sector and to launch a sustained promotional campaign, involving agencies such as ICE, to open new export markets for extra‑virgin olive oil.