Greek olive oil producers face crisis amid rising costs and labor shortages

olive oil production agricultural costs labor shortage Greek olive growers olive harvest

Greek olive oil producers are facing a severe economic crisis as the new harvest season begins. While production in regions like Crete is expected to be high, reaching up to 100,000 tons, growers are struggling with a combination of falling market prices and skyrocketing production costs.

Key challenges include significantly higher wages for seasonal workers—with daily rates reaching 70 to 80 euros—and rising expenses for fuel, energy, and fertilizers. A critical shortage of approximately 70,000 seasonal workers is also reported, as labor shifts toward the tourism sector or other European countries.

In the Peloponnese, regional counselor Konstantina Nikolaku has called for discussions regarding the sustainability of the primary sector, citing difficulties with digital declaration platforms and delays in investment payments. Meanwhile, increased supply from Spain, Turkey, and Tunisia is putting downward pressure on prices, with some extra virgin olive oil prices dropping below the 4-euro threshold necessary for producer viability.

In response to these pressures, agricultural associations in Argolis and other regions have organized mobilizations and protests to demand government support and address the rising costs of cultivation.

Entities

Crete · ETHEAS · Federation of Agricultural Associations of Argolis · France · Greece · Konstantina Nikolaku · Peloponnese · Spain · Tunisia · Turkey

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Balkan workers are moving to other European countries for higher pay. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The price of green table olives in Chalkidiki has dropped to 1.20 euros per kilo, down from 1.80 euros last year.
[● 3 SOURCES] Daily wages for olive harvesting have reached 70 or 80 euros in several regions. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The shortage of seasonal agricultural workers in Greece is estimated at approximately 70,000 people. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] A significant portion of the Greek workforce prefers the tourism sector over agricultural production. www.in.gr · www.ot.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Labor agreements with Egypt and Bangladesh are not meeting seasonal needs.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The average declared value of Greek olive oil in France was 7.24 euros per kilo, exceeding the market average of 5.39 euros. www.tanea.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] The total value of Greek olive oil exports to France fell by 22.8% to 9.79 million euros in 2025. www.tanea.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Daily wages for agricultural workers in Crete have reached between 70 and 80 euros in some areas. fonimaleviziou.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Olive oil production in Crete is estimated to reach 100,000 tons for the upcoming season. fonimaleviziou.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Greek extra virgin olive oil exports to France by volume increased by 3.1% in 2025 compared to 2024. www.tanea.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Spain ended the previous olive oil period with stocks of 356,914 tons. www.gargalianoionline.gr