03 May 2024

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Today's Top Story

Italians cut back on olive oil as prices surge, survey says. Producers are pushing back on that

One-third of Italians have reduced their consumption of extra virgin olive oil, a mainstay of the Mediterranean diet, due to skyrocketing prices, according to a survey released Friday. But Italian producers are pushing back against the data, saying the snapshot of consumer sentiment does not give a full picture - and that sales of higher-quality Italian extra virgin olive oil are actually up.

Seems like consumers are seeing that, with prices now high for all oils, they may as well buy the good stuff. Let’s hope that trend continues.

Australia

Farmers trial new tech to keep equipment running as 3G network shutdown looms

Farmers are switching their equipment over to 4G and 5G as the deadline for switching off the 3G network nears. (Supplied: John Deere)

The 3G network will soon shut down and farmers are looking for ways to stay online. Everything from 4G upgrades, low Earth orbit satellites and range extenders are being used. The government is offering grants to help farmers adapt.

Sustainable Ag Summit announced

The government will hold the Sustainable Ag Summit (this) month, with the vision of creating a plan to help the agriculture sector meet its own climate goals. Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announced that more than 150 farmers, peak agricultural lobby groups, researchers, environmental groups, energy experts and senior departmental staff from around the country will be invited to the summit.

Murray-Darling Basin water 'vulnerable to theft' due to law inconsistencies across the states

There are concerns about water being taken from the Murray River unmetered. (Supplied: NRAR)

Water rights in the Murray-Darling Basin are valued at nearly $100 billion, but a disparity in state laws is making it difficult to punish theft, and it is leaving farmers like Sam Dodd at risk.

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Olivebiz Classifieds are online now at www.olivebiz.com.au/classifieds. To arrange a listing, contact Gerri at editor@olivegrower.com.au.

Flower farmer Nikki Davey on using calendar blocking and the '1 per cent rule' to unwind

Blocking out her calendar from 3pm every Thursday has helped Nikki improve her work-life balance. (Supplied: Chloe Smith Photography)

"It's a never-ending to-do list," Glenmore-based flower farmer Nikki Davey says. Just as priorities on the farm, 70 kilometres west of Melbourne, are determined by seasons, the co-founder of Grown Not Flown and 2023 Rural Women's Award National Winner has had to learn how to go with the ebb and flow in her own working life.

I reckon a lot of us could benefit from reading this!

Opportunities

WA: Water security for Warren-Donnelly horticulture

The Southern Forest Infrastructure Support Scheme aims to support farmers in the Warren-Donnelly region to be better prepared to meet the prospect of reduced water availability due to the impacts of climate change.

With grants up to $100k available, the scheme will be open to eligible landowners to construct suitable infrastructure on their property that will provide better water security and improve sustainability.

Applications close 11 July 2024.

Find out more and apply here.

2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards nominations now open

Do you know a group, organisation or individual who goes above and beyond in protecting our nation from exotic pests and diseases? Nominate them today for an Australian Biosecurity Award.

The awards celebrate those who have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity and the systems that underpin it.

This year, a new category has been introduced – the First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity – recognising exceptional commitment to improving the protection of Country and people from pests, weeds and diseases.

The awards acknowledge and celebrate a diverse range of champions across nine categories.

Find out more and submit your nomination here.

Events

Webinar: Bee Friendly Farming

Join this free webinar hosted by The Wheen Bee Foundation to learn more about how bees play an important role in food production.

Most of the crops we eat are pollinated by bees, with nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefiting from bee pollination. Bees also play important roles in seed production as well as the quality of fruit and vegetables.

Details: Tuesday, 21 May - 12-1:15pm AEST.

Find out more and register here.

New Zealand

Spilling the good oil, when pressed

Lot Eight olive oils. Photo/File.

An unlikely headline grabber, the humble olive has been garnering attention recently for all the wrong reasons. Rising prices internationally followed an almost unprecedented slump in production in some of the world’s biggest olive oil-producing nations.

International

Refined olive oil sees successive price rises as supply crisis grows

Retail prices of refined olive oil have seen successive skyrocketing increases in recent weeks as the sector’s supply crisis grows … Prices were 42% more expensive compared with the same period last year.

The healthiest oil for frying may surprise you

Fried foods aren't exactly on any nutritionist's healthiest foods list. But sometimes, you just want something crispy and delicious - and maybe not from the air fryer. Fortunately, by choosing the healthiest oils for frying and using them correctly, you can make your French fries, doughnuts, or fried fish using the best ingredients for you.

Some well-explained consumer information which breaks a few of those annoying old myths – and finishes with ‘olive’ topping the list of the best oils to fry with.

Researchers investigate links between MedDiet adherence and oral health

The Mediterranean diet's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and its role in maintaining beneficial microorganisms are linked with positive oral health outcomes.

Algerian olive oil sector maintains momentum despite poor harvest

Olive oil production in the 2023/24 crop year is expected to be about 50 percent below average. Still, officials are confident that the sector is poised to grow.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

We’re now well into 2024 and Friday Olive Extracts (FOE) team continues to bring all the latest industry news and events to your Inbox every week. THE place to share olive industry news, event details and reminders, our industry e-newsletter keeps growing in popularity and we now have nearly 4000 subscribers across the globe. If you’re not one of them, you can sign up here.

And please remember that FOE is YOUR e-newsletter, so we’re keen to receive your news and help spread the word. Just email your information to Editor Gerri Nelligan at editor@olivegrower.com.au - it’s free, and the best way to reach your fellow industry members!

How oleuropein influences extra virgin olive oil taste and health benefits

Along with oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein is one of the main polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil that determines its sensory characteristics and health benefits.

Nutri-Score changed food formulas in France, researchers find

Seven years after its introduction in France, new research suggests that Nutri-Score has significantly altered the composition and packaging of food products.

South African olive oil industry shows significant growth potential

The global trend towards healthier eating habits has led to a surge in the consumption of olive oil, driven by consumers' increasing focus on well-being and overall health. This has created a substantial demand for vegetable oils, particularly olive oil …

Not sure when olives became vegetables?

Watch: Tunisia’s olive farmers adapt to extreme weather

Drought has had a severe impact on the olive harvest in Tunisia, resulting in exploding olive oil prices. Farmers are finding ways to adapt to extreme weather, such as switching to new irrigation techniques and organic farming methods.