Valencia, Spain – Mireia Mollà, the newly appointed Consellera of Agriculture, Rural Development, Climate Emergency and Ecological Transition of the Valencian Community, is set to meet with farmers affected by the devastating Xylella fastidiosa bacterium. The meeting, announced Tuesday, marks a potential turning point in the regional government’s approach to combating the plant disease that has plagued almond and olive groves for years. The announcement comes as the agricultural sector braces for further positive cases of the disease, raising concerns about the long-term viability of key crops.
Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium originally from the Americas, was first detected in the Valencian Community in 2017. The disease, spread by insects, causes rapid decline and death in a wide range of plants, including almonds, olives, citrus fruits, and grapevines. The economic impact has been significant, particularly for almond farmers in the Alicante province, where large swathes of orchards have been decimated. The ongoing crisis surrounding Xylella has prompted calls for a shift in strategy from eradication to containment.
Controversial Eradication Policies
For the past several years, the Valencian government has implemented a policy of eradication, involving the felling and destruction of trees within a 50-meter radius of any infected plant. This approach, based on European Union regulations, has been met with fierce opposition from agricultural organizations like ASAJA Alicante, who argue that it is overly aggressive and ineffective. ASAJA Alicante has repeatedly demanded a suspension of the felling policy and a greater focus on research into alternative solutions.
“The eradication strategy has been, at best, a misguided effort, and at worst, actively harmful to the livelihoods of our farmers,” said José Vicente Andreu, president of ASAJA Alicante, during the opening of the Xylella Forum, organized by the Biovexo project in April 2022. “We need to invest in scientific research, particularly into biopesticides, to find a way to combat this disease without destroying entire orchards.” The Biovexo project is investigating biopesticides as a potential solution to combat the bacteria and the insects that spread it.
Calls for a Shift to Containment
Farmers and agricultural groups advocate for a move towards a containment strategy, similar to those employed in other European countries. This would involve focusing on controlling the spread of the bacterium through measures such as insect control and the removal of only severely infected trees. However, implementing a containment strategy requires modifying the Decisión de Ejecución (UE) 2015/789, a process that necessitates the agreement of the European Commission and all 27 member states – a significant hurdle.
The current situation is further complicated by the recent increase in positive cases of Xylella fastidiosa across the Valencian Community. This has heightened anxieties among farmers and prompted renewed calls for urgent action. The sector is preparing for further spread, according to reports, and the need for a coordinated response is becoming increasingly critical.
New Consellera Promises Dialogue
Mireia Mollà, who assumed office recently, has signaled a willingness to engage with affected farmers and consider alternative approaches. During her inauguration, Mollà stated that addressing the Xylella crisis is one of the most urgent challenges facing the Department of Agriculture. She announced that one of her first actions would be to meet with farmers impacted by the disease, acknowledging their criticisms of the current eradication measures.
The upcoming meeting represents a crucial opportunity for dialogue and a potential shift in policy. Farmers are hoping that Mollà will be receptive to their concerns and willing to explore alternative strategies that prioritize both the control of the disease and the preservation of their livelihoods. The resolution of 20 de junio de 2023, issued by the director general of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, details the latest updates to the situation and the implemented phytosanitary measures, available here.
Looking Ahead
The immediate next step is the meeting between Consellera Mollà and the affected farmers. The outcome of this meeting will likely shape the future direction of the regional government’s response to the Xylella fastidiosa crisis. Further updates on the situation and any potential policy changes will be announced by the Conselleria of Agriculture. Farmers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and participate in ongoing discussions.
Have your say: What do you think should be the priority in tackling the Xylella outbreak in Valencia? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
