It was approved unanimously by the Veneto Regional Council the national law proposal for the recognition of “figure of the olive grower who is not a direct cultivator”. This is a historic step for the Veneto olive oil sector, but it could have a national significance now that the bill is being examined by both houses of Parliament.
The law, as reported by OlivoNews when the proposal was presented, aims to valorize those who, despite carrying out a variety of professional activities (from factory workers to office workers, from economic operators to freelancers, etc.), manage olive groves through family tradition or as a secondary activity, recognizing their crucial role in protecting the landscape, biodiversity, and in the fight against agricultural land abandonment. And, according to what can be deduced from ISMEA data, we are talking about an audience of 3 million people.
True custodians of the olive heritage
“These olive growers are true custodians of our olive heritage,” he declared in the debate in the Chamber regional councilor Alberto Bozza , proposer and first signatory of the proposal. "My proposal recognizes them as key players in the conservation and enhancement of Veneto's olive groves. I will now personally follow the process in Rome, ensuring that Parliament understands the importance of this law for the future of Italian olive growing."
And the fact that this national bill was first signed by a member of the current government majority (Bozza is a council member of the Forza Italia group) leaves room for confidence regarding the attention it will receive in the capital. He acknowledged that Bozza's unanimous approval, including from all the opposition parties, demonstrates the transversal nature of the issue and its relevance to the region.
Possible supports and aids
One of the key aspects of the proposal is the support for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The law encourages the integrated and organic management of olive groves, promoting measures to reduce environmental impact and the efficient use of water resources. Among the measures envisaged, there could be tax breaks, incentives for the maintenance and enhancement of olive groves, as well as access to dedicated public tenders to the conservation of the olive-growing heritage.
The aim is also to promote research and innovation in the sector, with targeted investments in plant protection, agronomic research, and improving the quality of Veneto olive oil.
With the unanimous approval of the proposed law, Veneto takes a concrete step towards the valorisation of an often overlooked but essential figure for the protection of the rural landscape, biodiversity and agricultural tradition.
Also an Olive Oil Observatory
Alberto Bozza is also the promoter of a regional law proposal for the establishment of theVeneto Olive Oil Observatory, already approved by the third commission and about to be brought to the floor. "It will be an indispensable tool for mapping olive groves, monitoring production, and planning development policies. The sector is currently too fragmented and unable to identify effective sectoral policies." Bozza explained.
The recognition of the non-professional olive grower, along with the promotion of sustainable practices and the creation of monitoring tools such as the Veneto Olive Observatory, marks the beginning of a new era for regional olive growing.
