biodiversity
Mar. 7, 2024
Ancient Olive Groves on Capri Are Reservoirs of Biodiversity
Researchers traced the origins of the island’s olive trees to Crete and mainland Italy and discovered 21 new varieties.
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.
Dec. 4, 2023
How the Iberian Ant Can Help Control Pests in Olive Groves
Researchers found that Iberian ants naturally prey on olive moth larvae in olive groves without disrupting the rest of the ecosystem.
Oct. 31, 2023
California Farmers Plant Hedgerows to Conserve Water, Improve Soil Health
Hedgerows improve water retention in the soil and create natural habitats for beneficial birds and other pest predators. Farmers said they add aesthetic value, too.
Oct. 17, 2023
California Olive Farmers Create Pollinator Habitats to Boost Biodiversity
Farmers are cultivating native plants to reverse the effects of climate change on beneficial insect and pollinator habitats.
Aug. 10, 2023
Researchers Work to Reverse Genetic Erosion, Breed Resilient Olive Varieties
Understanding the genetic diversity of olive varieties will help farmers select the best cultivars for their climate and phytosanitary environment.
Jun. 13, 2023 World
European Bird Populations Threatened by Intensive Farming, Study Finds
Feb. 6, 2023 News Briefs
Argentina's Germplasm Bank Supports Mission to Preserve Olive Cultivars
Feb. 4, 2023 Europe
Intensive Agriculture Blamed for Bird Population Decline in Spain
Jan. 5, 2023 News Briefs
Nov. 17, 2022
New Park in Molise Promotes Olive Tree Biodiversity, Social Inclusion
More than 20 regional olive varieties were planted at the Olive Tree Park in Termoli, Molise, which will host natural and cultural activities.
Nov. 10, 2022
Europe and Morocco Sign Deal to Develop Sustainable Agricultural
The €115 million program is meant to modernize Morocco’s agricultural sector, promote reforestation and protect biodiversity.
Oct. 31, 2022
Thousands of Xylella-Resistant Trees to Be Planted in Puglia
The reforestation effort is meant to restore devastated landscapes, promote biodiversity and increase the area’s resistance to new pathogens.
Aug. 16, 2022
Olive Grove Expansion Threatens Endangered Bird Species in Spain
The expansion of olive groves in Andalusia is reducing the habitat of the endangered Eurasian great bustard and little bustard.
Jul. 18, 2022
Spain Launches a New Strategy Against Desertification
Desertification in the world’s top olive oil-producing country is being fueled by the ongoing drought and poor land management practices.
Jul. 11, 2022
Report: Mediterranean Agricultural Biodiversity at Risk
The Agrobiodiversity Index Report 2021 shows diversity is the key to MedDiet survival in a world increasingly dominated by monocultures and provides recommendations.
May. 4, 2022
Researchers Reintroduce Bats to Andalusian Olive Groves to Combat Pests
Following research in Spain and Portugal, the LIFE Olivares Vivos project aims to reintroduce bats to olive groves, bringing more efficient pest control and soil fertilization.
Jun. 15, 2021
Climate Change Topped Agenda as World Leaders Met in Cornwall for G7
Heads of state from the world’s seven wealthiest liberal democracies and their guests pledged to continue reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability after meeting in England.
May. 20, 2021
Deforestation and Industrial Agriculture Spur Zoonotic Diseases, Study Finds
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, new research examines the association between the emergence of zoonotic diseases, forest clearance and monocultures.
Apr. 2, 2021
Biodiversity Program Succeeds in Restoring Species to Olive Groves
Olive farms following the Olivares Vivos program recorded a 30-percent increase in flora and fauna. The value of their EVOOs is expected to rise too.
Dec. 5, 2019
Stewardship and Excellence at García de la Cruz
Five generations of the García de la Cruz family have a hand in their award-winning brand from La Mancha.
Aug. 27, 2019
Rediscovering Ancient Varieties to Meet Today's Challenges
Recovered ancient olive cultivars seem to provide a good answer to today's challenges such as those posed by climate change, extreme temperatures and pests.
Apr. 15, 2019
Lavandin Introduced in Spanish Olive Groves to Prevent Erosion
Lavandin is the most recent crop being planted in Andalusia to help prevent erosion, promote biodiversity and provide farmers with supplemental income.
Oct. 16, 2018
Study in Spain Confirms Olive Tree as Strategic Crop to Recover Biodiversity
Olive groves have lost a lot of their biodiversity, but according to new findings of a study in Andalusia, there still are opportunities for recovery.
Jul. 9, 2018
Biodynamic Farming: Somewhere Between Science and Faith
Olive groves at the award-winning farm Marina Palusci are managed in accordance with biodynamics, a much-debated but often successful method.