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The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has released its 2025 Federal Election Scorecard, revealing how the major parties stack up when it comes to agriculture and regional Australia.
NFF President David Jochinke said farmers - and all Australians who care about where their food and fibre comes from - would head to the ballot box (tomorrow) with clear eyes, thanks to the scorecard’s analysis of party policies against the NFF’s 2025 Election Platform: Securing Australia’s Farming Future.
“Our message to voters is simple: if you want to keep farming strong, this election matters,” Mr Jochinke said.
A little food for thought ahead of election day tomorrow.
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Image: As olive harvest continues in groves across the country, producers are being reminded to remain focused on farm safety. (Unsplash)
By Laura Thomas
Australian olive producers are being urged to keep farm safety front of mind as harvest and processing operations continue in groves across the country.
Official agriculture industry figures show 2024 was horror year for those working on the land, with the number of farm fatalities doubling.
And as Australians prepare to head to the polls tomorrow, it seems Federal Government assistance is already on the way, with both sides of politics promising to provide $2.5m for on-farm safety if
re-elected. Read the full story here.
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A coalition appealing for urgent mental health action in the agricultural sector has reached 50 members.
The major coalition has called on the Federal Government to make an immediate investment of $50 million over five years to support mental health in agriculture.
The Coalition for Mental Health and Wellbeing in Agriculture issued its inaugural joint statement last month. Now, 50 rural and healthcare organisations and individuals have added their names to the movement.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 , or read on for further support options.
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April 2025 marks a significant milestone for Plant Health Australia (PHA): 25 years of leadership and collaboration in building and strengthening Australia’s plant biosecurity system.
Australia is recognised as having one of the strongest plant biosecurity systems in the world. Through close partnerships with governments, industries and research organisations, PHA has helped protect our environment, support farmers and communities, secure international trade, and safeguard our way of life.
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Image: Almost 60 per cent of the wine produced in Australia is exported. (ABC Riverland: Will Hunter)
Australia sent more than $1 billion worth of wine to China last year, but global sales are in decline.
Exports to markets excluding China have declined to their lowest volume in more than 20 years as consumers drink less.
The wine industry is calling for government support to establish new markets and products and help wine growers transition to different crops.
As the wine industry faces hard times, growers seeking to diversify their crops may look increasingly to olives as demand for EVOO grows amid a global shortage. Read a previous ABC report on this topic, here.
| | Fruit fly news - Riverland SA update | | |
SA's Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has thanked the local community for its continued support in the fight against Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) in the Riverland.
Via its fruit fly e-newsletter, PIRSA revealed that while outbreaks continued to affect the area no new Qlfy outbreaks had been discovered for more than two months.
"Your efforts – whether it’s picking up fallen fruit, pruning trees, or following fruit movement restrictions – have made a difference in helping protect South Australia (SA) from fruit fly," it said.
"Your ongoing vigilance and combined effort from the community, industry, and government, is vital for safeguarding the economy, agriculture and quality of life in the Riverland."
There are currently 56 outbreak areas in the Riverland, with restrictions expected to be lifted on Saturday 6 December 2025 pending further outbreaks. Visit the PIRSA website for updates.
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The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Coalition backing a National Food Security Strategy, cementing bipartisan support for this critical election priority.
NFF President David Jochinke said it was a proud moment for national farm advocacy.
"We’ve fought hard for this commitment, not only working with our members but with other organisations along the food supply chain who have been concerned by Australia not having a national strategy.”
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Fire analysts say once-theoretical fire behaviour is now becoming routine, including fire tornadoes.
John King captured a 100-metre-tall fire column only 50 metres from his back door during the Grampians bushfire in December.
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Olivebiz Classifieds are online now at www.olivebiz.com.au/classifieds.
Contact Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au to organise your listing.
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Researchers have developed a tool using satellite data to combat olive fruit fly infestations in changing climates.
At a recent conference held at the European Space Agency in Frascati, Italy, researchers showcased a tool that can help combat and prevent olive fruit fly infestations in the face of climate change.
The project stems from integrating the biological cycles of the olive tree and the olive fruit fly with relevant satellite data.
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In recent years, olive groves in various areas of northern Italy (from Liguria to Tuscany, from Lombardy to the Lake Garda area) are facing a gradual spread of two wood-eating lepidoptera: the Euzophera pinguis and the Euzopera bigella.
These insects, belonging to the Pyralidae family, are known for their behavior, which consists of digging tunnels between the bark and wood of the olive trees, causing desiccation e structural weakening.
Although their presence is considered marginal compared to other traditional pests such as the olive fly, reports are increasing and are causing concern among olive growers.
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Image: Andalusia, Spain. (Olive Oil Times)
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Luis Planas has reassured Spanish agri-food stakeholders about the impact of US tariffs, emphasizing a €14.32 billion support plan and the EU-Mercosur agreement as potential solutions.
Spanish olive oil exports to the US are not expected to be significantly affected by the tariffs, as declining prices and high consumption in the US market make Spanish olive oil attractive despite potential tariff implications.
| | Olives, a key agricultural export from Greece to the United States, are now significantly affected by increased U.S. tariffs, raising concerns about the impact on European Union products, including Greek olives. | |
At the 6th International Yale Symposium on Olive Oil & Health, Dr. Abderraouf Laajimi, deputy executive director of the International Olive Council, gave a presentation on olive cultivation as a strategy to combat climate change. | |
Image: Types of food products frequently altered as part of food fraud. Parmesan cheese, maple syrup, EVOO and honey. (Wand News)
There are all types of scams but have you ever heard of food fraud?
Food fraud is when a company, restaurant or supplier gets you to pay for a higher priced food item and then replaces it with a cheaper product.
It’s a type of fraud costing US consumers billions of dollars.
A reminder to look for the OliveCare® logo when selecting your next bottle of Aussie EVOO, so you can be sure you're buying the real deal!
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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!
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Olive oil is good for the bones, suggests a study from Madrid University. In a two-year project, researchers found that people who consumed more olive oil had higher levels of osteocalcin.
This is a protein secreted by bone-forming cells. High levels of osteocalcin are a marker of strong bones.
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