|
Image: AgriFutures
Australian agriculture faces a period of transformational shifts in the coming two decades.
Emerging technologies, evolving environmental and societal pressures, and the reshaping of global markets will influence how the nation produces, markets and consumes its agricultural products.
| |
|
Image: ABC
Tropical Cyclone Alfred's centre is expected to cross the coast early Saturday morning, with impacts already being felt across south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
The category two system is expected to remain of similar intensity until the centre starts to interact with the coast and islands.
For the latest tropical cyclone warnings and the Tropical Cyclone 7 day forecast, visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone/ or follow the BOM on Facebook.
We hope all our growers, readers, families and friends are staying safe.
| |
|
NFF closely monitoring Cyclone Alfred
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) is closely monitoring the unfolding situation as Cyclone Alfred threatens agricultural communities across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.
With destructive winds and heavy rainfall predicted, the storm’s potential to cause significant damage to crops, infrastructure, and rural communities is of major concern for the farming sector.
| |
The latest AgHealth Australia data has revealed a concerning increase in on-farm fatalities and serious injuries in 2024, which saw 72 deaths and 133 serious injuries reported.
AgHealth Australia’s Farm Safety Research Manager, Kerri-Lynn Peachy said the latest statistics are troubling and a stark reminder for the need to prioritise farm safety.
| |
|
South Australia's farmers are increasingly worried about water supplies for their livestock, as drought conditions cause dams to dry up across the state.
Much of the state has experienced a record-dry year, with emergency measures put in place in the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu this week to assist properties not connected to mains water.
Drought conditions are a concern for primary producers across the state who are feeling the strain of a hot, dry start to 2025. Fingers crossed the rain comes soon!
| |
|
South Australia's bushfire season is likely to be extended to late autumn as drought conditions fail to loosen their grip on the state.
Fire danger season dates were due to start ending from March 31, but the Country Fire Service (CFS) has advised updated dates will be released in the coming weeks.
| |
|
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to a National Food Security Strategy, Feeding Australia – a key ask of the NFF in the lead-up to the election.
NFF President David Jochinke said the strategy was an important step in ensuring agriculture was all about safeguarding our farm sector and food supply in an increasingly volatile world.
| |
|
|
With the revised Food and Grocery Code coming into effect on April 1, now is the time to get ahead of the changes and understand how they will impact your business.
Join the AUSVEG webinar to learn key changes, retailer shifts, and how suppliers can benefit.
| |
|
Image: Chemical spraying in the grove.
By Laura Thomas
As olive crops begin to ripen across parts of the country, Australian growers would be looking to complete their weed, pest and disease control efforts well before harvest.
Troublesome weeds will always present a management issue for growers, while key diseases like olive anthracnose and Australian insect pest olive lace bug have the potential to devastate a grove if not effectively managed.
Knowledge is power and the AOA is here to help. Read on to find out more about approved chemicals and the withholding periods that apply, so you can get the most out of your crop in this season and the next!
| | |
|
Back to Basics events are designed to provide key information to new olive growers and those thinking about joining the industry.
The focus is 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. However, the information is for anyone looking to enter the olive industry and useful for existing growers as a refresher session.
Register now to find out more about site selection, varieties, irrigation, grove management, pruning, pests and diseases and harvest options.
| |
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. | |
|
This highly-acclaimed and comprehensive program will be delivered by Pablo Canamasas, international olive oil consultant, processing expert and EVOO judge.
The course covers every aspect of processing quality olive oil, from grove management for optimal fruit quality to best-practice processing and storage.
Along the way you’ll learn a lot about olive oil chemistry, and the practical aspects of oil extraction.
| |
This is part of the Olive levy project Australian olive industry communications and extension program (OL22000), funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation olive research and development levy, co-investment from the Australian Olive Association and contributions from the Australian Government. | |
|
Got something to sell? Looking to buy?
OliveBiz will take you straight to your target market!
| |
|
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.
| |
|
In recent months, climatic conditions have presented unusual characteristics that may have favored the survival of pathogenic fungal colonies, especially in the more humid microenvironments of tree canopies.
| |
|
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has long been celebrated for its wide-ranging health benefits, particularly in promoting cardiovascular health.
However, more recent research suggests that EVOO may also play a significant role in protecting brain health, including lowering the risk of dementia and alleviating its symptoms.
The key components responsible for these benefits are EVOO’s polyphenols and monounsaturated fatty acids.
| |
|
Olives are prone to deterioration during storage, and suitable storage conditions must, therefore, be established to maintain the quality of the fruit and oil.
This study investigated the effect of storing olives at room temperature (23 ± 2 °C), refrigerated (4 °C), and frozen (−20 °C) conditions for 7 d on the quality of virgin olive oil (VOO).
| |
Croatian extra virgin olive oil is among the most expensive in Europe, with recent data from the European Commission showing prices significantly higher than the EU average. | |
|
Image: Sarah Vachon / Citizens of Soil.
Ever wondered what makes a ‘good’ olive oil or which olive oils are the healthiest? We asked Sarah Vachon, an olive oil sommelier and founder of the olive oil subscription service Citizens of Soil to explain all.
| |
|
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!
| |
|
Researchers are viewing olives as more than just a salad ingredient.
The produce could be key in developing a non-toxic drug that helps treat cancer and other diseases.
The HonorHealth Research Institute in Scottsdale is in the early stages of experimenting with a range of produce to use their natural properties for medical treatment.
| |
|
Jordan's olive presses extracted 35,828 tons of olive oil during the 2024/2025 harvest season, marking a robust 43.2 percent year-on-year increase, according to official figures released Sunday.
| |
|
Calendar 2025
9 MARCH
Olives WA EVOO Tasting workshop, led by Isabelle Okis
Osborne Park, Western Australia
Register via entries@oliveswa.com.au
10 MARCH
AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - NSW
Hunter Valley, New South Wales - Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove
Registrations now closed
28 MARCH
Olives WA Annual General Meeting
Online
Register via entries@oliveswa.com.au
7 APRIL
AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - VIC
Inverleigh, Victoria - Clydebank Farm
Register now!
15 APRIL AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - WA
Cowaramup, Western Australia - Olio Bello
Register now!
16 - 17 APRIL AOA Olive Oil Processing Workshop
Cowaramup, Western Australia - Olio Bello
Register now!
To include your event in our next edition, or update your existing event details, please reach out to Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au
| |
Friday Olive Extracts is published by: | | | | |