Valutazione dell’impatto economico e paesaggistico causato da Xylella fastidiosa sull’olivicoltura del Salento

Since 2013, a large area of the province of Lecce is affected by the spread of the quarantine bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which infects olive trees. To date, the disease affects about 18,900 hectares (20% of the province territory) in which there are almost 2.1 million of olive trees (20% of the olive-groves of Salento). The damage to olive firms relates to the direct loss of income due to the death of the trees. Furthermore, noteworthy is the economic importance of olive sector in the area. The objective of this work is the analysis of the economic impacts of the infection to the olive groves of Salento, with reference to the immediate damage (irreversible loss of affected plants) as well as to the changes in farming techniques introduced by the guidelines of Apulia Region in order to prevent the spread of the infection. In addition, the study focuses on the monetary valuation of the benefits loss, due to the impact of disease on the olive tree landscape of the area.