The olive tree has long defined the borders of the Mediterranean area, and its presence strongly characterizes the landscape of many rural regions in Italy, especially in the south.

The olive tree is a symbol of peace, wisdom, and harmony, and it contributes to the economic, social, and sustainable development of the people. There are countless stories and myths that tell of the olive tree from the dawn of humanity. For a long time, ancient civilizations revered these trees, whose fruits provided the precious “liquid gold” used as food, as a body ointment, and as a necessity for street lighting, tool maintenance, and other purposes.

But this millenary tree also serves other purposes: it helps protect and preserve both the land and our heritage. Its cultivation plays a fundamental role in the territory, as it safeguards the landscape, creates a barrier against desertification, and plays an important role in combating global warming.

In recent decades, unfortunately, the primary sector crisis has significantly impacted the olive-growing industry, leading to noticeable phenomena of abandonment of olive farms and the replacement of olive trees with more profitable crops.

Olive trees provide essential ecosystem services, countering the effects of erosion and the subsequent loss of organic matter in the soil. They contribute to maintaining hydrogeological balance and to the conservation of marginal agricultural areas.

The use of low-impact environmental techniques, often employed in the care of olive groves, promotes the conservation of local flora and fauna. Thanks to their long life cycle, olive trees are able to absorb and retain significant amounts of CO2 within the green parts of the plant, thereby helping to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the resulting greenhouse effect.

Furthermore, the rich genetic heritage of the olive tree enables a differentiation of numerous native varieties, representing a valuable source of biodiversity. The recognition of geographically certified labels like DOP and IGP, as well as support for organic farming, can add value to local productions, the protection of the landscape and the environment, and can generate a positive economic and social impact for Italian olive cultivation.