BiOS – Olive biodiversity and conservation

This plan aims to guide the development of Emilia-Romagna olive growing, through the recovery, protection and characterization of indigenous varieties at risk of erosion as well as agronomic enhancement aimed at the correct management of new olive plants and the production of an oil with peculiar characteristics of the Emilian territory. These objectives will be pursued mainly in specific agricultural realities falling in areas subject to natural constraints. In particular, the design activity will be developed through the following specific objectives:

·      Search for unknown indigenous genetic resources by means of reconnaissance and census of the Emilian territory;
·      Fingerprinting analysis of accessions / varieties not yet subjected to genotyping;
·      Morpho-biometric and agronomic evaluations of the new cultivars and their multiplication by ex situ conservation;
·      Chemical and sensory characterization of the oils obtained from the new varieties identified;
·      Preparation of the necessary forms for the registration of new cultivars at risk of erosion in the Regional Directory;
·      Enhancement of cultivars already in the registration phase in the RVR through the creation and chemical and sensorial characterization of a blend of monovarietal oils and definition of guidelines that allow the correct management of new olive trees;
·      Promotion of oils obtained from cultivars at risk of erosion, results more pleasing to the consumer after appropriate tests, through tasting paths and combinations with local gastronomic products;
·      Multiplication and distribution of the plant material of the certified cultivars during registration with the RVR in order to guarantee a prompt diffusion in the Emilian territory.


The repercussions at the level of the oil and olive oil supply chain can be classified as follows:

• Expansion of regional olive biodiversity

• Enhancement of the RER olive growing area

• Training of technical staff on aspects of biodiversity protection

• Dissemination of highly sustainable agronomic techniques to improve the final quality of the olives and guidelines that allow the best management of an olive grove;

• Expansion of the regional olive tree nursery sector;

• Expansion of the historical, cultural and food and wine knowledge of the protected areas at the community level.