5 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Today's top story

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry in Australia set to be worth record $101 billion

Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry production is forecast to reach a record value of $101 billion this financial year.

Federal government agency ABARES says the record is underpinned by a strong agricultural sector, particularly livestock.

The winter crop forecast has improved with winter rain in most major cropping areas.

Australia

Australia's winter colder than predicted, but were temperatures actually below average?

The general sentiment that Australia just shivered through a cold winter is false — although it wasn't as warm as forecasts predicted pre-season.

The long road to olive production - Vic co-op prepares to launch

Image: Olive harvest action (Ceilidh Meo)

It’s no secret the olive growing and production process is as meticulous as it is rewarding.

The process – right through from harvesting to pressing and packaging – is detailed and time consuming.

Unfortunately for many small-scale producers, the upfront investment in equipment and significant ongoing input costs required can also make it economically unviable.

Read more to find out how Victoria’s brand new Long Road Olive Co-op is working to build productivity and profitability for small, local producers.

Drought innovation: Adapting and innovating during drought

Finding ways to innovate and adapt to deal with record-breaking drought in western Victoria.

Watch the full story now, on ABC Landline.

Federal government announces $1 billion expansion of Victorian, SA farmer support loans

The federal government has increased funding for its support scheme for farmers as they continue to suffer from drought.

An extra $1 billion will be provided to the Regional Investment Corporation for farm loans, including new support for ecological events such as the algal bloom in South Australia.

The government says it is committed to continuing the support beyond June 2026.

Sydney once produced its own food – but urban development has devoured the city’s food bowl

For much of Sydney’s history, the city supported its population with crops, orchards, dairies, abattoirs, oyster beds, wineries and market gardens scattered across the basin.

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

Olive Growers Victoria Field Day

Olive Growers Victoria is running its next Field Day event at Oasis Olives, Telopea Downs, on 20 September 2025.

Bookings are required. Visit the Olive Growers Victoria website for more information and to secure your spot.

AI conquers our agriculture

The main and obvious reason for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is the need to improve the efficiency of agriculture.

This is necessary to reduce greenhouse emissions, though the main thing is that improving the efficiency of agriculture is necessary to feed the ever-growing population of the planet.

International

‘We cannot do it the way our fathers did’: Farmers across Europe struggle to adapt to the climate crisis

As wildfires rage in southern Europe and crop losses only set to increase in the coming years, producers are getting creative to beat the heat

The Governor Olive Oil: Tradition, innovation, and science

Corfu has a deep-rooted olive oil tradition, but in 2010 its oil had the worst reputation in Greece, and olive oil production was about to stop.

Alarmed, Spyros and George Dafnis took action.

The brothers inspired a revolution in Corfu’s olive oil sector, bringing it back to life and offering hope to young farmers who would have abandoned their groves.

Family-run olive oil business thrives in central Italy

Alfredo Agostini's small olive press in central Italy has grown into a thriving family business, exporting award-winning extra virgin olive oil worldwide.

Italian wine and olive oil exports hit by new US tariffs as trade tensions escalate

Producers face hundreds of millions in losses and risk losing market share to global competitors amid ongoing negotiations.

Tunisia’s olive oil export volumes increase as revenues decline amid global price crash

Bulk exports dominate Tunisia's shipments, accounting for 88.1% of total volume, while packaged olive oil, typically commanding higher margins, represented just 11.9%.

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Why olive oil demand Is outpacing supply around the world

Global olive oil consumption is projected to reach 3,064,500 tonnes in the 2024/25 crop year, representing a 10.0% increase compared to the previous crop year.