10 July 2026

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Today's top story

Developing El Niño raises concerns for global food supplies and olive growers

Scientists warn a strengthening El Niño in the Pacific could become very strong by winter, intensifying heat, drought and rainfall extremes that threaten crops and food prices.

Australia

Aussie made the best choice for consumers

By Laura Thomas

On a supermarket shelf crowded with bottles labelled “extra virgin”, it can be hard for Australian olive oil brands to stand out from the crowd.

But a recent review by consumer advocacy group Choice is putting homegrown in the consumer spotlight, after its testing ranked Australian extra virgin olive oils as highly as other well-known Mediterranean imports on the market.

While it's certainly not news to industry, it's great to see Australian olive oils presented as a top-tier choice to consumers! Read more.

SPONSORED CONTENT

National Renewables in Agriculture Conference

Don’t miss out - 12 August in Orange NSW. The Conference is a practical day focused on helping farmers reduce input costs and make informed decisions by understanding which emerging technology is around the corner.

Lots of real case studies from farmers with topics including solar pumping, bioenergy, biofuels produced on farm, battery storage, electric combine harvesters, financing renewables and decommissioning wind farms.

Read more

Ag advancements: Key skills for Aussie farmers in the digital age

While agriculture might not immediately come to mind when most people think of digital advancements, technology has revolutionised the industry in recent years. AgTech has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to new innovations in areas like project management, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Farm fatalities, hazards and how to stay safe

FarmSafe Australia Chair Felicity Richards talks about workplace safety in the bush, in the lead-up to Farm Safety Week. Hear more on The Weekly Grill, with Kerry Lonergan.

Cobram Estate olive output surges 12pc above prior off-year as grove expansion lifts capacity

Olive oil producer Cobram Estate Olives (ASX: CBO) has reported its 2026 Australian harvest will produce 11.3 million litres of olive oil, a result that despite being down on the prior on-year crop signals a structural lift in the company's underlying productive capacity.

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.

Regional road reporting blitz aims to fix crumbing road mess

Regional drivers are being urged to report every pothole and road hazard as part of a two week ‘Regional road reporting blitz’. The call follows new analysis by VFF showing a shock 75% drop in Victoria’s road repair target in just five years.

Researchers harvest water from the air to grow native seedlings and rehydrate the Wheatbelt

Capturing water in the atmosphere and making it available for drinking could be the new frontier of water supply in arid Australia, according to researchers at a New South Wales University.

International

Europe's 40-degree heat wave threatens olive oil, cheese prices

Record-breaking heat across Europe is dealing a direct blow to agricultural and livestock production, raising growing concerns that prices of European food products including olive oil could rise again. 

Reviving Montenegro's 'ancient' olive tree

At the edge of rugged Montenegrin foothills, a years-long effort to save one of the country's oldest olive trees, which locals say dates back millennia, is finally bearing fruit - literally.

Morocco multiplies its olive oil sales to Spain 100-fold: is it taking over the market?

Imports of Moroccan olive oil have surged 9,979% in a year, according to DataComex. 

Portugal: Country's olive oil among world's best, but can grow - minister

Speaking in Lisbon on Thursday, the minister for agriculture and maritime affairs said that Portuguese olive oils are among the best in the world, and stressed that there is scope for growth not only in the European market but also in the US and Brazil.

Turkish olive variety anchors Georgia’s growing olive sector

Cold-hardy Gemlik trees dominate Georgia’s expanding olive groves as growers refine agricultural practices, production and consumer education.

Olly Hiscocks is trying to turn olives into the new potato chips

Founder Olly Hiscocks launched OLLY'S eight years ago, spotting a market gap for convenient, everyday olive snacks. He aimed to transform olives from awkward, briny deli items into portable, unpasteurised pouches that retained flavour and texture.

Olive trees – another casualty of war across Lebanon, Gaza and the West Bank

In Gaza alone, approximately 2.3 million olive trees have been destroyed since October 2023, leading to a near collapse of the region’s olive oil industry.

Calendar 2026

13 July
Entries close, 2026 Royal Adelaide Olive Awards - hosted by Olives South Australia

www.theshow.com.au/competitions/olive-oil-table-olives

10 August

Entries open, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

21 August

Entries close, 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

www.internationaloliveawardsaustralia.com.au

28 August

Awards presentation dinner, 2026 Royal Adelaide Olive Awards - hosted by Olives South Australia

Details to come


3 September

Entries close, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

8 October

Awards ceremony, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

Email Laura to have your event included.

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts brings the latest industry news and events direct to your inbox each week.

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For Friday Olive Extracts editorial and advertising enquiries, email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au