Hailstorm Destroys Olive Groves In Spain’s Monterrubio De La Serena

A hailstorm that destroyed up to 80% of olives in Spain’s Monterrubio de la Serena late last week has highlighted the devastating effects weather events can have on olive farmers.

The region, renowned for producing superb quality extra virgin olive oil, experienced strong winds, hail that caused whole branches to topple and rain so fierce that it dumped 30 liters of water per square meter in an hour around 9pm last Thursday.

Cooperative La Milagrosa de Monterrubio
The storm comes just weeks before harvesting, which traditionally begins on November 1. It could have serious effects on the region’s economy, with olive cultivation one of Monterrubio’s main sources of income.

Cooperative society La Milagrosa de Monterrubio has released a statement saying while there is still massive uncertainty in the area, early estimates are that 50% of the fruit remaining in the trees is damaged and 70% of olives within the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) olive oil zone have been affected.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: The Olive Oil Times.