17 JANUARY 2025

Today's top story

AOA gets back to basics

Field day attendees explore the olive grove at Two Sisters Wine Company, with AOA Board Chairman Michael Thomsett.

The Australian Olive Association got back to the very basics of olive growing and production in the heart of SA's Barossa Valley wine region last month.

Delivered by the AOA as part of the National Farmers' Federation Horticulture Roadshow, the SA Back to Basics Field Day was held on 12 December at the historic Two Sister's Wine Company vineyard at Stone Well, which is also home to a small olive grove.

AOA Back to Basics Field Days will be held in Victoria, NSW and WA in the coming months. Read on to find out what’s on offer and why you really must go along!

Australia

Is your workplace safe?

Safe Work Australia preliminary fatalities data for 2024 has been released, providing a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety.

Preliminary figures show 33 Australian agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector workers were killed while on the job during 2024, highlighting the need to ensure safe work practices are in place for the coming olive harvest and beyond.

Read the preliminary fatalities data here. An update is expected on 20 January.

Farmers to benefit as $20M On Farm Connectivity Program returns

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed funding for a third round of the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).

Announced this week by the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland MP, the OFCP is designed to assist farmers to adopt advanced connected machinery and sensor technology.

Farmers fear Donald Trump's US election promise of global tariff could cause 'big issue' for Australia

President-elect Donald Trump announced late last year he would introduce a global tariff on all imports to the US.

This would see exports to the US become more expensive - a big issue for Australian producers.

And as the 20 January inauguration date draws close, Australian farmers and other exporters are waiting anxiously to see if the new leader carries through with his promise.

Coles Nurture Fund grants opening soon

Nurture Fund grands are opening soon. Image: Coles.

Australian producers with unique ideas for innovation and growth are being urged to apply for funding as part of the latest round of Coles Nurture Fund grants.

Applications for this round of funding open on 20 January 2025. Hit the link for all the details!

Farmer quits over supermarket price discrepancies

A regional Victorian tomato and zucchini farmer has quit the industry in protest over farmgate prices.

He said the discrepancy between what farmers are paid and what the product retails for is pushing people out of the industry.

The Mediterranean Diet, how eating with others can improve health

Image: Olive Wellness Institute

A new year is now underway and many of us would have enjoyed the last few weeks celebrating and breaking bread with family and friends.

For centuries, eating with others has been a key component of the Mediterranean diet, as it encourages social connection and can reduce stress.

This interesting piece by the Olive Wellness Institute takes a deep-dive into the health benefits of eating socially - both mentally and physically!

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.

SA women paving the way for leadership in agriculture

The latest round of emerging leaders in agriculture and rural communities has been selected to participate in the Stepping into Leadership Program.

The professional development program aims to support inspirational South Australian women to take the next step in their professional journey.

Interested in taking part? The 2026 program will be open for applications in mid-September. For more information visit Stepping into leadership.

International

Table olives market projected to reach USD 5.42B by 2030

The table olives market was valued at USD 4.06 Billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 5.42 Billion

The table olives market is a growing sector fueled by the increasing global demand for natural and flavorful food options.

Olive oil is healthy - turns out olive leaf extract may be good for us too

Olive oil is synonymous with the Mediterranean diet, and the health benefits of both are well documented.

Now, evidence is mounting about the health benefits of olive leaves.

Image: Freepik.

Uruguay anticipates harvest rebound

Good climate conditions and a promising fruit set portend a harvest rebound in Uruguay. While this year's yield will exceed the 2024 total, it will likely be less than in 2023.

Olive farming thrives in Duhok

There are nearly a million olive trees in Duhok, with farmers and investors planning to plant more trees in the province.

Creative uses of olive oil and extra virgin olive oil: From cosmetics to meditation

Cosmetics, shaving foams, candles, room fragrances, and even anti-inflammatory products. A symbol of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil and extra virgin olive oil can be used in ways that go far beyond cooking.

Send us YOUR news!

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!

No stone left unturned for makers of Paris region's first olive oil

When life gives you olives, make olive oil.

That's exactly what a group of neighbours on the outskirts of Paris have done - turning fruit from their garden trees into the region's very first olive oil.

2025

28 January

AOA Office Re-opens

secretariat@australianolives.com.au

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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