President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet the family of Specialist Leslie H. Sabo, Jr., U.S. Army, outside the Oval Office prior to a Medal of Honor ceremony honoring Specialist Sabo, May 16, 2012. Pictured, from left, are: Kathleen StarkLECCE, Italy -
A province in southern Italy on Thursday dedicated a 1,400-year-old olive tree known as "The Queen" to US First Lady Michelle Obama because of her commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles.
The province of Lecce, in the farming region of Apulia, said that the roughly 26 gallons (100 liters) of extra-virgin olive oil made from the fruits of the giant tree would be sent to the White House every year, starting this fall.
"The First Lady has launched the 'Let's Move' campaign for a healthier lifestyle and diet ... in perfect harmony with the requirements of a Mediterranean diet," the province said in a statement.
The tree has a diameter at its base of 46ft (14m) and can produce up to 1,300lbs (600kg) of olives a year.
Michelle Obama has an organic vegetable garden planted in the White House and regularly invites children to tend it with her.
Last month, she appeared in an episode of weight-loss reality show "The Biggest Loser" to promote her campaign against obesity.
Copyright 2012 AFP. All rights reserved.
