The money will be divided among farmers who suffered at least a 30 percent loss of production.
Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry has signed a decree providing €120 million ($135 million) in income support for agricultural enterprises impacted by Xylella fastidiosa in Puglia.
The southern Italian region, which is also responsible for the lion’s share of the country’s olive oil production, has been ravaged by the spread of the deadly plant pathogen since 2013.
“With the decree, we give the green light to another important, I would say fundamental, part of the Apulian olive oil regeneration plan, intervening in favor of all those companies that have suffered significant damage from the spread of the bacterium,” Teresa Bellanova said at a press briefing.
Now it is up to Puglia’s regional government to decide how to go about dividing up the relief money, most of which will be destined for the hard-hit southern administrative region of Salento.
About €85 million ($95 million) will be provided to growers by the end of 2020 with the last €35 million ($39 million) being given out in 2021.
In order to be eligible for the income support, farmers must have suffered at least a 30 percent loss in their gross salable production due to Xylella fastidiosa in a single crop year.
“I naturally hope that the Puglia region will proceed as soon as possible with the implementation of the decree, so that farmers, after years and years of difficulty, can receive the contributions due up to a maximum of three years, and in this way also be supported in planning investments that look to the future of business activities and olive growing in Salento,” Bellanova said.
More articles on: Italy, Puglia (Apulia), Xylella fastidiosa
Oct. 3, 2023
Optimism in Italy as Olive Harvest Gets Underway
While producers in southern Italy expect bumper crops, the fortunes of farmers in central and northern Italy are less certain.
Mar. 25, 2024
Scientists Defend Study Finding Xylella Not Responsible for Most OQDS
Margherita Ciervo and Marco Scortichini defend their research that found Xylella fastidiosa was not responsible for most Apulian olive tree deaths over the past decade.
Aug. 7, 2023
Italy Becomes Largest Market for Tunisia’s Organic Olive Oil Exports
Tunisia's organic production is increasingly favored by large Italian bottlers.
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.
Apr. 1, 2024
Italians Have Changed Their Olive Oil Purchase Habits, Survey Finds
Despite rising prices and lower availability, 48 percent of Italian households continue to purchase as much olive oil as they did in previous years.
Aug. 7, 2023
Olive Oil Production Returns to Pompeii 2,000 Years After Volcanic Eruption
Ministers and farming organizations tasted local extra virgin olive oil and table olives while promoting a UNESCO nomination for Italian cuisines.
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.
Jun. 6, 2024
Pieralisi Appoints New Chief Executive
Coming from the cargo handling sector, the new chief executive plans to focus on increasing its presence in key markets and continuing to develop cutting-edge technology.