Influence of climate on olive oils: how can this affect cultivation and production?

The influence of climate on olive oils must be studied at all stages of olive tree cultivation

The climate is one of the main points of attention in the production of quality extra virgin olive oil, because it directly influences all phases of olive tree cultivation, from planting to extraction.

For the product to reach tables with all the essential health benefits, it must have good origins and this starts with the environment favorable to its cultivation.

After all, the olive tree is a plant that is sensitive to the climate, so many can become unproductive or end up dying due to lack of care. For example, to be able to grow crops on Brazilian soil, the olive grove needs to be located in specific regions, and preferably, close to oil mills.

According to the Brazilian Olive Oil Institute (Ibraoliva) , around 70% of extra virgin olive oil production comes from Rio Grande do Sul. This shows that the region has one of the climates most compatible with that found in the Mediterranean, the birthplace of olive growing. worldwide.

Now, you might be asking yourself: so, is it enough for the environment to be milder? Yes and no, there are other variables that influence climate influence on olive oils. Keep reading the article and find out what they are!

Influence of climate on olive oils

The strong influence of climate on olive oils , mainly in the cultivation and production phase. Before planting, it is necessary to carry out good research regarding the climate changes that may occur in the location.

When choosing the region most likely to receive olive trees, it is important to take some factors into account, such as temperature, rainfall and air humidity so that production is positive.

Temperature

Olive trees, depending on the variety, need at least 200 to 600 hours of temperatures close to 10 degrees Celsius for the plants to produce good quality olive oil.

Milder temperatures help the planting to come out of dormancy so that, in the future, it can develop an unparalleled flowering.

For the olive tree to bear fruit, the environment needs water, that is, it has to receive rain for the olives to develop. In the fruit maturation phase, the plant has to be in an environment that is around 25ºC to 28ºC.

It is essential that the olive tree is not grown in environments with temperatures above 40ºC and below – 10ºC, as its development may be compromised, not bringing effective results.

Rainfall index

You fruits of olive trees They grow when they come into contact with water, so monitoring the rainfall in the environment is essential so that the crop is not lost.

For crop development to be positive, rain needs to occur regularly.

Furthermore, climate changes must occur along with the olive production process, for example: during flowering, there cannot be rain for fruiting to be positive.

During the pre-ripening and maturation phase, the rainfall level cannot be intense, as this can make it difficult to extract the olives.

Air humidity

Another important issue in the influence of climate on olive oils is air humidity, especially during the flowering of olive trees. With the climate approaching 25ºC, air humidity cannot fall below 50% and must not exceed 80%.

If either occurs, the fruit can be harmed in several ways, such as not being able to fix itself on the olive tree or having excess hydration.

Over the years, technological advances have emerged to facilitate the understanding of the influence of climate on olive oil and other agricultural products produced in Rio Grande do Sul. One of them is EMBRAPA Temperate Climate.

EMBRAPA Temperate Climate

In Brazil, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) opened a research center to help several producers map climate change and improve company results.

Named the Temperate Climate Agricultural Research Center, this space develops activities in several areas such as the environment, agriculture, vegetable crops, natural resources, grains, the livestock system, fruit growing and other areas that provide growth for the region in the country.

According to the company's official website , research, development and innovation solutions for the sustainability of Brazilian agriculture are worked on at the site.

One of the companies that also works on sustainability in its process and is located in a favorable environment for planting olive trees, is Lagar H.

Lagar H: Quality extra virgin olive oils

As seen, the best region for the production of extra virgin olive oil in Brazil is in Rio Grande do Sul. And that is where Lagar H is located.

With a sustainable production process, Lagar H uses several technological advances to facilitate the cultivation and extraction of olive oil.

Furthermore, planting is carried out in ideal soil conditions and its cultivation phases are worked to monitor the influence of climate on the oils so that the process is of quality, transparency and reliability.

Access the website and learn more about our olive oils and production process!