4 APRIL 2025

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Today's top story

Australian growers on alert after Xylella fastidiosa found in China

Australian olive growers are increasing preparations against Xylella fastidiosa after its spread was confirmed in China, prompting stricter precautions for imported nursery stock.


Australian authorities are implementing emergency measures to regulate host nursery stock at the genus level, as Xylella fastidiosa is considered the country’s highest national priority plant pest.


An update on Australia's response to the discovery, as featured in global olive oil news publication "Olive Oil Times" - with insight from AOA Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan.

Australia

Agriculture sector profoundly disappointed in United States’ tariff decision

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) expresses its profound disappointment in the United States’ decision to impose a 10% tariff on all Australian exports.


The United States and Australia have a deep and multifaceted agricultural relationship underpinned by the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement, which sees zero tariffs applied to two-way trade between our nations.


“This decision is a disappointing step backward for our nations and for the global economy,” NFF President David Jochinke said. 


Read more about what we export to the US and what Aussie industries will be hit the hardest by the tariffs, via ABC News.

Fire Services Levy stalls in Parliament, farmer concerns linger

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the decision to stall the deeply flawed proposed Fire Services Levy Bill and says the reprieve must be used to iron out the fundamental issues facing farmers and regional communities.


VFF President Brett Hosking said while farmers would be breathing a temporary sigh of relief, legitimate concerns still linger regarding the proposed cash-grab.

Fruit fly restrictions extended in South Australia

Restrictions have been extended in parts of South Australia affected by fruit fly, as local authorities continue to manage multiple outbreaks within the state.


As reported last week, restrictions apply to movement of olive fruit for processing, from within or through a designated fruit fly zone. SA processors are up-to-date with mandatory fruit fly biosecurity protocols and grower requirements.


We’ll continue to provide updates as they become available. In the meantime, contact your processor for assistance if you have any questions, or visit the PIRSA website for outbreak maps, industry and market access arrangement information, and more.

Provide feedback on Rex Airlines


AUSVEG is seeking feedback on the importance of regional air carrier Regional Express (Rex) Airlines to growers and their businesses.


Last July Rex went into receivership, with the Federal Government subsequently stepping in to preserve regional services until June this year.


In the leadup to the May federal election AUSVEG is asking for feedback from growers on the importance of Rex to them, their businesses and their communities, now and in the future.


To provide a view or discuss further, please contact: publicaffairs@ausveg.com.au

AI predicted Cyclone Alfred's path and could be the future of forecasting

A week before Tropical Cyclone Alfred was nearing the east coast of Australia, most forecasts were favouring a path either well offshore or near the central Queensland coast.


There was a curious anomaly though: an AI prediction from Google's DeepMind, called Graphcast, was predicting the centre of Alfred would be just 200 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane.


That forecast, made 12 days before ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred crossed the south-east Queensland coast, was far more accurate than leading weather models used by meteorological organisations around the world, including our own Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).


We've all been caught in the rain thanks to a less than reliable weather forecast ... So does AI hold the key to more accurate forecasting? It's got to be worth a try!

Queensland landholders urged to challenge land valuation hikes

State farm lobby group AgForce is urging Queensland landholders not to delay if they want to object to new primary production land valuations – or risk being lumped with higher council rates and state land rent.

New Food and Grocery Code of Conduct comes into effect


The updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct came into effect on 1 April 2025, regulating how large grocery businesses do business with their suppliers.


The mandatory code covers supermarkets ALDI, Coles, Metcash and Woolworths and will be enforced by the ACCC.

Events

Registrations close Tuesday 8 April


Our Back to Basics events are designed to provide key information to new olive growers and those thinking about joining the industry.


The focus is on how grape growers can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives and make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyard. However, the information is for anyone looking to enter the olive industry and useful for existing growers as a refresher session. 


Register now to find out more about site selection, varieties, irrigation, grove management, pruning, pests and diseases and harvest options. 


REGISTER NOW

The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant.

