Urban olive harvests: A lifeline amid Greece’s soaring oil prices

·

On the bustling streets of Glyfada, a seaside suburb of Athens, an unusual scene unfolds: nets spread beneath olive trees as workers harvest their fruit near a bus stop. What began a decade ago as an initiative to help vulnerable residents has now become a growing trend across Greece.

According to malaymail.com, with olive oil prices soaring to between €9 and €18 per liter, municipalities like Glyfada, Thessaloniki, and Patras are reclaiming the untapped bounty of street olive trees to produce free oil for those in need. Glyfada’s harvest this year is estimated at around one tone, distributed entirely free of charge.

“This is good oil… all of Greece makes good olive oil,” remarked Stavros Giakoumakis, Glyfada’s deputy mayor for greenery, who has overseen the project since 2014. He emphasised its potential: “If every municipality did the same, vulnerable families would have enough olive oil to last the year.”

However, concerns over urban pollution cast a shadow on these efforts. Experts warn that olives grown in high-traffic areas may contain harmful pollutants like mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAHs), which pose health risks.

“I would not consume olive oil that has not been analysed,” cautioned biochemist Constantinos Demopoulos.

Despite the risks, locals like Eleni Papachristopoulou acknowledge the necessity. “We are worried… but people eat the olives—soon they won’t have other options anyway,” she said.

For now, Glyfada’s tangy street oil offers a bittersweet solution to a pressing crisis.

Source: AFP, malaymail.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Australia stands with Greece: Prime Minister Albanese’s message for OXI Day

On the 85th anniversary of OXI Day, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shared a heartfelt message.

Democracy on the big screen: Youth shine at the 13th Greek Student Film Festival

13th Greek Student Film Festival - staged within Sydney's 30th Greek Film Festival - filled the cinema with laughter and plenty of Greek.

Panayiota Dimopoulos’ OXI Day artwork takes pride of place on The Greek Herald cover

Panayiota Dimopoulos from Oakleigh Grammar designed The Greek Herald’s OXI Day cover, capturing the shared history of Greece and Australia.

Greek and Cypriot leaders honour OXI Day with messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora

Greek and Cypriot politicians and diplomats have issued messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora ahead of the OXI Day celebrations.

Greek Film Festival wraps 30th year with a triumphant Sydney finale

The curtain fell on the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday night with a sold-out screening of Athens Midnight Radio.

You May Also Like

Student protest gets heated in Greece ahead of campus policing vote

Student protesters became heated during demonstrations against an education bill that would allow police to patrol university campuses.

Voting, Citizenship, Identity: Interview with Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas

In his exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas unpacks core responsibilities.

Holy Eparchial Synod in Sydney names candidates for new Bishops

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia concluded its extraordinary three-day session with key decisions made