5th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa: science for sustainable management
About the conference
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is organising the 5th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa, which will take place from 23 to 25 June 2026 in Mola di Bari, Italy. The conference will bring together researchers, risk assessors, risk managers and stakeholders to share the latest scientific and practical advances and support evidence-based risk management and policy decisions. A series of side events, technical meetings and field activities will also be held throughout the week, from 22 to 26 June, offering participants additional opportunities for exchange and hands‑on insight into ongoing research and management efforts.
Objectives of the event
Building on the outcomes of previous editions, the conference aims to present and discuss recent advances in detection, epidemiology and sustainable management of Xylella fastidiosa, including social aspects, with particular attention to translating research results into effective risk management and policy support. The draft programme is now available.
The event will address innovative tools and integrated approaches for the sustainable management of Xylella fastidiosa epidemics in olive, vineyard and almond production systems, as well as updates on the risks posed by the bacterium and its insect vectors to agriculture, forestry and natural ecosystems.
The conference will also provide a platform for the presentation and discussion of the results from the Horizon Europe research project BeXyl - Beyond Xylella, as well as from projects funded by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (MASAF) supporting the control of Xylella fastidiosa and the recovery of olive growing, alongside findings from other international, EU and national research initiatives.
Programme
The draft programme of the conference is now available. It provides an overview of the planned sessions, speakers and thematic focus across the three days. The programme is subject to updates and confirmations.
Call for abstracts (closed)
A call for abstracts was launched to invite contributions for oral and poster presentations. The selected abstracts have contributed to shaping the scientific programme and will be presented during the conference, reflecting recent research findings, emerging challenges and key topics relevant to risk assessment, risk management and policy support.
Young Researchers’ Initiative
A Young Researchers’ Initiative was launched as part of the conference to support early-career researchers and plant health professionals. Selected participants, benefiting from financial support, will attend the conference and contribute to the scientific programme, including through oral and poster presentations.
Side events
In addition to the scientific conference, several side events, meetings and technical activities are running throughout the week, providing further opportunities for exchange and discussion among researchers, practitioners and authorities. Participation in side events is by invitation or prior registration, as the number of available places is limited.
Organiser: EU project BeXyl
Language: English
This meeting is reserved for the BeXyl research consortium. Results from the BeXyl project will also be presented and discussed during the European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa later in the week.
I progetti MASAF per il controllo di Xylella fastidiosa e il rilancio dell’olivicoltura
Organiser: MASAF / CREA
Language: Italian
Type of event: Round table
The Italian and Apulian Plant Protection Services will seize the opportunity of the 5th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa to organize a side event focused on the management of Xylella following more than a decade of EU policy implementation. Primarily aimed at policymakers, risk managers, and stakeholders, the event will feature presentations by representatives of the Plant Protection Services of Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal. These experts, currently managing outbreaks of various X. fastidiosa subspecies, will report on their experiences under different implementation scenarios of the current EU Regulation. The session will conclude by engaging stakeholders through brief contributions. Simultaneous translation in Italian and English will be provided.
Organisers: National Phytosanitary Service (MASAF), Regional Plant Health Service - Puglia Region, CIHEAM Bari, CNR-IPSP
Language: Italian and English (with simultaneous translation)
Organisers: Regional Phytosanitary Service of Apulia, CIHEAM Bari
Language: English
Participation in the field visit is optional; however, registration is required for all conference attendees.
Delegates interested in joining the field visit must select one of the two itineraries:
- Itinerary 1: includes a visit to the area near Bari affected by the outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa, currently under eradication measures. This will be followed by a visit to the neighbouring table grape district, including both vineyards and a packing house, to engage with producers regarding their perception of the threat posed by the causal agent of Pierce’s disease.
- Itinerary 2: Includes a visit to the Salento peninsula, an area heavily affected by X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca and currently subject to containment measures. The technical tour will highlight ongoing programs for the regeneration of the olive industry and research projects dedicated to developing resistant olive germplasm.
Note: Itinerary 2 involves approximately 3 hours of driving to reach the various sites; therefore, an early departure and a late return are expected for all participants. In contrast, Itinerary 1 is scheduled to last from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Organisation and partnerships
The conference is organised in collaboration with major EU and transnational research networks, including BeXyl and EUPHRESCO III, and with key partners such as the CIHEAM Bari, the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR IPSP) and the Regional Plant Health Service, Puglia Region (Italy).
Registration and further information
Registration for the conference is now closed. The event will be accessible via webstreaming.
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For general enquiries related to the conference, please contact: xylella_conference [at] efsa.europa.eu