The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has defined the criteria and implementation methods for the support measures aimed at agricultural businesses affected by the spread of the Xylella fastidiosa bacteria. With an allocation of 30 million euros, the intervention aims to support the reconversion and replanting of crops in the affected areas.

The decree, as outlined in the Agriculture Decree-Law, provides aid for the restoration of productive potential through the replanting of resistant olive trees or the conversion to other permitted crops. The Region of Puglia will be the responsible authority for implementing the measure, utilizing the Agency for Agricultural Payments (AGEA) to disburse the funds.

The initiative is intended for agricultural businesses located in infected areas, excluding those subject to containment measures under EU Regulation 2020/1201. The aid will be granted for replanting with resistant cultivars or for conversion to alternative crops identified by the National Phytosanitary Committee. The contribution will cover 100% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of 15,000 euros per hectare. Owners, holders, or possessors of olive-growing land, whether individually or collectively, can apply for the funding. Interested businesses will be able to submit applications according to the terms and procedures set by the Region of Puglia, which will also define the selection criteria for allocating the resources.

Through this intervention, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry reaffirms its commitment to recovering the productive potential in areas affected by Xylella fastidiosa, supporting farmers in revitalizing their activities and safeguarding the national olive-growing heritage.