Crete's Olive Growers Brace for Tough Summer Amid Pest Control Delays

Friday, 29 May 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

Olive growers in the Chania region of western Crete are facing another difficult summer as the annual olive fruit fly control program (known locally as dakoktonía) is again running behind schedule. Delays in procuring the necessary pesticides through the public tender process have left farmers on edge ahead of the critical summer season. The olive fruit fly is a significant threat to Crete's olive oil production, which is central to the island's agricultural economy. While this issue does not directly affect tourists, visitors to rural areas and olive groves in the Chania prefecture may notice reduced spraying activity or hear local concern about this year's harvest. Crete produces some of Greece's finest extra virgin olive oil, and disruptions to pest control can impact autumn harvest yields and local products available in shops and markets.