20 March 2026

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Today's top story

New research suggests olives may reveal oil quality before milling

A new study suggests that analyzing the metabolic profile of olives before extraction could help predict some of the chemical and sensory characteristics of the oil they will produce.

Australia

It’s not hoarding: Farmers need to buy huge amounts of diesel to keep our food secure

Over recent weeks, Australian drivers have watched as petrol and diesel prices have soared, raising concerns about wider price shocks to come.

But at the same time as urban motorists see rising prices, something else often happens in rural Australia. Farmers begin filling their diesel tanks. This behaviour can look like hoarding, or even panic buying. But in many cases, it is simply practical farm management.

Australia battered by climate ‘whiplash’ as Climate Council warns of dangerous new era of extreme weather

Australia has experienced dramatic climate “whiplash” this summer, with the same regions scorched by catastrophic fires then devastated by record floods within weeks.

Just like fuel, fertiliser supply chains are a hidden vulnerability

While fuel shortages attract attention, disruptions to shipments in fertilisers or chemicals are just as damaging to our national economy.

'Never seen this': fuel shortages hit farming towns

A small town service station owner says his business is in the midst of the worst fuel shortages in more than 25 years.

Nathan Falvo was forced to ration the latest fuel delivery at his petrol station in Robinvale, in Victoria's far northwest, after running completely dry over the weekend.

Koala habitat logged by farmers caught unaware of new environment laws

The Australian Conservation Foundation has identified a dozen cases of land clearing since December that should have sought environmental approval.

The ACF fears farmers are unaware of new requirements that began at the end of last year, and that departments may also be giving wrong advice.

Report dodgy conduct - ACCC monitors water markets compliance

Image: Michael Thomsett.

Olive industry members are being urged to report dodgy conduct within Australia’s water-handling market, as new compliance monitoring efforts begin.

The ACCC has advised it will conduct desktop audits to ensure intermediaries are complying with their obligations. Read more.

AOA Classifieds

Got something to sell? Want to buy?

If you’ve got something industry-related to sell, you can reach your target market directly with our grower-to-grower service - AOA Classifieds.

Our online classifieds are an easy and inexpensive solution to advertising your unwanted equipment. And if there’s something you’re looking for, it’s the ideal way to get the message out loud and clear to your peers and industry associates!

Classifieds start from as little as $44 for AOA members ($110 for non-members) and are online now at www.australianolives.com.au/classifieds

For details, rates, or to create a classified, hit the button below.

AOA Classifieds

I'm a scientist. One conversation led me to rethink climate change

As a teenager growing up in a rural town, Jacob Martin was sceptical about climate change. Some pivotal moments in his life changed that.

International

Report finds rising interest in olive oil tourism amid knowledge gap in Italy

Olive oil tourism in Italy grew sharply between 2021 and 2024, but a new report shows most consumers still cannot name a single olive cultivar.

The Crete Model: Growing olive oil tourism in Greece

Olive oil tourism (oleotourism) attracts increasing numbers of visitors who seek authentic experiences in olive oil-producing countries.

New olive groves take root in Italy’s northern regions of Piedmont, Trentino

Olive cultivation is expanding across northern Italy, driven by a mix of shifting climate conditions, farm diversification and renewed interest in local production.

The history of olive oil in Greece: An updated overview

Olive trees have existed longer than modern humans, and the history of olive oil in Greece spans millennia.

Olive farm waste used for bioenergy slashes carbon emissions by up to 60%

Olive farm waste such as prunings, wastewater and leftover pulp can be converted into compost and bioenergy, cutting carbon emissions by up to 60% and generating modest income for growers.

The (irreparable) market fracture of extra virgin olive oil

Comparing shelf prices between 100% Italian and foreign olive oil highlights a significant competitive disparity that needs to be explained to consumers.

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Students use podcast to preserve heritage of Karaburun’s date olives

In the Karaburun Peninsula, students are using audio storytelling to connect climate change, rural depopulation and intergenerational knowledge to the future of the region’s distinctive date olives.