It’s almost time to get the nets out, so here are a few quick facts about this years anticipated harvest from regional sources, to help get the conversation flowing down your local Kafenion.

• The harvest is expected to start early , in fact from 20^th October after a few more days of rain– check with your Mill for their opening plans.
• Early testing in Messinia shows an average oil content of 18%, up from 12% last year – a very good result.
• Early year and recent rains have helped groves recover from the shock of last years drought
• There is a high olive fly population, caused by higher humidity over the past 6 weeks.
• Despite an improvement on last year’s catastrophic season, overall a 30% reduction on 10 year norm is anticipated in Messinia
• At international level, Spain is projected to return a small decrease in average production, Italy with a small increase, whilst Greece and Turkey will have a significant decrease on normal (10 year) levels.
• Overall, global production is estimated to be lower than last year, which is is expected to positively affect prices