16 January 2026

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Today's top story

On gelato and in coffee: Australian olive oil’s health-led boom

Australia’s olive oil industry is booming, as the Mediterranean diet’s popularity coincides with a global supply crisis that has led to soaring demand, including premium offerings of wine-style tastings and pairings with gelato and coffee.

Australia

Industry support for fire-affected olive growers

By Laura Thomas

Bushfire-affected olive growers are being urged to seek industry support, following a bleak start to the 2026 season.

It’s been a harrowing week for many growers thanks to severe heatwave conditions sweeping the country and in Victoria, devastating bushfires.

A number of olive groves located within the deadly Longwood Bushfire area are believed to have been impacted, with industry groups swiftly rallying to support affected growers and their communities.

Read more

Tens of thousands of livestock confirmed dead as Victorians return to bushfire-ravaged communities

Residents are returning to bushfire-hit communities as firefighters continue to battle 11 blazes across Victoria.

Around 260 homes and 900 structures have been confirmed destroyed, while farmers have reported the loss of 20,000 head of livestock.



The state and federal governments have announced more than $100 million in support, including a $50-million package for farmers affected by the fires.

Farmers answer the call to back farmers with donated hay

More than 6000 large square and round bales of donated hay have been received for farms in the fire-affected areas of Victoria.

Wet week ahead as storms and heavy rain set to lash eastern Australia

A dramatic change in the weather pattern is set to bring widespread rain to Australia's east coast this week, following last week's intense heatwave and destructive bushfires.

AOA Classifieds

Got something to sell? Want to buy?

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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.

Our world of weather in 2025

Like most places around the world we’re getting used to extreme weather becoming more frequent. In Australia, 2026 started with searing heat, bushfires and a cyclone.

It may feel like a distant memory, but 2025 was a big year in the world of weather and climate.



It was the third hottest year on record, closely behind 2024 and 2023, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Cyclones get names but deadly heatwaves don’t. Should Australia personalise severe weather?

Australia’s climate is changing rapidly due to rising global greenhouse gas emissions.

Extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones, east coast low pressure systems, flash floods, droughts, bushfires, severe storms, and both land and marine heatwaves are becoming increasingly common, as the National Climate Risk Assessment makes clear.

Fair Work reinforces worker rights as extreme weather hits Australia

The Fair Work Ombudsman has outlined workplace entitlements and employer obligations as extreme weather and bushfires affect parts of Australia.

International

Extra virgin olive oil touted for functional benefits thanks to bioactive compounds


New research is exploring methods to extract oleocanthal from olive oil, which may offer more effective anti-inflammatory benefits than ibuprofen.

Greek olive growers face sharp declines as pests ravage harvest

Late rains, pest infestations and labor shortages are converging to make this one of Greece’s most difficult olive oil seasons in decades.

Austrian farmers take advantage of warmer winters to grow olives

Farmers in a rural town in eastern Austria are looking to cultivate Mediterranean-style staples as the impact of climate change sees winter weather in their region warm up.

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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!

Tabuk's olive harvest kicks off with estimated 94,000 tons of olives

Olive presses in Tabuk Region have begun receiving the harvest of more than 1.5 million olive trees, marking the start of this year's olive season, which is expected to see abundant production of olives and olive oil.

Healthier soils provide resilience against drought stress

Pete Fandel, agriculture professor at Illinois Central College, says that farmers focused on increasing their soil health have found their fields more resilient to drought stress.

Pruning an olive tree affected by frost: recovery methods

Some useful tips on how to deal with falling leaves or cracks on olive tree branches caused by the arctic cold that has descended on our country.

Puglia has already reached half of the national production of olive oil

With mills still at work, Puglia strengthens its leadership. Calabria is poised to displace Sicily, which has also surpassed 40 tons. Central and northern Italy are doing poorly, very poorly.

Calendar 2026

25 February

Pressing ahead: Clean energy strategies for Australia's olive producers
Free AOA webinar, 11am AEST
Register

Email Laura to have your event included in 2026!

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