Last month, three agricultural officials from the southern Italian region of Puglia warned that the threat to the socio-economic wellbeing of the area from Xyellela fastidiosa is being underestimated.
“On Xylella fastidiosa, there is still a tremendous underestimation of the problem because, obviously, we do not want to grasp the drama of the economic and social damage that the phenomenon produces,” read a joint statement from the presidents of Confagricoltura Puglia, Confagricoltura Brindisi and Confagricoltura Lecce, Luca Lazzàro, Antonello Brun and Maurizio Cezzi.
See Also:Puglia Warns Farmers of Ineffective Xylella Fastidiosa CuresXylella fastidiosa was first detected in Italy in 2013. Since then, it has spread across the Mediterranean region. In Puglia, a subspecies of Xylella fastidiosa, pauca strain De Donno, is responsible for causing a severe disease leading to the death and destruction of thousands of olive groves.
The disease caused by the De Donno subspecies of Xylella fastidiosa has spread rapidly over the years due to the high population of Philaenus spumarius, commonly known as meadow spittlebug, a xylem sap feeder and primary vector of the bacterium in the region.
Additionally, the extensive planting of two susceptible olive cultivars – Ogliarola salentina and Cellina di Nardò – and the high density of olive trees in the region infected with Xylella fastidiosa has aggravated the problem further.
“The first official report of outbreaks dates back to October 2013, in Gallipoli and Alezio in the Lecce area,” the joint statement read. “In eight years, Xylella has spread and, to date, has affected about 150,000 hectares of olive groves in the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and part of Tarantino.”
Considering the average number of working hours that olive trees require to maintain and harvest, about 33,000 jobs have been lost, the three officials said.
“At this point, to restore these places and the olive-growing potential that was destroyed, the state and the Apulian region should invest €3.3 billion, while only €300 million have been invested,” the joint statement read. “This latter sum is not enough.”
Related Articles
Jan. 16, 2024
Spain Set to Eliminate Value-Added Tax on Olive Oil Sales
The tax cut is part of wider efforts to address the rising cost of living. The measure would eliminate VAT on olive oil until June 30th.
Nov. 27, 2023
High Olive Oil Prices in Spain Spur Interest in Black Friday Discounts
While prices at origin have dipped slightly, they remain elevated in stores, prompting concern among retailers over theft and consumers over fraud.
Jun. 26, 2023
Once Again, Olive Growers in Western Mediterranean Face Severe Drought
In Andalusia, rainfed olive groves are barren. Similar situations have been reported in North Africa. Officials in Europe are focusing on the soil to mitigate the drought.
Feb. 26, 2024
New Law in Italy Establishes Role of Farmers in Protecting Environment
Along with protecting Italy’s natural landscapes and promoting the cultivation of traditional crops, the law seeks to curb the rural exodus with economic incentives.
Oct. 16, 2023
Olive Trees on Public Land Provide Bountiful Harvest for Italian Locals
A growing number of local authorities encourage local citizens and schools to harvest abandoned olive trees on public lands.
Jan. 25, 2024
Record Olive Oil Prices Drive Down Consumption in Spain
Consumers are using less olive oil, buying smaller formats and switching to lower-quality categories.
Oct. 30, 2023
New Spray Could Protect Olive Trees from Xylella
Researchers have developed a technology that allows the inactivation of specific plant genes through a single spray application.
Feb. 22, 2024
Italian Farmers, Producers Confirm Production Rebound
Olive oil production for the 2023/24 crop year was bolstered by strong harvests in the south.