13 February 2026

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Today's top story

Liquid gold: How olive oil became a global essential

Almost everyone has an olive oil story. It might be an Italian nonna who swore by a spoonful each morning “for the heart” or the half-empty bottle on your kitchen bench that goes into everything from roast potatoes to chocolate cake.

Australia

Bureau of Meteorology releases Annual Climate Statement 2025

The Bureau of Meteorology has released the Annual Climate Statement 2025, confirming that annual maximum and minimum temperatures were above average across most of the country, with varied rainfall totals last year.

AI isn’t likely to wipe out all farming jobs – but it is changing who bears the risks

The global economy is bracing for major job disruption as artificial intelligence (AI) advances and spreads across industries.

Don’t let a fun ride end in tragedy this summer

SafeWork SA is warning people thinking about riding quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles over the summer holidays of the dangers following a spike in deaths in the past two years.

A reminder worth sharing at any time of the year ...

Virtual fencing takes on mixed cropping systems

A new CSIRO research publication explores how GPS-enabled virtual fencing could help farmers manage grazing, crops and groundcover with greater precision.

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.

NEW CLASSIFIED! Massey Tractor with Forks & Asquini Harvest Assembly

Food as medicine – sharing the health benefits of the humble olive

Image: Unsplash

By Laura Thomas

The olive has been placed at the centre of revamped US healthy eating guidelines, shining a new spotlight on the fruit's myriad of health benefits.

The health benefits of quality olives and olive oil is well documented and is an important message to share. Read more.

Possible El Niño within months raising potential for hot, dry year across Australia

The first El Niño in three years could develop during the coming months, raising the possibility of worsening drought and extreme heat across Australia in 2026.

Diesel rebate debate set to intensify in 2026, ag sector warned

The diesel fuel rebate is emerging as a growing pressure point for the agricultural sector in 2026 following renewed public scrutiny of the scheme last year.

International

Weeks of rain and flooding slow Spain’s olive harvest, threatening output

Spain’s olive harvest has been disrupted by weeks of rain and storms, prompting AEMO to trim its 2025/26 production outlook to about 1.2 million tons and warn of a lower share of extra virgin olive oil.

Italian olive oil farmers say flood of imports is causing price collapse

Italian olive oil producers say a surge of cheap Tunisian imports has triggered a collapse in prices, increasing tensions between growers and the country’s powerful bottling industry.

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts brings the latest industry news and events direct to your inbox each week.

As THE place to share olive industry news, event details and reminders, our industry e-newsletter keeps growing in popularity and we now have nearly 3,000 subscribers across the globe. If you’re not one of them, why not? Sign up here!

And please remember this is YOUR e-newsletter and we’re keen to receive your news and help spread the word. Just email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au - it’s free and the best way to reach your fellow industry members!

Olive oil reached Italy a thousand years before Rome

Archaeologists have documented olive oil production in Italy beginning more than a thousand years before Rome emerged as an imperial power.

Morocco’s olive harvest races ahead as rain, cold and labor shortages tighten the window

Moroccan growers are accelerating the harvest after a delayed start and weeks of rain and cold. Labor shortages and higher wages are squeezing timelines even as extraction rates rise and retail olive oil prices fall.

United States olive oil market trends & summary

Health-conscious consumers, premiumization, and sustainable packaging reshape a US$ 6.04 billion market opportunity by 2033

Study finds virgin olive oil linked to better gut health and slower cognitive decline

New research suggests that virgin and extra virgin olive oil may support brain health by shaping the gut microbiota, while refined oils show weaker effects.

Mediterranean diet could reduce risk of stroke by 25%, study finds

Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, nuts, seafood, whole grains and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of all types of stroke among women, a 20-year-long study suggests.

Calendar 2026

25 February

Pressing ahead: Clean energy strategies for Australia's olive producers
Free AOA webinar, 11am AEDT
Register

26 March

AOA Back to Basics Field Day, Adelaide Uni Roseworthy Campus and NOVA site, Roseworthy SA

Book now

Email Laura to have your event included.

For Friday Olive Extracts editorial and advertising enquiries, email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au