Olive Oil Prices to Rise Again as European Crops Suffer Heat and Drought | The Guardian (GB)

Farmers across Europe are sounding the alarm over a looming slump in food production and escalating prices. The continent's crops, from maize to salads, are suffering under the strain of extreme heat, persistent drought, and widespread wildfires, according to agricultural producers.

Olive groves have been particularly hard-hit. Record high temperatures, fueled by the climate crisis, are impacting yields, meaning the cost of olive oil, which was already elevated, is expected to climb further. This adds to concerns about the rising cost of a range of foodstuffs.

The widespread impact of adverse weather conditions highlights the vulnerability of European agriculture to climate change. The combination of heatwaves and dry spells is creating a challenging environment for farmers, threatening both the quantity and quality of harvests and ultimately impacting consumer prices.