Calabrian olive growing and Xylella fastidiosa: scientific research takes center stage in San Giorgio Morgeto for the 26th edition of Prim'Olio.

A crucial event for the future of agriculture and the regional olive oil heritage.

SAN GIORGIO MORGETO (RC)  – On Friday 16 October 2026, starting at 9:00 am , the Olearia San Giorgio in San Giorgio Morgeto (RC) will host the 26th edition of Prim'Olio , this year focusing on a highly topical theme: "Xylella fastidiosa: scientific research to support strategies for dealing with the emergency in Calabrian olive growing" .

The event, promoted in close collaboration with the VII National Conference on Olives and Olive Oil (Working Group "Olives and Olive Oil" - SOI), aims to provide a platform for high-level discussion between institutions, academia, and industry professionals, who will come together to discuss strategies for preventing and combating the spread of the bacterium.

The morning will begin with a welcome and a guided tour of the olive oil mill, followed by official greetings from prominent figures in the region and research: Domenico Fazari (President of Prim'Olio), Giuseppe Zimbalatti (Rector of the Università Mediterranea di Reggio Calabria), Fulvia Caligiuri (Director General of ARSAC), Riccardo Gucci (President of the National Academy of Olive and Olive Oil), Marco Poiana (Director of the Department of Agriculture at the Università Mediterranea ), and Michele Rocco Valanzise (President of the Order of Agronomists and Foresters of Reggio Calabria). The event will be moderated by Michelangelo D'Ambrosio, President of Slow Food Calabria.

The scientific heart of the meeting will be a presentation by Dr. Maria Saponari, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the CNR in Bari and coordinator of the MASAF – OMIBREED project. Her presentation, titled "Xylella fastidiosa: research, prevention, and prospects for olive growing ," will offer a detailed overview of the latest scientific evidence and applicable solutions for protecting the landscape.

The day's conclusions will be drawn by Gianluca Gallo, Councilor for Agriculture of the Calabria Region, demonstrating the political and institutional commitment to supporting the olive oil sector in this delicate challenge.

The event will conclude with the impressive presentation of the prestigious "Prim'Olio 2026 Awards," followed by a guided sensory analysis session dedicated to extra virgin olive oils from Calabrian cultivars, a unique opportunity to showcase the region's excellence and olive oil biodiversity.

Note for professionals: Registered participants will be awarded CFP (Professional Training Credits) pursuant to CONAF and CNPAPAL regulations.