Vicky BoydAg AlertFueled by changing consumer tastes, attractive contracts, the ability to use mechanization, and drought tolerance, the planting of olives for oil continues to expand in California.With the state’s olive oil production at 2 million to 4 million gallons annually, or about 5% to 8% of domestic consumption, California olive oil producers still have ample room to grow.Cliff Beumel, president of Agromillora California Nursery near Chico, said he has seen continued growers' interest in olives for oil during the past several years. Unlike the late 1990s and early 2000s, when many olive orchards were planted on speculation with short-term profits in mind, he said today’s producers are taking a more measured approach.“Olives for olive oil fit in a niche â€
