18 JULY 2025

Have you been forwarded this newsletter? Not receiving AOA emails?

Today's top story

Australia’s commitment to EVOO quality a force for international change

Image: Paul Miller during a 2012 California senate committee hearing on the olive industry. (Supplied Paul Miller)

By Laura Thomas

Australian olive oil testing and quality standards are levelling the playing field and changing trade across the world.

This is an unlikely but uniquely Australian story more than 20 years in the making, propelled by one man’s passion for the olive industry and his determination to see the job through.

Read more about how Paul Miller's quest for better global olive oil standards is changing the game.

Australia

Game-changing Australian olive processing promises fruity flavour, lower farm costs

Image: John Fielke is processing table olives under his new method, coined "Olives the Australian Way". (ABC Riverland, Amelia Waters).

A new table olive processing method relying on filtering systems and chemistry is cutting water usage, time and labour to debitter the fruit.

The project aims to increase Australia's production from 3,000 to 100,000 tonnes in the next 10 to 15 years.

Watch on ABC Landline.

BOM forecasts above average rainfall for Australia's east

The Bureau of Meteorology has released its latest long-range forecast for August to October.

The forecast shows rainfall is likely to be above average for much of the eastern two-thirds of Australia, with roughly equal chances of being above, below or near-average for western and far south-eastern Australia.

Warmer than average days are likely across much of Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high daytime temperatures in parts of the north and south-east.

Warmer than average nights are likely to very likely across most of Australia, with an increased chance of unusually high overnight temperatures.

SA olive awards season is here!

Entries are officially open for the 2025 Royal Adelaide Olive Awards - a chance to showcase the results of your dedication and craftsmanship.

Learn more and enter here.

And don't miss the highlight of the season - the Olives South Australia awards presentation dinner - a night of great food, great company and well-deserved recognition.

The Olives South Australia Board is looking forward to celebrating the season!

Calling all young agrifood movers and shakers

The next generation of young agrifood innovators is being called on to be a part of the evoke^AG. 2026 Groundbreakers program, with applications now open.

The program serves as a launchpad for emerging talent from Australia and New Zealand who are committed to delivering positive impact for Australia’s rural industries and its communities.

NASAA Certified Organic collapse threatens export capabilities for hundreds of Australian producers

NASAA Certified Organic (NCO) went into administration last week, leaving Australian businesses that rely on its organic certification in limbo.

Around 400 Australian businesses will need to be recertified by September 26 to continue to export their products.

Some in the organic industry have called for a national standard to be implemented in Australia.

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

Truck wash closures expose ‘gaping holes’ in national biosecurity safety net

The closure of two regional truck washes has weakened an already fragile national network that rural industry leaders warn leaves “gaping holes” in Australia’s biosecurity safety net.

The closure of saleyards at both Geelong and Pakenham in regional Victoria means key truck wash facilities at both locations will be lost, stripping another layer of critical infrastructure.

Southern NSW farmers call for financial relief as ongoing drought takes toll

Recent rain in southern New South Wales has put water in dams and turned dusty paddocks green, but farmers say the drought drags on, with some calling for financial assistance.

International

Türkiye study ranks olive varieties by their tolerance to freezing temperatures

A groundbreaking study in Türkiye ranks 90 olive varieties by their frost resistance, aiding climate-smart cultivation across shifting regions.

Swiss olive cultivation to get a boost thanks to warm weather

More and more farmers in French-speaking Switzerland see climate change as an opportunity for olive cultivation: the number of such trees could double to 20,000 by the end of 2026, surpassing that of Italian-speaking Ticino.

Surrey researchers to help turn Europe’s olive mill waste into bioproducts and clean fuel

A new project is turning waste from Europe’s olive mills into sustainable bioplastics, clean energy and plant-boosting compounds.

How does olive oil affect gut health?

In a recent study published in the journal Foods, researchers in Spain reviewed the effects of bioactive compounds derived from olives on the composition and function of the gut microbiota.

How to use olive oil in the garden to deter pests, polish tools and more

Olive oil is perfect for cooking. It contains healthy fats that lower inflammation and cholesterol, and can be used in everything from salad dressings to dipping sauces.

However, what many people don't know is that olive oil also has plenty of applications in the garden. It can be used to deter pests, clean garden tools, and even shine up your plant's leaves.

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!

Spain's Olive Oil Route is a slick way to visit the region

Olive trees dominate the Andalusian landscape, stretching out as far as the eye can see on either side of our path.

And when Antonio Bermudez tells us how many there are, all jaws drop. The region is home to 66 million gnarled and twisted trees, some of which are 600 years old. “They were here before Columbus set sail for America,” he says.

US 25% tariffs will eat into Tunisia's olive oil profits

Freshly proposed US tariffs combined with European Union protectionist measures threaten the growth of the Tunisian olive oil industry, experts have told AGBI.

Donald Trump’s latest tariffs decision includes a 25 percent tariff on Tunisia.