02/06/2026
For centuries, the ancient olive trees of southern Italy have stood as living symbols of Mediterranean history until Xylella Fastidiosa began devastating millions of them across Puglia, with around 20 million trees lost out of 60 million.
At Villa Berio in Tuscany, researchers are using the historic olive estate as a cutting-edge open-air laboratory dedicated to understanding the future of olive cultivation. While Tuscany is not affected by Xylella Fastidiosa, the site has become a vital research hub where scientists study over 50 olive cultivars to identify trees that can resist disease, withstand drought, and adapt to climate change.
This work is carried out in collaboration with Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), a leading scientific authority, and connects research efforts across regions. Building on long-standing studies in Tuscany, these findings are now being extended through a new three-year partnership with Save the Olives in Puglia, where this disease is widespread over the region.
Save the Olives was founded by Dame and her husband Taylor Hackford to raise awareness and campaign to protect and restore affected olive groves in the south of Italy. Their personal connection to the area,
combined with their commitment to raising awareness and supporting restoration efforts has made them passionate advocates for protecting the region’s olive heritage. Together, Villa Berio, Save the Olives, and CNR are aligning research and restoration efforts, bridging science, conservation, and advocacy to safeguard Italy’s olive heritage.
As has said - “If two stones fell from the Colosseum, it would be front-page news around the world. Yet Puglia has lost more than 20 million olive trees, and hardly anyone knows about it.” These trees are living monuments, part of Italy’s history, culture and identity, and that’s why Filippo Berio is proud to support Save the Olives🫒
