Xylella fastidiosa and the Olive Oil Crisis in Puglia

Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium transmitted by spittlebugs, poses a severe threat to Puglia's historic olive groves and its olive oil industry. The study highlights the potential for large-scale replacement of vulnerable cultivars with resistant ones or abandonment of olive cultivation in affected areas, marking a significant economic shift for the region. Through extensive fieldwork conducted in spring 2019, including interviews with olive growers and producers, the research captures the emotional and practical responses to this crisis—ranging from optimism to desperation—as well as the broader implications for Puglia's agricultural landscape and economy.

Ipsen, C. (2020). Xylella fastidiosa and the Olive Oil Crisis in Puglia. Gastronomica, 20(2), 55–66. https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2020.20.2.55