Free of charge

Chestnuts: drastic drop in production

November 4, 2024 at 4:53 PM , Der AUDITOR
Play report as audio

ATHENS. Record temperatures and severe drought are causing the chestnut production in Greece to decline significantly. The situation is very serious, and growers are asking the government for help.

Up to 90% fewer chestnuts

Things are not looking good for the Greek chestnut industry, as FreshPlaza reports with reference to the Reuters news agency. Greece is one of the world's largest producers of chestnuts, but this season the industry is facing a massive drop in production due to extreme weather conditions. Reuters spoke to Anestis Altinis, a farmer from Kissos, who expects the crop to be down by up to 90%. Estimates for this year's crop are 15,000 mt, which is only half the five-year average. Market experts cite the fact that Greece has experienced both the warmest winter and the hottest summer since records began as the main reason for this. Cherry, apple and walnut growers have also been badly affected by this; in Europe, climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable, particularly in the southern countries. Thessaly, an important agricultural region in Greece, has experienced a prolonged drought following devastating floods, which is exacerbating the crisis for chestnut producers.

Irrigation urgently needed

The situation will have a noticeable impact on Greece's economy as a whole, as the Reuters experts report. The central bank is expecting higher costs for crops and fruit in a country that is still recovering from its major financial crisis and where agricultural products account for a fifth of total exports. Farmers are now turning to the government for help, demanding assistance with the irrigation of their plantations in particular, as otherwise there is a risk of desertification. Greek chestnuts are mainly sold in Europe and the Balkan countries, where they are used for cooking or in the confectionery industry.

View more
- price charts

View related articles

Go to the News Overview
Nuts
Sep 18, 2025
CANBERRA/CAPE TOWN. The Australian macadamia crop will be significantly lower than expected this year, but a new project with specially optimised trees is giving cause for hope. In most producing countries, the harvest is currently in full swing.
Nuts
Sep 18, 2025
FORT WORTH. US inshell shipments have slumped by a remarkable 91% for pecans. Mixed conditions prevail for the US crop. Hope is that China, India and Mars will boost demand.
Nuts
Sep 17, 2025
HANOI/BRUSSELS. In the 2024/25 season, approximately 10% more cashews were exported worldwide than in the same period last year. While buyers such as the EU, China and the Middle East increased their imports, the picture in the US is different. EU imports rose by just under 5%.
Nuts
Sep 17, 2025
CANBERRA. Optimistic estimates in California had slowed Australia's almond exports in July. Exports are now at a similar level to last year. However, China and India remain important customers.