CIHEAM Bari recently had the honour of hosting a high-level delegation from the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) for an institutional visit focused on excellence and innovation in the olive oil sector.

An important step in sharing the strengths of the Italian System and Puglia’s internationally recognised expertise across the entire olive oil value chain. From advanced nursery techniques to global market strategies, the Syrian delegates gained first-hand insight into an integrated model where agricultural heritage meets cutting-edge technology.

The programme included a visit to CIHEAM Bari’s Tricase office to dive into the site activities and institutional initiatives, followed by field visits across the area of Lecce. First-hand observation of the devastating impact of Xylella fastidiosa reinforced a clear message: prevention is key.

During the technical sessions, discussions focused on:

· Lessons learned from managing the regional emergency
· The critical importance of continuous field monitoring
· The need for robust laboratory diagnostic capacities for early detection

The success of this exchange was made possible thanks to the collaboration of private-sector partners – De Nicolo Vivai, Amenduni S.p.A., De Carlo Oleificio and Sabino Leone – who showcased the very best of Apulian excellence. A pathway towards a more resilient, secure and sustainable agricultural future for the olive oil value chain in Syria.