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A prototype that could revolutionise olive growing has been successfully tested.
It is still in the experimental phase, but if the results were to confirm the initial indications collected, it would constitute a real revolution for olive growing, and above all for one of the most delicate and expensive phases: the olive harvest.
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Image:Isotope map of Australia made by CSIRO using data from Isotopes.au. CSIRO.
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has launched an important new national resource of isotopic data – food’s unique fingerprint – that can be used to help protect and further grow Australia’s reputation for high-quality, safe, and sustainably-produced food.
Isotopes.au consolidates a treasure trove of isotopic data from Australia’s leading research agencies into a single, open-access and trusted resource, which can be used by regulators and industry to verify a food’s provenance and sustainability claims and ensure compliance with trade regulations.
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Agriculture plays a vital role in feeding, clothing, and fuelling a growing global population.
Central to Australia’s economy, agriculture builds local communities and supports environmental benefits like biodiversity and water stewardship. However, agriculture contributes 13 per cent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Decarbonising agriculture is key to unlocking opportunities for communities, industry and the environment.
Farmers need support and clear pathways to help reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future. This is where science comes in.
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Farewell, Margaret Edwards | |
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The New Zealand and Australian olive industries lost a passionate supporter in late December 2024, with the passing of industry stalwart Margaret Edwards.
An award-winning olive oil producer for 25 years, alongside her late husband John, Margaret was an IOC International Panel leader who trained and led the Olives New Zealand Sensory Panel. She judged internationally for over 20 years and served as a consultant, author, and lecturer, sharing her expert knowledge and her passion for extra virgin olive oil.
Margaret was also active in the Australian industry, joining the Australian National Olive Awards judging panel in 2016 and continuing her support as head judge of the New Zealand panel of the Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA).
"Margaret was an absolute pleasure to work with as a panel leader, judge and olive oil aficionado,” AIOA Convenor and Chief Steward Trudie Michels said.
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“She was always keen to share her knowledge and expertise with up-and-coming judges and colleagues.
“Margaret was a beautiful person inside and out and she will be sorely missed by her AIOA family."
Along with the Edwards Olive Oil Research Fund, providing annual support in perpetuity for research projects around olive oil quality, Margaret leaves behind a legacy of passion and dedication to the olive oil industry which will continue to benefit the industry for years to come.
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Women with leadership ambitions are urged to apply to the popular Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program (DiALP).
The initiative is run by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and is now entering its eighth year.
NFF President David Jochinke said more women are needed in the top echelons of agriculture organisations and businesses.
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Image: CBD News, The Voice of Postcode 3000 - Melbourne's CBD / Hidden Secrets Tours.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a drink in the sun-drenched courtyard of Caretaker’s Cottage, you’ve likely welcomed the cool, soothing shade of the grand tree at its centre.
But what you may not realise is that this isn’t just any tree – it’s Australia’s oldest olive tree.
An interesting little read about Australia's oldest olive tree, located in Melbourne's busy CBD.
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Australians already grappling with soaring insurance costs are likely to see premiums continue to rise — but at a slower pace, according to Insurance Australia Group (IAG) chief executive Nick Hawkins.
IAG reported a 91 per cent rise in net profit for the first-half to December 31, 2024 to $778 million, due largely to favourable weather conditions. ..
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Nuffield Scholarship applications for 2026 are now open to Australian primary producers and those working in the agriculture industry.
This unique study and travel scholarship opens doors to exciting and rewarding experiences, allowing participants to invest in their personal and business growth.
Applications close 16 May 2025.
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Our next Back to Basics field day will be held in New South Wales' Hunter Valley region next month.
Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from past attendees, our next event will be held at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove NSW, as part of the National Farmers Federation Horticuture Roadsow.
While the day’s focus will be on how grape growers can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives and make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyard, it will be of great benefit to anyone looking to enter the olive industry.
Registrations are now open and close on 3 March unless sold-out, so get in quick!
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The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant.
Plans are underway for similar events to be held in Western Australia and Victoria during 2025, so watch this space for event details and more information.
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Got something to sell? Looking to buy?
OliveBiz will take you straight to your target market!
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If you’ve got something industry-related to sell, you can reach your target market directly with Olivebiz Classifieds. Our online Classifieds service is 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 – the most likely to have what you need.
Olivebiz Classifieds cost just $40 for AOA members ($100 for non-members), including a text ad and link through to either your web page or images hosted on our site. And you don’t need to be a tech-head: just send us your info and we’ll post it up for you.
Olivebiz Classifieds are online now at www.olivebiz.com.au/classifieds.
Contact Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au to organise your listing.
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Image: Melina Kiefer, Unsplash.
By Laura Thomas
It’s often said in life that timing is everything and olive harvest is certainly no exception. But how exactly do you know when your crop is ready to pick?
To ensure the best possible balance between fruit quantity and quality and production of beautiful Australian-grown EVOO, it’s important you understand how to identify the prime harvest time for your crop.
Read on to learn more about the importance of good harvest planning and how to know when your crop is ready to pick. Hopefully it provides some food for thought and the ability to move forward with confidence for a successful harvest ahead!
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Italy, known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, also boasts a prestigious reputation for producing some of the world's finest olives and wines.
However, increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are threatening this lush landscape, transforming the traditional agricultural practices of olive and vine production.
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Global olive oil consumption may be on the path to recovery.
According to the latest data from the International Olive Council (IOC), global consumption is expected to rise by ten percent in the 2024/25 crop year compared to the previous campaign.
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Since early Minoan times, people have been harvesting olives for their "liquid gold" (olive oil as described by Greek philosopher Homer).
You may be a drizzler or perhaps a dipper.
But have you ever considered being a… drinker?
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The past nine months have put an end to the exponential growth that had been driving European olive oil prices.
Over the same period, quotations for different categories of olive oil have fallen by more than -25%, returning to levels seen in the 2022-23 olive oil campaign.
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Friday Olive Extracts is back for 2025, bringing 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!
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A groundbreaking study has found that consuming just one type of oil every day could help to prevent coronary artery disease – a common type of heart disease.
No prizes for guessing what this "spectacular oil" might be!
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Spain's Malaga province agri-food cooperative Dcoop achieved a record turnover last year reaching 1.55 billion euros after an increase of 10.33% compared to 2023.
This growth in turnover can be explained by the high olive oil price in the early and middle part of 2024 and good sales of olives, although the other activities (supplies, livestock, cereals, wine and nuts) also contributed to the Antequera-based cooperative obtaining the highest figure in its history.
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Doctors in Turkey have warned of the life-threatening dangers of swallowing olive pits, after a 92-year-old almost died when her bowel was ripped apart by one of the dozens of seeds in her digestive tract.
This story should probably come with a viewer discretion warning! A cautionary tale for anyone who enjoys their table olives as much as this very lucky woman from Turkey ...
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Calendar 2025
10 MARCH 2025
AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove
Registrations now open!
Following overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees at past events, plans are underway for similar "Back to Basics" events to be held in Western Australia and Victoria during 2025. Watch this space for dates and more information.
To include your event in our next edition, or update your existing event details, please reach out to Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au
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