5 June 2026

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Today's top story

Extreme heatwaves have become a major threat to Australia's food supply, and not just in summer

Heatwaves are becoming more extreme and frequent, making it harder to grow food crops.

Extreme temperatures are happening not just in summer, but also during critical spring flowering periods for crops such as wheat.

Australia

Entries open: Australian International Olive Awards 2026

By Laura Thomas

New Australian International Olive Awards categories will ensure local growers are better recognised, as the quality of Australian olives continue to match some of the very best in the world.

Entries for the 2026 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) are now open. Read more.

Health Star Ratings misleading consumers in edible oil market

By Laura Thomas

The Federal Government’s Health Star Rating system is not telling consumers the whole story when it comes to the complex nutritional value of extra virgin olive oil, industry leaders claim.

EVOO is a natural, single-ingredient food and one of the most researched in nutrition science, providing a range of proven health benefits.

But it could soon be presented as a less healthy option than other heavily-refined seed oils on the market if HSR labelling becomes mandatory. Read more

Primary producers delaying vehicle maintenance pose major risk

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding primary producers to prioritise the maintenance of their heavy vehicles to prevent critical mechanical failure.

Australia winter weather forecast 2026: Bureau predicts below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures

Australia is heading into a winter likely to be warmer than average, with below-average rainfall expected across large parts of the country, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest long-range outlook.

ABARES report predicts broadacre farm profits will drop by 70 per cent

The lingering drought and soaring input costs mean there are tough times ahead for the nation's farmers, according to the latest report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).

DAS (Digital Agriculture Services) first quarterly report into regional land values



Agri-fintech company DAS (Digital Agriculture Services) has developed a Rural Sales Dashboard, an interactive tool for interrogating the data behind rural property sales across Australia’s mainland states and the NT.

‘A joke’: Farmers highlight missed opportunities ahead of budget

Ahead of the state budget on June 4, the leaders of SA’s agricultural industries tell what they need to move past the devastating drought.

International

Analysis: Could Hormuz be the crisis that finally makes the world rethink farming?

When the Strait of Hormuz was blockaded, few people were surprised at the impact that it had on oil prices. But many were shocked at just how important the waterway is for another commodity crucial to the global economy: fertiliser.

E.U. suspends fertilizer tariffs in bid to ease farm costs

The European Union has suspended customs tariffs for one year on several nitrogen-based fertilizers widely used across agriculture, a move that could help ease production costs for some olive growers.

Tunisia boosts olive oil export revenues

Tunisia increased its olive oil export revenues by 49.2% during the first six months of the 2025/2026 harvest season, from November to April, compared with the same period of the previous season.

Olives and olive oil: risk assessment and management

Talking about risk today doesn't mean describing exceptional scenarios, but rather recognizing that olive growing operates in a regime of structural variability.

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.

The olive oil gold rush

As a certified olive oil sommelier (yes, a real thing) I believe the UK is on the brink of an extra virgin olive oil, or EVOO, revolution.

Greece recruits 5,000 Egyptian farmworkers to salvage harvests

Greece has activated a bilateral agreement with Egypt to recruit up to five thousand seasonal farmworkers to clear a critical labor deficit in crops and agricultural operations nationwide.

Houses built with earth bricks and olive residue can take up to three times longer to heat, utilize leftovers from the olive oil industry, and bring energy savings

Bricks made with olive pomace delay heat entry, increase thermal comfort, and transform olive oil production waste into sustainable building material

Calendar 2026

1 June

Entries open, 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

10 August

Entries open, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

21 August

Entries close, 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

www.internationaloliveawardsaustralia.com.au

3 September

Entries close, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

8 October

Awards ceremony, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

Email Laura to have your event included.

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

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