23 MAY 2025

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Today's top story

Australia's agricultural productivity slowing

Australian farmers are expected to produce $91 billion dollars of food and fibre this year.

But there's concern the agriculture sector is losing its competitive edge as the productivity rate falls.

Australia

NSW flooded coastal regions face another day of rain as deluge shifts to Sydney, South Coast

Flood watches and warnings are now current for more than two dozen river systems across eastern New South Wales as a major May deluge tracks down the coast.

The heaviest falls today will be concentrated around Sydney in the morning, before shifting to the South Coast later, and could produce a months' worth of rain in just a few hours.

But while the coastal regions are facing another day of floods, western NSW is rejoicing after the heaviest rain in months finally brought drought relief.

Stay safe and up-to-date with the latest emergency information from HazardWatch.

Victoria's historic drought to persist despite local showers and New South Wales floods

Victoria is in a historic drought and, despite the cold nights that are ahead, it is set to be a warmer-than-average winter.

Little rain is forecast for the state, and the Bureau of Meteorology says flooding in other parts of Australia won't help Victoria's drought-hit regions.

Firefighters, farmers stage Victorian budget day protest over emergency services levy

Thousands of Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteers and farmers have travelled to Melbourne on state budget day to protest against the government's new emergency services tax.

Good record keeping the key to accurate levies and returns

Image: Unsplash.

By Laura Thomas

Australia is home to an estimated 10 million olive trees, located within 450 commercial groves across 33,000 hectares.

An estimated 85,000 tonnes of fruit was produced in 2024. A portion of this volume was subject to the Federal Government’s Olive Levy, payable by olive producers to help support the Australian olive industry.

It's vital producers keep accurate records throughout harvest and beyond to ensure accurate levies and returns. Click to read more!

The drought that changed us

Some kids had never seen a puddle until the Millennium Drought broke. The decade-long dry spell sweeping Australia delivered more than cracked earth, it changed our relationship with water.

The truth behind the accuracy of weather forecasts

Increasingly complex technology means forecasts are significantly better than they were decades ago — here's why.

Helping NSW farmers navigate soil carbon management

The Soil CRC has produced a range of resources to help NSW land managers and advisors understand their property’s soil carbon potential.

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.

AOA Classifieds

Woolworths partners with the NFF to back young farmer changemakers

The race to a $100 billion Australian agriculture industry by 2030 is on. And for the first time, Woolworths and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) are seeking the nation’s most innovative minds to lead the charge.

Joining forces to launch the AgriEmpower Scholarship, Woolworths and the NFF are investing $400,000 over the next four years to empower 20 exceptional young professionals.

International

USDA predicts global olive oil production decline

The USDA predicts a ten percent decrease in global olive oil production for the 2025/26 crop year, with production expected to fall to 3.016 million metric tons, particularly in the European Union and Turkey.

An olive oil mill from almost 2000 years ago comes to light

Tunisian archaeologists have recently brought to light an olive oil mill dating back to the late Roman period on the site of Bechni, located in the governorate of Kebili.

The ongoing excavations in this small community have revealed the existence of this ancient olive oil plant datable between the 3rd and 7th century AD, as confirmed by the ceramic finds discovered.

Olive oil tourism is taking off in Greece. Here’s where to taste it.

From tastings with olive oil sommeliers to celebrating harvest season at family-run mills, here’s how to experience oleotourism and immerse yourself in the world of Greece’s “liquid gold.”

Olive oil’s comeback: Spain’s liquid gold on the rise

After two tough years of drought, poor harvests, and record-high prices, Spain’s olive oil industry is showing signs of recovery.

As a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet and rural economy, olive oil enters the 2024/25 season with renewed optimism.

For now, the extreme prices seen recently are unlikely to return soon.

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!

Spain's olive oil production doubles: target 4 million tons

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, inaugurated in Jaén the 22th edition of Expoliva 2025, the International Fair of Olive Oil and Related Industries, announcing the ambitious goal of achieving 4 million tons of olive oil marketed by 2040.

To achieve this vision, the minister has outlined a strategy based on'increasing production, opening new markets and ensuring fair profitability for farmers, industries and distributors.

Correct guide to olive grove management, a model to follow

Olive growing: from Umbria. Useful advice to follow in this phenological phase of the olive tree to obtain important productive and qualitative results.

“Olive oil prices? Spain should follow Italy’s example"

Economist from the Iberian country analyses the difference in value of extra virgin olive oil between the two countries, identifying causes and possible solutions for an upward alignment