The mayors of Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni and Carovigno have sent a formal request to the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, to arrange an urgent meeting to discuss the protection of the Piana degli Ulivi Secolari (the Plain of Ancient Olive Trees) and the measures in place to combat Xylella fastidiosa.
The Piana degli Ulivi Secolari is recognised nationally and internationally for its agricultural, landscape and identity heritage. However, the spread of the pathogen threatens its survival, with serious consequences for agriculture, the environment, and tourism.
According to local press reports, last week the mayors asked the minister to engage in a ‘direct discussion’ to review the effectiveness of the measures implemented. They also want to define joint safeguarding measures and ensure adequate national and local resources for protecting the monumental olive-growing landscape.
High schools in the area are mobilising to carry out an experimental project dedicated to planting new olive cultivars resistant to Xylella.
