Overview

In just a few short years, a bacterium called xylella fastidiosa has decimated over 21 million olive trees in southern Italy’s Puglia region, known as the world’s major producer of extra virgin olive oil. This crisis has led to widespread unemployment among local farmers. In response, OlivaMi, a grassroots organization, was founded in January 2022 to revive Puglia's olive groves. 

How We Support

B&R proudly supports OlivaMi through the Slow Fund, pledging $5,000 in 2024 to establish a B&R forest featuring 200 olive trees. This investment will contribute to Salento's recovery, mitigate CO2 emissions, restore local employment, and sustain olive oil production. 

OlivaMi has adopted 15,000 olive trees and planted 25,000 more, aiding 80 at-risk farmers.

Their efforts removed 5 million kilograms of CO2 in one year.

Over the next five years, OlivaMi aims to provide jobs to all affected farmers and create employment opportunities for Salento's youth.