Olive Oil Wars! How Climate Change and Surging Markets Invite Chainsaw-Wielding Thieves. Olive Oil Thefts Threaten Growers and Consumers Olive oil thefts are on the rise in Greece, Spain, and Italy, driven by surging olive oil prices caused by a two-year drought in Spain. Thieves are targeting olive groves and warehouses, stealing branches, trees, and even entire harvests. This is having a devastating impact on olive growers, who are already dealing with high production costs and climate change. Farmers are pleading with police to take action, and some are taking matters into their...