Italy resists massive destruction of olive trees

Officials from the 28 European Union member states met on 24 March 2015 in Brussels to discuss measures to tackle and stop the the outbreak of the xylella fastidiosa bacteria, which has affected olive trees in Italy but can also affect other cultures like vines and citrus trees.

However, no agreement was reached on the best ways to deal with the bacteria: while some countries, like France and Spain, defended a hard line, others like Italy have resisted in the solution to destroy these trees, some of them decades old.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Olive oil sector (EPRS: Key Source, November 2014) http://www.europeansources.info/record/olive-oil-sector/

ESO: Background information: EFSA issues urgent advice on plant bacteria Xylella fastidiosa http://www.europeansources.info/record/efsa-issues-urgent-advice-on-plant-bacteria-xylella-fastidiosa/

EUObserver, 28.03.15: EU divided over Italy's olive tree disease https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/128183

BBC News, 24.03.15: EU warning as olive tree disease spreads in Italy http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-32031233

EFSA: FAQ: Xylella fastidiosa http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/faqs/faqxylellafastidiosa.htm

Gazzetta del Sud, 24.03.15: EU to take fresh action against olive-tree bacteria http://www.gazzettadelsud.it/news/english/134467/EU-to-take-fresh-action-against-olive-tree-bacteria.html

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