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The belief of Save the Olives

01

BELIEVING IN SCIENCE AND SUPPORTING RESEARCH

Today, the world of scientific research on Xylella is divided into two main strands: research into new species of olive trees resistant to the bacterium and research into possible cures to stop the effects of Xylella on olive trees.

This discovery represents a starting point but it is necessary to find new resistant varieties because otherwise there is a risk of not having a variety of cultivars in the future. The search for new cultivars is a main aspect to be able to continue preserving our territory.

The experiments that are giving new hope are especially those aimed at finding new resistant olive species. In recent years, two resistant olive varieties have been discovered, Leccino and Favolosa FS17. Although these are plants that can still become infected and for which no long-term observations are yet available, the Phytosanitary Service has authorised their planting.

We believe that this is a fundamental point to be able to imagine a new future for Apulia and the Mediterranean.

02

SAFEGUARDING MONUMENTAL OLIVE TREES

The Puglia region boasts the highest density of ancient Olive Trees in the world. A unique and immense heritage whose existence is threatened by the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria.

Grafting is a reversible agronomic practice that allows the anatomical and physiological fusion of two individual plants belonging to different species or varieties called rootstock and graft. Rootstock constitutes the basal part of the plant and the graft is the aerial part that allows biological continuity.

Every year Save the Olives organises specialised courses teaching grafting methods on monumental olive trees. Sharing knowledge is what generates real change.

After more than ten years of scientific research we now know that early grafting (that is, grafting done before the plant is affected by the bacteria) is the only possible way to save the centuries-old olive trees of Puglia.

It is proven and well known that, to date, the Leccino and FS17 olive varieties, also known as Favolosa, are resistant to Xylella. Grafting on healthy monumental olive trees with one of these two varieties represents the only solution to save them, protecting an extraordinary and unique heritage.

03

CREATE A NEW LANDSCAPE OF SALENTO

In Salento, southern Puglia, Xylella has completely destroyed the area's olive growing affecting over 183 thousand hectares of land and desiccating 21 million olive trees.

To this day, in 2024, only 3 million new olive trees of the Leccino and FS17 varieties have been planted. A few months ago, 2 more new cultivars were put on the market: Lecciana and Leccio del Corno. Soon other new varieties will be put on the market after more than 10 years of research and experimentation by the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the C.N.R. and Forestaforte, with the contribution of Unaprol and Save the Olives.

Puglia is fiercely reacting to the Xylella tragedy by planting modern olive groves, which will produce a superior quality extra virgin olive oil and will give a new economic impetus to the entire olive-growing sector. Coldiretti, with the operational arm of the Consorzi Agrari d'Italia and Unaprol, have created a pool of technical, logistical and administrative assistance for all farmers wishing to revive the ancient olive groves, by now unfortunately desiccated, with modern plantings, restoring life and future to an entire territory now at risk of desertification.

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