Further to news about changes to regulations, I want to reassure our customers about our ongoing commitment in working with DEFRA to continue the battle against Xylella.
A visit from Plant inspector John Munday confirmed what we already knew our Olives are happy, healthy Xylella free. We are fully committed to following all procedures and guidelines set by DEFRA to ensure we keep Xylella out of the U.K. We are the only Olive suppliers in the region to do so.
So you can buy in confidence in the knowledge that you are purchasing disease free specimens.
What is Xylella Fastidiosa?
Xylella is spread by a vector Spittle bug, which produces a saliva like secretion. Furthermore it is known as a ‘hitch hiking pest’ because it spreads the bacterium from Tree to Tree. It can cause die-back and eventual death for the tree.
What are the implications?
Consequently importing Olive Trees is now ‘restricted’. Secondly for suppliers of Olives like ourselves it means we are regularly inspected by Apha. Every consignment of Olives is inspected prior to departure and again on arrival in the U.K. Our last delivery was October and we are due another delivery mid May.
Olive trees Xylella free
The plant inspector was thoroughly impressed by the health of our Olive trees. Importantly it confirms that the extra care and attention we give our Olive trees is paying off.
Why shop with us?
Firstly our Olives meet all the requirements from DEFRA. Secondly from the moment the Olives arrive with us, we care for them as if they were our own. We work with a wonderful supplier who like us is passionate about Olive Trees.
We give them a good prune, feed them with our organic fertiliser and spray them with a copper mixture. Scientists have proven that strong well looked after trees are more pest resistant.
What we’ve observed with many of our large competitors is that they sell cheap trees, if an Olive seems incredibly cheap. Beware! This could mean that it’s not from a sustainable source and consequently maybe carrying disease.
Hand selected by us, for you.
Every olive tree in our care has been hand selected by us. Paul is a qualified Arborist with over 20 years of experience. Therefore he knows a healthy tree when he sees one, conversely he is expert at recognising any signs of disease. He can ascertain when Olive trees Xylella free
Our Olives may not be the cheapest on the market but they are the healthiest!
