Mapping the Climatic Suitability for Olive Groves in Greece

Olive cultivation constitutes a fundamental Mediterranean rural activity in Greece, as it primarily accounts for the country’s substantial socio-economic development. Although the olive tree is one of the best acclimated species, its overall performance may be significantly impacted by changes in the climate. Thus, by considering the lack of scientific research on the climate suitability evaluation of olive groves over the entire Greek territory, a study between the geomorphological parameter mapping of Greece (altitude, aspect, slope, and terrain roughness) and the respective required atmospheric conditions for the olive crop’s growth (temperature, precipitation, and frost days) was performed. Every parameter is reclassified to translate its value into a score, and the final suitability map is the outcome of the aggregation of all score maps. Individually, the overall suitability for olive cultivation is high in Greece, given its extensive area, resulting in a high score (8–10); geomorphological and climatic conditions (34.44% and 59.40%, respectively); and overall suitability conditions (42.00%) for olive cultivation. Over the identified olive grove areas, the model gives a high score (8–10) for 91.59% of the cases. The model may be characterized by its simplicity, usability, flexibility, and efficiency. The current modelling procedure may serve as a means for identifying suitable areas for the sustainable and productive development of olive cultivation.