Registrations close Tuesday 8 April


This highly-acclaimed and comprehensive program will be delivered by Pablo Canamasas, international olive oil consultant, processing expert and EVOO judge. 


The course covers every aspect of processing quality olive oil, from grove management for optimal fruit quality to best-practice processing and storage.


Along the way you’ll learn a lot about olive oil chemistry, and the practical aspects of oil extraction.

This is part of the Olive levy project Australian olive industry communications and extension program (OL22000), funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation olive research and development levy, co-investment from the Australian Olive Association and contributions from the Australian Government.


Got something to sell? Looking to buy?

OliveBiz will take you straight to your target market!


If you’ve got something industry-related to sell, you can reach your target market directly with Olivebiz Classifieds. Our online Classifieds service is 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 – the most likely to have what you need.


Olivebiz Classifieds cost just $40 for AOA members ($100 for non-members), including a text ad and link through to either your web page or images hosted on our site. And you don’t need to be a tech-head: just send us your info and we’ll post it up for you.


Olivebiz Classifieds are online now at www.olivebiz.com.au/classifieds.


Contact Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au to organise your listing.


International

Tunisian startup turns olive waste into clean energy

In northern Tunisia, Yassine Khelifi, CEO of Bioheat, has found an innovative solution to the global search for affordable, clean energy.


By harnessing the waste produced during olive oil extraction, Khelifi's machines are powered, offering a sustainable energy source from the country’s vast olive groves.

Turkey leads the world in table olive cultivation

Image: ГлавАгроном, via UkrAgroConsult.


Turkey’s olive harvest in 2024 was 3.6 million tons, of which 750,000 tons were table olives. This makes Turkey the world’s largest producer of table olives and the second largest producer of olive oil.


Turkey has invested heavily in expanding its olive processing capacity over the past 20 years. This season, olive oil production increased by 157% to 475,000 tons. Turkey is therefore looking to optimise marketing to make the most of the increased production.

New research sheds light on changing nature of droughts

New research published in the International Journal of Climatology focuses on understanding the factors behind prolonged droughts in Italy, which are becoming more intense and lasting longer due to rising temperatures.


The study found that widespread multi-year droughts in Italy are triggered by specific atmospheric circulation patterns, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation, and that reliable predictions for these events are still a challenge, highlighting the importance of innovative water resource management and the need for more trustworthy seasonal forecast models.


High density olive grove, how harvest times change

Image: Olivo News.


Harvesting has always been one of the most expensive practices, together with pruning.


In recent years, the mechanisation of olive harvesting operations has reached technological levels that allow the availability of highly versatile equipment and machines, capable of satisfying the needs of every type of olive grove.

Brazil to eliminate tariffs on olive and sunflower oil imports from Europe

European producers and exporters welcome Brazil’s decision to abolish import duties on olive oil, sunflower oil and a number of other products. Previously, the share of European olive oil in the Brazilian market reached 9%, now analysts expect the figures to increase.

Olive oil: shelf price -40% in Spain, consumption soars

February marked the return of significant quantities of olive oil in Spanish shopping carts, especially when compared to the same month of the previous year.


Send us YOUR news!

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!

7 nutritional secrets of olive oil

Most nutritionists and doctors are in total agreement: Olive oil is good for you.


Packed with antioxidants, heart-healthy fats, anti-inflammatory properties, says Healthline, especially in its extra virgin form, the green nectar supports heart health, strengthens bones, lowers bad cholesterol and adds a nutritious boost to your daily meals.


Calendar 2025


7 APRIL

AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - VIC

Inverleigh, Victoria - Clydebank Farm



15 APRIL

AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - WA

Cowaramup, Western Australia - Olio Bello

Register now!



16 - 17 APRIL

AOA Olive Oil Processing Workshop

Cowaramup, Western Australia - Olio Bello

Register now!



ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards 2025

Olive Products Awards entries close 3 August

Online entries, schedule and more information


 

To include your event in our next edition, or update your existing event details, please reach out to Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au

Friday Olive Extracts is published by:

Contact Us

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


Visit the Australian Olive Association website