Spanish farmers struggle as olive oil prices plunge FEATURE 06/04/2011

Spanish farmers struggle as olive oil prices plunge

FEATURE

06/04/2011
JIMENA — The sun-soaked valleys of Andalusia made Spain the world’s top olive oil producer but plunging prices have turned the bounty into a farmers’ curse.

At this time of year harvesting is over in this southern Spanish region, which produces 80 percent of Spain’s olive oil. Tiny green dots on the branches point to the next crop in October.

But the idyllic view of olives trees, some more than 100 years old, stretching over the hills into the distance, belies an industry in crisis.

In the village of Jimena, nestled in the midst of the vast stretches of olive groves, is the family-owned factory of La Purisima, manufacturer of olive oil since 1893..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20110604com3.html