Following the creation of a cross-border “Routes of the Olive Tree” between Italy and Tunisia, to promote the cultural heritage of the olive tree and the local economies in these regions, a mission was carried out from 22 to 26 of September in Sicily, in the regions of Eloro (SR) and Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG).
The mission took place in the framework of the Servagri Cluster project and was organised by Gal Eloro, an organisation with a considerable activity in the region and a significant contribution to local development.
The General Coordinator of Gal Eloro, Dr Sergio Campanella, and the Secretary General, Paola Paci, also participated in the mission. The mission was led by Marinella Katsilieri, Planning & Development Manager of the Cultural Foundation “Routes of the Olive Tree” (OTR) with the assistance of Ioulia Rammou, member of the Foundation’s working group.
The region of Iblea, in the southeast of Sicily, is distinguished not only for its culture and traditions, but also for the quality of its extra virgin olive oil, the fruit of many hectares of land dedicated to olive cultivation.
Chiaramonte Gulfi, in the province of Ragusa, is one of the main centres of olive production and has received many prestigious national and international awards. It has a museum dedicated to ‘liquid gold’ and the official website of the town describes it as the ‘city of olive oil’.
The enthusiasm for the initiative, the great interest and the beauty of this region have encouraged the mission: it is important now to continue this work, taking advantage of this opportunity to strengthen achievements and partnerships. A new local route proposal “Routes of the Olive Tree” is born! Stay tuned!
