15 AUGUST 2025

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Today's top story

Australia should lead global food security, expert says

The Indo-Pacific is facing significant climate and population pressures, and that presents Australia with an opportunity it must take to become a leader in food security across the region.

That's the key message at this year's Crawford conference, the country's largest food security event which continues in Parliament House.

It comes as experts increase calls for urgent, coordinated action, arguing it is one of national security and a foreign policy priority.

Listen now, on the ABC.

Australia

Enter the Australian International Olive Awards 2025 … before time runs out!

Image: Gidge Springs olive grove, WA. (Gidge Springs)

By Laura Thomas

Time is fast running out to enter your quality oils and table olives in the nation’s peak industry awards.

Entries are now being accepted for the Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA), celebrating and promoting quality extra virgin olive oil, flavoured olive oil and table olive production.

But you’d better be quick – entries close Friday, 22 August.

Past winner Ed Dekker of Gidge Springs, WA, said the AIOA is a great way for producers to see how their products fare against some of the best in the country. Read more.

Vale Peter O'Clery

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Peter O’Clery, a long-standing contributor to the Australian olive industry and a valued member of our olive growing community.

Peter’s commitment to excellence and integrity in our sector was evident throughout his years of service.

Hunter Olive Association welcomes new president

Image: New Hunter Olive Association president Elizabeth Williams (left) with outgoing leader Marie Kearns. (Hunter Olive Association).

Elizabeth Williams is the new president of the Hunter Olive Association.

Announced at the association's recent annual meeting, she replaces retiring president Marie Kearns, who was thanked for her ongoing leadership, welcoming of new members, management of field days and events, and promotion of the local olive industry.

During the meeting, it was also announced the association's inaugural life membership would be awarded to Steve Mitchell, ahead of a formal presentation at the Hunter Olive Show in October.

New memorial trophies will also be presented at the event, in memory of former industry leaders Sharn Hunkin and Peter O'Meara, who have recently passed away.

Visit the Hunter Olive Association website to find out more.

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

Don’t keep your olive oil by the stove – and more tips to make it go further

The cost of groceries just keeps on soaring, and “liquid gold” is no exception, with a three-litre tin of olive oil now costing around $75 at major supermarkets − that’s a massive jump from just $25 in 2021.

So what’s behind this particular price hike, and how can you make your olive oil go further?

WA Olive Awards: Entries now open

Showcase your exceptional extra virgin olive oils in this year’s WA Olive Awards.

Have your product evaluated by an elite panel of world-class EVOO judges, and gain valuable insights from testing by an internationally accredited laboratory.

Submit your entries early to avoid any disappointment due to transport delays.

NSW councils and farmers call for halt to renewable energy developments

Two NSW councils are calling for a halt on future renewable energy projects in their areas.

The Upper Lachlan and Yass districts are home to 42 per cent of the state's wind turbines.

A wool producer says the latest wind farm proposal would turn the region into an "industrial junkyard".

Queensland Government delivers primary industries blueprint for 2050

The Crisafulli Government says it is delivering the foundation for a fresh start for the agriculture industry, unveiling Primary Industries Prosper 2050, following six-months of collaboration between the Government, industry and primary producers from all corners of Queensland.

International

World’s largest olive oil producer gives upbeat outlook after historic industry crisis

The chief executive of Spain’s Deoleo, the world’s largest olive oil producer, says a bumper harvest and improving market sentiment show that the industry is recovering from one of its toughest moments ever.

A substantial olive harvest, notably in Spain, has helped to restore confidence in the sector and led to a pronounced fall in prices for both extra virgin and virgin olive oils in supermarkets.

Italian olive oil sector demonstrates resilience in report

Italian olive oil production is declining, with the 2024/25 crop year ending with 250,000 metric tons. Ismea reports a decrease in per capita olive oil consumption in Italy in 2024, with a shift towards cheaper options impacting the market.

Despite challenges, Italian olive oil exports grew in 2024, and the sector is supported by various measures to adapt to changing conditions and increase production volumes.

First 'olive oil community' established in Menfi, Sicily

Italy’s first olive oil community has been established in Menfi, Sicily, aiming to promote extra virgin olive oil as a driver of sustainable development and regional identity.

The initiative has already certified 12 companies that meet sustainability requirements, with plans for more communities to be established in other towns in Italy.

Greece pushes to shield two iconic agrifood exports from 15% tariff

Greece aims to exempt iconic food products like olive oil and feta cheese from the 15 percent import tariff to the United States, agreed upon by the European Union and the US.

The Greek government is exploring ways to offset the impact of the new tariff by seeking exemptions and expanding into other international markets like India and the Middle East.

Greece joins Med trend as Greek olive oil hits vending machines

Image: tovima.com

A pioneering Greek company is bringing extra virgin olive oil closer to consumers through automatic vending machines, joining Mediterranean countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Croatia where this innovative concept is already popular.

US olive oil imports face challenges as tariffs hit European suppliers

The American appetite for olive oil continues unabated, with the United States importing 95% of its olive oil from foreign producers.

However, recent tariff implementations are creating significant obstacles for European exporters trying to maintain their dominant position in the American market.

Extra-virgin olive oil shown to boost good cholesterol in new research

,Daily consumption of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) — especially varieties rich in antioxidants — can improve cholesterol levels and support heart health, according to a peer-reviewed study in Nutrients, an international open-access nutrition science journal, and reported by Eating Well magazine.

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