24 April 2026

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Today's top story

Already under pressure, Australia’s food system could now be in big trouble

Australia has long been proud of its food production. The nation produces enough to feed 75 million people and exports 70 per cent of its produce.

But this position isn’t guaranteed. Intensifying climate change is putting Australian agriculture and our food system at risk.

Australia

Global fertiliser market facing prolonged strain from Middle East disruption

The global fertiliser market faces a prolonged period of tight supply, weak affordability and heightened price risk and, even if current geopolitical tensions ease soon, “normalisation will be slow”, according to a recently-released industry report.

'We haven't learned anything': A looming 'crunch' for Australia's food system

While the government has secured a major fertiliser delivery and the Strait of Hormuz was tentatively opened on Friday, Australia's food security remains in question.

Austrade establishes Trade Resilience Service for exporters

Austrade has established a temporary Trade Resilience Service (TRS) to deliver practical intelligence, insights and advice to help Australian businesses navigate increased supply chain volatility.

Soil CRC webinar: Unlock the potential of sandy soils

Join the Soil CRC for this free webinar to explore practical strategies for improving the performance of sandy soils across Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria.

A very topical and useful free webinar for growers dealing with sandy soil. The hour-long webinar will be held on 6 May at 2pm AEST (12pm WA, 1.30pm SA/NT).

Register now.

The Australians keeping a century of rainfall records as stations disappear

Across Australia, a small but important network is quietly shrinking.

For more than a century, thousands of people — farmers, postmasters, railway workers — have stepped outside at the same time each morning, checked a rain gauge, and written down a number.



Watch on ABC Landline:

Weather watching: Lessons learned from generations of weather diairies

Detecting pest and disease in your grove

By Laura Thomas

Regular tree monitoring is the key to a healthy and productive grove and high yield, no matter the season.

And as another harvest draws near in Australia, it’s critical for producers to be regularly checking for pest and disease to protect the integrity of their crop and ensure maximum yield.

Read on to check out some of the resources and information available to help you spot pest and disease in your grove.

Have your say on options to improve quad bike safety in the workplace

245 people have died in quad bike related incidents in Australia since 2011. The majority of fatalities were the result of a collision or rollover and 43 of those killed were aged 19 or under. As at 9 April, 10 quad bike fatalities have been recorded so far in 2026.

Safe Work Australia is undertaking public consultation to seek feedback on options to manage the risks and improve safety. Have your say.

International

Consumption of extra virgin olive oil reduces the risk of mortality by 23%

Daily consumption of extra virgin olive oil is associated with a 23% reduction in all-cause mortality risk.

New research reveals how extra virgin olive oil protects the brain from cognitive decline

A new study reveals that consuming a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil helps protect the brain. 

You can't judge olive oil by its color - here's why it varies

There are some foods you can judge with a glance, taking careful notice of its color to make sure it's good quality.

Olive oil library in Turkey opens to celebrate cultivars and terroir

An olive oil producer in western Anatolia has opened the Yücel Sönmez Olive Oil Library, a collection of dozens of domestic and international olive oils intended to preserve and celebrate regional cultivars and the distinctive oils they produce.

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.

NEW! Goliath Olive Harvester For Sale, Western Wimmera, Victoria.

Tunisian producer blends tradition and technology to raise olive oil quality

In the green hills of northwestern Tunisia, Les Montagnes du Nord is combining hand-harvesting, organic farming and modern milling to bring its Chetoui olive oil to international markets.

Olives: Cultivation techniques for more liquid gold

The use of new technologies in agriculture can help generate more yield per unit area while saving resources such as water, energy, labour, and time.

Olive harvesting at Rome's Colosseum: A unique travel experience blending history, culture and Italian agriculture

The Colosseum, one of the world's most iconic landmarks, is offering a new and unexpected experience fore tourists this autumn.

Calendar 2026

25 May

Tastebook® EVOO Sensory Training

Registration and more information

10 August

Entries open, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

3 September

Entries close, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

Early October (date TBC)

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.

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!

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