FAO launches a cooperation programme to fight Xylella fastidiosa introduction in Near East and North Africa

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has officially launched in Tunis a technical cooperation programme aiming to prevent the introduction and spread in North Africa and Middle East region of Xylella fastidiosa, that is currently devastating olives in the southern Italian region of Apulia.

The project, was launched on August, 29 at the presence of representatives from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Tunisia, and will focus on the early detection, diagnosis and monitoring as critical tools for developing an emergency plan for preserving the agriculture and the natural landscape and habitat in the Mediterranean countries.
This technical cooperation programme, coming in response to the request of the Middle East and North Africa governments, seeks to increase the capacities of the technical staff and farmers to raise awareness on how to prevent the Xylella-associated diseases from spreading, through the promotion of preventive measures and effective surveillance programs.

More information about the kick-off meeting of the program can be found at this link.