4 JULY 2025

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Today's top story

Opportunity aplenty amid agritourism boom

Image: Unsplash.

The agritourism market offers opportunity aplenty for Australian olive growers, as consumers increasingly head to the farm gate for authentic boutique food and tourism experiences.

Demand for agritourism is tipped to hit $18.6 billion by 2030, a report released by the CSIRO has revealed.

And as Australian agritourism grows, so too do opportunities for olive producers. Read more.

Australia

The great freight merry-go-round

Image: ABC.

A bird’s-eye view of Australia’s food supply chain would look, as one farmer says, like a “starburst in all directions” spanning thousands of kilometres.

Produce of every variety and colour — fruit, veggies, grains and meat — all makes its way to you from farms and orchards in regional “food bowls”, and then from key distribution hubs in major cities.

AI is coming for agriculture, but farmers aren't convinced

Australian farms are at the forefront of a wave of technological change coming to agriculture.

Over the past decade, more than US$200 billion (A$305 billion) has been invested globally into the likes of pollination robots, smart soil sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) systems to help make decisions.

Calls for tougher biosecurity controls after 62,000kg illegal import sentence

Australian agricultural sectors are calling for tougher biosecurity controls following the sentencing of a woman who illegally imported 62 tonnes of food from Thailand.

The woman was handed a 24-month intensive corrections order and 150 hours of community service.

Industry representatives have criticised the sentence, saying it is not a strong enough deterrent.

The green drought: June rainfall has come too late to offer relief to farmers in southern Australia

The winter crop growing season requires three days of steady rain – but many inland parts of southern Australia did not receive an autumn break this year.

South Australia on high alert for shot-hole borer infestations

Australia is trying to manage the potential spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer, which is known to devastate about 400 different tree species.

The pest beetle has been detected in WA and authorities are trying to keep it out of neighbouring SA.

Agriculture subjects introduced at Perth high schools amid skills shortage

Finn Sugars is just one of many year 12 students trying to figure out his next chapter in life before his upcoming graduation.

"I think I want to go to university, but I want to go into data analytics and finance in agriculture," he said.

"I also see a future in helping farmers with what they should purchase and crop."

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

NEW LISTING: Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Sale – 2,000 Litres (NSW)

Soil needed to dig deeper into microbiome research

This World Microbiome Day (27 June), Agriculture Victoria is launching an expression of interest campaign to encourage farmers to donate soil samples to a National Soil Action Plan-funded research project.

Events

Join the AOA's free webinar and make sure your olive labelling is spot-on this season!

Presented by Michael Southan, AOA CEO and OliveCare® Administrator, this free, online event will cover:

Food Standards Australia New Zealand;
Australian Consumer Law;
AOA product labelling guidelines;
OliveCare® Product Packaging, Labelling, and Distribution Best Practice checklist.

International

Spain to take surplus olive oil off the market to ensure prices stay high

Olive oil prices may not drop as much as expected this year if the government's new plan to not stock surplus supplies comes into force.

Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) has for the first time issued a mandatory withdrawal of olive oil from the market if the forecasts for a very good harvest for 2025-2026 are met, in a bid to prevent a fall in prices.

Chaos in Greece as olive oil crisis threatens huge shortage

Greece is suffering from an olive oil crisis as weather conditions across the Mediterranean have detroyed production. The climate impacts have become so severe that people are resulting to stealing olives.

Why olive oil prices are rising in Croatia while falling across Europe

While the price of olive oil has been falling steadily across much of the European Union, Croatia stands out as a notable exception.

According to data from the Agricultural Market Information System (TISUP), the average price of olive oil in Croatia in May 2025 was 1,168 euros per 100 kilograms.

Hydroinfiltrator, this is how you optimise the use of water in the olive grove

A study has highlighted the significant improvement in the production and quality of olives, as well as an increase in oil yield.

Oleacein: The promising phenolic compound in extra virgin olive oil

Among the many beneficial components of extra virgin olive oil, few are as promising and as little known as oleacein.

Initial research shows that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential anti-atherosclerotic properties of this phenolic compound may significantly impact human health.

Send us YOUR news!

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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!

Rising global demand for Moroccan EVOO: What retailers should know

As consumer awareness of health, provenance, and quality continues to surge, the global demand for premium extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) has increased significantly.

Among the frontrunners in this trend is Moroccan EVOO — a golden-green liquid that is fast becoming a staple on the shelves of gourmet stores and health-focused outlets alike. For retailers, understanding this emerging trend is not just beneficial — it's essential.

Olive oil and weight management: What new research reveals

Olive oil has long been praised for its numerous health benefits, including promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

Now, new evidence adds weight management to its growing list of credentials. A recent study has confirmed that regular consumption of olive oil is associated with reduced long-term weight gain, providing a compelling reason to incorporate this staple of the Mediterranean diet into your daily nutrition.