Brussels, 23/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - It is possible that the European Commission could have committed an error by ordering the destruction of olive trees in Salento, an area of Puglia in Italy, which were infected by the Xylella Fastidiosa bacteria. The environmental organisation Peacelink suggested this in a letter in this connection to the European Commissioner for Health, Vytenis Andriukaitis.
The destruction of olive trees is a measure advocated by the Commission to prevent the spreading of the infection. The Commission is expected to discuss an urgent revision of the measures this week in connection with the Xylella Fastidiosa case. Peacelink believes that the destruction of olive trees is definitely the incorrect solution because Xylella Fastidiosa is not the only cause of the drying out of olive trees. Certain species of fungi can cause this to happen. By using traditional methods, farmers have already treated and cured more than 500 olive trees, explains the association. It draws attention to the negative effects of the systematic destruction of trees, such as desertification.
Addressing the EP agriculture committee on Monday Andriukaitis said that according to the experts, at least 10% of olive trees in the Lecce region have been affected by this bacteria. He announced that he would be travelling to the region very soon to assess the situation. Vines and citrus fruits can also be affected by this bacteria. The commissioner explained, “we need to be absolutely vigilant to prevent this bacteria spreading”. (Lionel Changeur)