In the picturesque region of Puglia, a silent battle is being fought to protect one of its most valuable natural treasures: the monumental olive trees. Some of these ancient trees are estimated to be 3,000 years old. They are not only a testament to the region's rich agricultural history, but also an indispensable part of Puglia's biodiversity and cultural identity.
The Threat of Xylella Fastidiosa
The main culprit behind this crisis is Xylella fastidiosa, a deadly bacterium that has been ravaging olive groves in Puglia since 2013. According to Coldiretti Puglia, the bacterium has already affected 8,000 square kilometres and more than 21 million olive trees have been infected, with estimated damage of 3 billion euros. The situation is alarming: the plain of monumental olive trees has already lost a third of its priceless trees.
The bacterium is spread by insects, in particular the meadow spittlebug (Philaenus spumarius), which flies from tree to tree and transmits the disease. An infected tree first shows yellowed, dried-out branches — a phenomenon known locally as "disseccamento rapido dell'olivo" — and eventually dies if no action is taken in time.
A Heritage under Pressure
Puglia's plain of monumental olive trees is home to an estimated 250,000 ancient olive trees, many of them with a trunk circumference of more than ten metres. These trees are not only agricultural wonders; they are also regarded as potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of their historical and ecological significance.
Losing these trees would be a devastating blow to the region's landscape, tourism and economy. Generations of farmers have devoted their lives to caring for these trees, often at great personal sacrifice. Their efforts have preserved this unique landscape — a landscape that now faces an unprecedented threat.
The Economic Consequences
Coldiretti Puglia stresses the urgency of preventing Xylella fastidiosa from spreading further. If the bacterium is left unchecked, the economic damage for Europe and Italy could reach 20 billion euros, according to a study published in the renowned American scientific journal PNAS.
For Puglia, the olive oil sector is not just an industry — it is the backbone of the regional economy and the cultural identity of thousands of families. A cold-pressed olive oil from Puglia owes its exceptional quality to precisely these ancient trees and the tradition they embody.
The Need for Collective Action
It is crucial that local authorities, scientists and the global community work together to find effective solutions for preserving these irreplaceable natural monuments. Measures are being taken: resistant olive varieties are being tested, infected trees are treated where possible, and legislation on the compulsory felling of infected trees is constantly being reviewed.
But you too, as a consumer, can help this living history survive. By adopting an olive tree in Puglia, you directly support a small, sustainable producer and help preserve this unique landscape.
Protecting a Living Heritage
The fight to save Puglia's monumental olive trees goes beyond preserving a crop. It is about safeguarding a living heritage that connects us to our past and nourishes us into the future. As the battle against Xylella fastidiosa continues, the resilience and dedication of Puglia's farmers remind us how important it is to protect our natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an olive tree 'monumental'?
In Italy, an olive tree is called a monumental olive tree if it has a trunk circumference of at least 80 centimetres and is more than a hundred years old. In Puglia, however, even stricter criteria apply: many protected trees are centuries or even millennia old and are managed as national heritage. They are protected by law and may not be felled without a special permit.
What is Xylella fastidiosa and why is it so dangerous?
Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterium that blocks a plant's water vessels, so that the tree literally dries out from the inside. There is no known cure: once infected, a tree dies in most cases. It spreads via insects and can infect large areas at lightning speed. Besides olive trees, it also affects almonds, laurel and other plant species. The EU has introduced strict measures to limit its spread beyond Puglia.
How can you support the protection of monumental olive trees?
There are concrete ways to help preserve this heritage. You can deliberately choose extra virgin olive oil from Puglia from small, artisanal producers who work sustainably and tend their trees by hand. Even more direct is adopting an olive tree: you fund the care of a specific tree and in return receive the olive oil that tree produces. That way you literally become part of the story.
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