Olive Conservation in Malta

Photo credit: rosevita from morguefile.com

Indigenous olive trees growing in Malta were at risk of being lost and replaced by imported cultivars.  Dating back over 2000 years these native trees have shown good resistance to disease especially to attack from the olive fruit fly.

To prevent the loss of these ancient trees retired jeweller Sam Cremona set up the PRIMO project (a collaboration between the Maltese Government and the Bank of Valletta) which is working to use grafted cuttings to increase the stock.

The long term aim of the project is to have over 30,000 trees grown across Malta and Gozo enabling the production of monocultivar Maltese olive oil.

Why Not Buy Your Own Olive Tree?

Mature Olive Trees Available from Villaggio Verde

www.villaggioverde.co.uk

If you are reading this, the chances are that you love olive trees and the feeling of security and well being that they evoke.  But did you know that olives grow well in countries like England with cold winters (surprisingly an older tree can cope when temperatures go down as low as -12°C). Why not buy a fabulous hundred year old olive tree with its knarled and twisted trunk and underplant with lavender or rosemary to create your own very special place to sit out and dream this summer.

Ancient Olive Trees For Sale

These very beautiful and ancient olive trees form part of an olive grove which is currently for sale.  They are in southern Italy, in Puglia and I am trying to resist the temptation to rush straight down there and buy them. If you are equally tempted contact Italian Properties.