3 April 2026

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Today's top story

ACCC monitors fuel excise cut, fuel surcharges and fuel price movements

The ACCC is warning fuel retailers they should fully pass on all fuel excise cuts by the Federal Government as quickly as possible.

It was announced (yesterday) that under a deal between States and Territories and the Federal Government, fuel excise would reduce by about 5.7 cents per litre (cpl), in addition to the cut in fuel excise of 26.3 cpl, which came into effect on 1 April.

The cost of fuel remains a concern for farmers everywhere. While this week's fuel excise cuts may take some time to flow through as existing stock is sold, let's hope we all feel a bit of relief at the pump very soon.

Australia

EU Fair Trade Agreement: More information for Australian producers

Australian olive producers seeking clarification on GIs where protection does not extend to the common plant variety name - including Kalamata - can find more information on The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

AOA Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan has taken part in industry briefings this week, which revealed the new trade agreement was not due to come into force for another 18 months.

Read more about what the EU FTA is expected to mean for Australian olives.

ATO fuel response - options for impacted taxpayers

If you are impacted by increasing fuel prices, the ATO has a range of options to help manage your tax obligations.



Visit the ATO website for more.

Soil health: The foundation of every productive farm

Soil is the primary production asset in agriculture. Its physical structure, chemical composition, and biological activity determine how effectively crops and pastures access water, nutrients, and oxygen, and how resilient farming systems are to climatic variability.

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.

Millions of Aussies will get an extra hour of sleep this weekend as daylight saving ends

Millions of Australians will get an extra hour of sleep this Easter long weekend as daylight saving time comes to an end.

Don't forget to wind your clock back and enjoy an extra hour's rest!

Ag lending on rise as farmers re-invest in business

Lending to the farm sector has increased by 5% in real terms, to $142.5 billion, according to the latest data.

Download the Agricultural lending report.

BOM: Below average April to June rainfall likely for most of Australia

Rainfall across most of the country is likely to be below average in the coming months, but above average in parts of the north, the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest long-range forecast shows.

Read more or watch the video.

RBA card surcharge and payment fee changes – what they will mean for small business

By Laura Thomas

Card surcharges will be banned and payment fees reduced later this year, as part of changes expected to simplify card payments for businesses and consumers.

In an increasingly digital world, card payment facilities are a must-have for small businesses, such as olive producers, keen to maximise their direct-to-public sales. But of course, they come at a cost.

Find out more about the changes set to take effect from 1 October 2026.

International

Tunisia becomes world leader in organic olive production

Tunisia leads the world in terms of the area of land dedicated to organic olive cultivation.

Turkey seeks greater returns from olive oil expansion

Turkey has dramatically expanded olive oil production over the past two decades, but producers and exporters say stronger branding is now needed to capture more value in international markets.

Umbrian osteria uses interactive olive oil list to deepen guest engagement

A Michelin-recognized osteria in Montone is using a digital olive oil list and producer-made videos to connect diners with Umbrian extra virgin olive oils and the region behind them.

A journey through the roots, history and future of some of Malaga's oldest olive trees

In the fields of Periana in Malaga province's Axarquia, some olive trees have been witness to several centuries, entire generations of families and the slow pulse of an agriculture that does not understand haste.

'If it is going to work anywhere, it is going to work here': Meet the makers of English olive oil'

How can a warm-climate crop endure Britain’s lacklustre weather and do so in soil that appears so different from that of Greece or Spain, where olive trees traditionally thrive?

Tunisia’s olive oil exports rise in volume but revenues fall on lower prices

In 2025, Tunisia’s olive oil sector — a key contributor to the country’s agricultural export earnings — faced declining revenues despite a sharp increase in export volumes.

A dramatic season for Sardinian olive growing: Production plummets, down 56% compared to 2022

The Sardinian olive growing season continues to be dramatic. According to Coldiretti Sardegna, production has dropped by more than 43% compared to last year and by as much as 56% compared to the 2022/2023 season, which had seen good harvests. 

Calendar 2026

14 April - Change of date and location!

AOA Back to Basics Field Day, Rio Vista Olives, Mypolonga, South Australia

Book now

15-16 April

AOA Olive Oil Processing Workshop, Rio Vista Olives, Mypolonga, South Australia

Register now

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.

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