8 AUGUST 2025

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Today's top story

Combatting weeds in the grove

By Laura Thomas

Above average rainfall is predicted for much of mainland Australia over the coming months, as soaking rains begin to provide drought relief for farmers.

The Bureau of Meteorology has released its long-range forecast for August-October, revealing a 60% to greater than 80% chance of above-average rainfall for much of the country.

But with decent rain beginning to fall, it’s not only the olive trees that will flourish – so too will the weeds.

Australia

BOM: Above average rainfall for most of mainland Australia

The Bureau of Meteorology’s August to October 2025 long range forecast says above average rainfall is on the cards for most of mainland Australia.

Video: View the long-range forecast for August to October by experts from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Beyond nutrients: How olive oil unlocks the power of nature’s bioactives

If you grow olives, you already know they’re special. The deep, peppery bite of fresh pressed olive oil isn’t just about flavour—it’s a sign of polyphenol richness, the compounds that make extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) one of the healthiest fats on the planet.

But here’s what many don’t realise: health benefits don’t just come from what’s inside the bottle. They depend on what happens next—how olive oil interacts with other foods to unlock their full nutritional potential.

By Dr. Paul H. Mason

Research Fellow / Sessional Lecturer

School of Natural Sciences / School of Social Sciences

Macquarie University, NSW

This article first appeared in Olive Growers Victoria’s newsletter.

Heavy vehicle operators say drivers increasingly mistaking right turn signal as chance to overtake

Heavy vehicle drivers on country roads will often use their right indicator to signal trailing drivers that it is safe to pass.

While common, the practice is illegal and is increasingly leading to close calls between vehicles.

A WA spraying contractor says he has experienced an increasing number of near misses, where drivers have tried to overtake while he is turning right.

Think you don’t like olives? This Aussie professor might just change your mind

From citrus and green apple to stewed peaches and plums – these Australian olives taste more like wine than your traditional brined varieties. The secret lies in a waste-free processing method that's turning olive haters into converts.

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AOA Classifieds

State of the State: Farmer Priorities Survey

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is leading the first ever State of the State: Farmer Priorities Survey to inform its advocacy agenda and ensure it’s delivering the best possible representation for Victorian farming communities.

Anyone from across regional Victoria or the agricultural supply chain is welcome to participate.

Uncertainty at NSW DPIRD amid 165 proposed job cuts

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development DPIRD is facing a wave of uncertainty, with details yet to emerge on which divisions will be impacted by the proposed cut of 165 jobs.

Greece seeks exemption for olive oil, feta and yogurt from Trump tariffs with Australia emerging as key export market

The Greek government is pushing hard to ensure traditional exports like olive oil and feta are not casualties of a shifting global trade order, hoping that Europe will back its case, and that markets like Australia are ready to respond.

International

European olive oil exports bounce back

European olive oil exports to the United States, Canada, China, and Australia increased by 25 percent during the 2024/25 crop year due to higher production and lower prices, as reported by the European Commission.

However, the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development warned of a potential decrease in the 2025/26 harvest due to hot weather in Spain and Portugal, with EU countries expected to produce 2.1 million tons of olive oil in 2024/25, a significant increase over the previous year.

Global olive market: Anticipated 1.1% CAGR growth expected to reach 3.7M

The global olive market is forecasted to experience a steady increase in consumption over the next ten years, with a projected CAGR of +1.1% in volume and +2.4% in value from 2024 to 2035.

This growth is fueled by rising demand for olives in various forms across the globe.

Harvest in New Zealand shows promise

New Zealand's 2025 olive harvest is off to a promising start, with challenges reported in northern regions but overall optimism for a strong yield.

Olive oil, exports on the rise and values on the rise

Ismea has released its traditional olive oil sector report, which shows growing exports and rising values, while the industry is also looking to recover volumes. Here's a summary.

In 2024 l 'Olive oil exports increased by 6,8%, reaching 344 thousand tons for a value exceeding 3,09 billion euros (+ 42,6% on 2023), with a significant reduction in the trade deficit (-84,3%)The sector has reached a turnover of 5,8 billion euros, consolidating its economic weight in the national food industry.

How California olive oil producers are adopting regenerative agriculture

In the Sacramento Valley, rows of olive trees are punctuated not by bare earth but by a thick carpet of green cover crops—vetch, clover, and rye. These olives are destined for a bottle of California Olive Ranch’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Farm finds niche in organic almonds, olives

Premiums aren’t as lucrative as they used to be for P-R Farms in Clovis, Calif. But business owner Pat Ricchiuti still believes in the future of organic agriculture.

In the late 2000s, Clovis, Calif., farmer Pat Ricchiuti saw an opportunity to corner a market with organic almonds and olives. His family planted olives in 2008 and saw their first crop in 2011. They began producing organic almonds around the same time.

Albanian brand for olive oil, Ministry of Agriculture aims to bring together 50 farmers in a consortium

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Anila Denaj, stated today that the Albanian Government aims to build a consortium for olive oil, uniting 50 farmers and oil producers in an Albanian brand.

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Spain launches new olive oil tourism routes

Wine tastings have long been a popular holiday activity, with craft beer tourism on the rise in recent years, too.

But if you’re more of a foodie, we have good news, as Spain has just launched a new tourism project that puts the spotlight on the country’s olive oil.