Mallorca olive oil: 40,000 litres could be held back

Mallorca, in Spain’s Balearic Islands, could have to keep around 40,000 litres of olive oil in storage rather than put it on the market. The Balearic Islands government is preparing an appeal on Friday, 6 November 2026, against a new Spanish rule requiring olive mills to hold back 12% of their declared production. It wants the islands exempted.

Why Mallorca’s mills object

The rule applies to production declared from November, regardless of a mill’s size. The regional agriculture department says storing the oil, keeping records and carrying out checks would place a disproportionate burden on the islands’ small mills.

The Balearics have produced an average of around 600 tonnes of olive oil a year over the past five years. Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food expects more than 1.6 million tonnes nationwide this season. The regional government also says the islands’ estimated production and existing stocks fall below the threshold intended to trigger the measure.

How long the oil could stay in storage

Under the current rule, withheld oil must remain in storage until 30 September 2027, though the required share could be reduced from 31 December if the market changes. The rule makes no exception for islands or small producers.

The Balearic government will also argue that oil kept for local personal use should be excluded: it is not sold and does not add to the surpluses the rule aims to tackle. For the following season, it wants separate criteria for islands and small producers.

Topics: Agriculture · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com