article_snippet: The disease, first identified in the Americas has already wiped out a million trees in Salento, southern Puglia.
article_snippet: The EU has recommended that 11million trees be cut down after 11million trees were found to be infected with a deadly microbe .
article_snippet: The initial area to be culled is 20,000 acres – about 30 sq miles – between Lecce to Brindisi.
article_snippet: The initial area to be culled contains around 11million trees, according to Unaprol, the largest consortium of growers.
article_snippet: Naturally it is very painful for the growers but it is necessary to remove all the affected trees, it is the most effective measure.
article_snippet: A committee will meet on Thursday next week to rubber stamp the directive, which growers fear will create a desert in the area as it will not be possible to replant it with olive groves.
article_snippet: Popular singer and olive producer Albano Carrisi said culling all the affected trees is ‘cruel’ and ‘useless’.
highlights_snippet: Some of the trees that might have to be chopped down are centuries old .