Price pressures are placing new emphasis on the olive belt of Alicante as authorities tighten surveillance in the countryside. Fearing thefts in the olive sector, the Civil Guard is boosting patrols, increasing checks at oil processing facilities, and asking residents to stay vigilant. These were the central conclusions of a meeting with the oil industry held this week, as the anti-theft campaign rolls out. Officials stress that the data does not indicate an alarm state, even though manufacturers express serious concern.
This campaign mirrors earlier efforts during harvests for other products. It began in the Vinalopó region with grapes, later expanding to the cherry harvest, as drought conditions linger. The olive harvest started recently, with prices rising nearly 40 percent due to a tighter oil market. A specialized operation will be in place to prevent theft, reflecting the belief that oil has become highly valuable and that Alicante’s harvest could be robust this year. Andalusia remains the leading producer, yet Alicante is expected to report strong results in areas like El Comtat and Marina Alta after last year’s drought-driven losses. The risk of opportunistic theft remains a concern for those who might seek to benefit from others’ work.
Consequently, a dedicated initiative was launched following a meeting attended by farmers, cooperatives, and oil factories. Local police units in Cocentaina and Muro de Alcoy, along with the Civil Guard’s rural crime team based in Ibi, will heighten surveillance in olive-growing zones. Controls at oil mills will verify the legal origin of the goods to prevent illicit shipments.
Beyond law enforcement, citizen safety remains a priority. In small towns where neighbors know each other, there is awareness that people from outside may work on farms. Citizens are urged not to confront suspicious individuals, but to contact the Civil Guard and share details, including photos if possible, to assist the investigation.
Small and scattered plots
Alemany notes that many farms are small and dispersed, making self-protection challenging. Fencing every parcel is impractical when olive trees are spread across rugged terrain. This reality shapes the campaign’s approach to security.
Inspections will also focus on oil factories where stolen goods might be laundered. Documentation proving origin will be requested at intake. For shipments that involve fruit from a third party, both farm-origin paperwork and transport permits must accompany the load. Hugo Quintanilla from Asaja leads the olive oil sector; inspections will also verify the varieties processed at mills and ensure all necessary documentation is in place.
Asaja representatives emphasize that enforcement serves to support producers rather than hinder work. The aim is to make the presence of authorities visible and helpful, not punitive.
Civil Guard sources indicate there has not been a dramatic rise in olive thefts. There has been at least one reported incident since the campaign began, with the perpetrator identified and arrested. Some colleagues note rumors of groups that have briefly taken a full harvest in a single truck over a weekend, though these cases are not yet representative of the broader trend.
Social alert
In Vila Joiosa, leaders moved to authorize residents to collect olives from public spaces to prevent losses during lean periods. Registrations were required, and collectors must carry proper documentation to avoid complications if law enforcement requires it. Some olive trees earmarked for residents were found to be empty, underscoring the need for careful verification of cargo against documents presented by oil factories.
Benemérita authorities stress that theft controls aim to prevent incidents, not to limit normal industry activity. The focus remains on prevention and swift response.
Estimated 8,000 tons of oil
Alicante’s oil production is projected to reach about 8,000 tonnes this year, according to the latest Asaja oil sector briefing. While this target trails major regions such as Andalusia by a wide margin, it still helps relieve fears about shortages that have driven prices upward for months.
While the total volume looks favorable, Asaja cautions against complacency. Yields are below typical levels this year, roughly ten to twelve percent, compared with a historical range of 14 to 17 percent. On average, producing a liter of oil requires about 4 to 5 kilos of olives. This reduced yield means more olives are needed to reach the same output, a consequence farmers attribute to soaring temperatures and heat stress that began early this season.
Asaja technicians note that campaigns are starting earlier due to weather patterns. The aim is to preserve aromas and flavors by using green varieties first, then moving to traditional ones. This year some trees bore little fruit, while others bore normally. Last year’s harvest faced severe losses due to tree damage and leaf loss.
Valencian Community projections from the Ministry of Agriculture place it fourth in Spain for harvest quality, with about 18,194 tonnes anticipated. Alicante is expected to deliver the strongest performance among the three provinces, with the campaign running through early December in a compact but decisive season.