1 AUGUST 2025

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Today's top story

A good year for Aussie olives as consumer and investor interest grows

By Laura Thomas

Consumer and investor interest in Australian olives is continuing to grow, as the industry goes from strength to strength.

It’s been a good year for olive producers, as increased olive oil prices generate positive press and an upswell in public interest.

As the peak industry body, the Australian Olive Association is your go-to for updates, advice and advocacy. Find out more about the benefits of AOA membership and how it is helping to support, educate and connect new and established olive growers from across the country.

Australia

How a couple of teachers and a tech enthusiast took on an award-winning olive grove

A few years ago, Trish Davies got an email from a real estate agent showing beautiful drone shots of an olive grove, homestead and cafe at Latrobe.

She sent the link to her daughter, Emily and her partner, Cohen, who were living in Sydney at the time, and the rest is history.

The family became the proud owners of Wattle Hill Olive Grove in 2023, and told Meg Fergusson they'd been on a steep learning curve ever since.

Take a listen to this interesting chat on the ABC.

Industry collaboration needed to boost ag education in schools

How often have you heard – schools need to be teaching kids where food comes from?

In 2023 the need to expand agriculture’s influence in Australian school curriculum became the centre of a think-tank of national food and fibre leaders and lead to the development of the draft National Schools Food and Fibre Education Strategy.

Weekend rainbands soak Australia as weather bureau doubles down on wet spring

There are multiple indications the record drought across southern Australia is finally loosening its grip.

South Australian and Victorian rain buoys hopes for average season

Widespread rain across South Australia and Victoria has bolstered yield potential for crops after a late and fitful start.

Some regions had their first falls of more than 30mm in 18 months or more, creating run-off to help fill dams, and putting moisture under cereal, pulse, and canola crops, as well as pastures.

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 Youth Biosecurity Training Hub empowers the next generation of biosecurity champions

A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is now available at youthbiosecurityhub.com.au.

Factors driving horticulture productivity report

A new report from Hort Innovation and CIE has revealed that adoption of productivity enhancing innovations in the horticulture industry could generate up to an additional $1 billion annually in value added, reaching $22 billion in 2040.

Consultation on the draft model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of biological hazards at work

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is developing a model Code of Practice (model Code) which provides practical guidance for employers on how to manage the risks of biological hazards at work.

Biological hazards, such as viruses, bacteria, parasites and some types of fungi (like mould), can be found in all industries.The draft model Code is broad in nature and intended to apply to all workplaces covered by the WHS laws where there is a risk to workers or others of exposure to one or more biological hazards.

International

Italian producers wrap up a modest season

Image: Tuscany, Italy. (Olive Oil Times)

The 2024/25 crop year in Italy has seen a decrease in olive oil production by 25% compared to the previous season, with the south of Italy being the most affected due to climate change and pathogens.

The Italian olive oil market is facing challenges such as declining production, high prices, and lack of consumer awareness, leading stakeholders to work on modernizing the sector and attracting younger, qualified individuals to the industry.

World’s largest olive oil producer warns US consumers of a double whammy from Trump tariffs

Spain's Deoleo, the world's largest olive oil producer, says US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union could translate into higher prices for US consumers — as well as limited access to a superfood staple.

How declining solar activity could impact Mediterranean olive cultivation

Based on 8000 years of pollen records, researchers suggest decades of expected declining solar activity could disrupt olive tree photosynthesis.

Economy Minister warns Spain’s olive oil exports vulnerable to US tariffs

Spain’s economy minister warns that the country’s olive oil sector faces significant exposure to U.S. tariffs, with exports exceeding €1 billion and potential impact on up to €22.7 billion worth of trade.

European diplomats suggest a 15 percent tariff on U.S. imports of European goods, including olive oil, may be imminent, prompting exporters to consider raising prices to cover the cost.

Olive oil industry moves to oppose proposed FDA front-of-pack label

Stakeholders in the olive oil industry are opposing the FDA’s proposed front-of-pack nutrition label, arguing that it will confuse consumers and unfairly categorize olive oil.

The FDA’s proposed label would categorize olive oil as medium in saturated fat content, which has led to criticism and calls for a different approach to providing nutrition information on food packaging.

Spain's black olive exporters to struggle under fresh US tariffs

Spain's black olive exporters, subject to harsh tariffs since US President Donald Trump's first term, are warning it will be difficult to survive an extra 15% they now face under the European Union's latest trade deal with the United States.

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Sprinkling limestone on farms may offer an unexpected climate win

Farms commonly spread crushed limestone on fields to make the soil less acidic – and this practice can also help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere