06 October 2023

Brought to you by Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor www.olivebiz.com.au

Today's Top Story

Australia's beef, sheep and olive exports could be ruined if lead mine is built in New South Wales, inquiry told

Dr Michael Southan said importers were looking 'for any excuse' to get a bigger stranglehold on Australia's olive industry. (ABC Central West: Joanna Woodburn).

Australia's worldwide reputation for fine wool and beef cattle could be lost if a lead mine is built in New South Wales, an inquiry has been warned. A state parliamentary committee has held a hearing in Mudgee as part of its investigation into the current and potential impacts on human and environmental health posed by gold, lead, silver and zinc mining.

AOA CEO Dr Southan has supported local olive growers throughout the mine approval process, including providing scientific evidence of the high risk of contamination of groves and other horticultural crops.

Australia

Farmers set up dung beetle breeding stations for easy access to the super bug all year round

Farmers hope bigger dung beetle populations will help save them money. (Sophie Johnson)

Dung beetles could be the best pound-for-pound farm workers in the world. On Western Australia's south coast, farmers are taking advantage of their output by breeding their own stocks, with more than 40,000 beetles released in recent years. The beetles provide more than just manure management - they help fight parasites and fertilise soil.

Something to think about for those of you with stock as well as olives.

How the jet stream has been driving extreme heat and rain around the globe

When it comes to extreme weather events, the jet stream has had a lot to answer for recently. The ribbons of high-altitude winds played an important role in the recent week-long spell of hot conditions in Australia's south-east, as well as the deluge of rain that hit Greece and Spain. Earlier this year it also made headlines for helping deliver a rare dry-season downpour across outback Australia.

A foodie’s verdict: is olive oil in a squeezy bottle a good idea?

Olive oil; the liquid gold of the pantry. We all have it tucked behind the salt and pepper or in a four-litre drum on the bottom shelf or, if you’re fancy, a separate pourer that sits by the stovetop as part of the decor. Admit it, you have one. I do, too.

Got something to sell? Or want to buy? Go direct to your target market – olive growers and producers

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 - like Kath, who has an Oliomio 50 olive press for sale. 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. To arrange a listing, contact Gerri at editor@olivegrower.com.au.

If you’re not adding olive oil to your ice cream, you should be

There's no topping it. You’ve probably seen it all over your Instagram feed – glistening streams of something golden poured over frosted scoops of ice cream. Is it a lemon sauce? Some sort of syrup? Nope – it’s olive oil, and it’s the only topping we’ll be putting on our ice cream from here on out.

Grandmother bitten by brown snake at Sandon beach urges others to carry bandages

A Queensland woman is urging people to carry compression bandages at the beach after being bitten by one of Australia's deadliest snakes during a solo surf trip.

Beach, trail, grove, farm … it’s snake season wherever you are, so we should all heed this important advice. Along with wearing boots and heavy socks when working outside, and always carrying your mobile phone so you can call for help and stay still until it arrives.

GROWER TO GROWER

Have a question? Need some advice? Ask a fellow grower!

The FOE team regularly hears from growers with questions about grove or production practices, or equipment, that they just can’t find the answers to. They’re things other producers are likely know about and/or experienced themselves. So we’ve set up a new Friday Olive Extracts feature, Grower to Grower, where you can send your questions and have them answered by your peers.

Just send the details to editor@olivegrower.com.au and we’ll put them out to the Friday Olive Extracts community - that’s thousands of readers across the globe.

Opportunities

Consultation on models for agricultural apprenticeships

Skills Insight is running a series of workshops around the country to discuss various options for an apprenticeship model and growers are invited to unity to register for either in-person or online events.

The workshops will be in two parts: firstly, a workforce functional analysis will be undertaken to consider how an apprenticeship for agriculture could be structured; secondly, discussions will take place to consider implementation of the model, including market and financial considerations.

In-person workshops begin in early October, while online workshops will be held 10 and 16 October, and 29 November.

Those with experience as trainers, employers or employees in the industry are encouraged to provide input into how an agricultural apprenticeship could work.

Find out more and register for a workshop here.

Farm Investment Loan webinar

The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) is an Australian Government-backed specialist finance provider of concessional loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses in financial need.

RIC loans help to accelerate start-ups, or when faced with severe business disruption, they provide support to recover, prepare and grow.

The RIC is holding a free Farm Investment Loan public webinar next month, which will cover loan eligibility and how to apply.

Details:

Wednesday, 25 October 12–1pm AEDT

RIC also provides information on AgriStarter Loans, Farm Relief in the event of natural disasters or biosecurity events. Find out more here.

Events

2023 National Olive Industry Conference & Exhibition: So Much To Learn & Experience

Registrations close 13 October – book NOW and join us in Canberra

Being held in Canberra, ACT on 26-27 October, this premier event brings together industry professionals for two days of invaluable networking and knowledge sharing. Don't miss the opportunity to gain new knowledge, build your networks and meet the experts.

Program:

Thursday 26th

8.30am - 1.00pm plenary sessions

1.30pm - 5.00pm grove tour

6.00pm - 9.00pm conference dinner

Friday 27th

9.00am - 1.00pm plenary sessions

1.45pm - 3.00pm interactive cooking demo/class/Q+A

3.30pm - 4.30pm olive oil tasting session

6.30pm - 11.00pm Australian International Olive Awards Presentation (optional, additional ticket)

Trade Exhibition

Featuring a range of leading olive industry suppliers and service providers, the Exhibition is an opportune time to review your business needs and learn all about the latest product innovations. A list of conference exhibitors is available here - be sure to make time to visit the booths and speak face-to-face with industry experts.

View the full Conference program here and register here.

The National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition 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. The event is also supported by the industry sponsors and exhibitors.

Last week to book tickets for the 2023 AIOA Presentation Dinner - don’t miss the chance to accept YOUR Award(s)!

The wait is nearly over and Australian International Olive Awards entrants will receive their medal results via email over the next few days. For anyone who’s achieved Gold for your EVOO, flavoured oil or table olives this year, that means you’re also in the running for a Best of Class/State/Country/ Hemisphere – along with a coveted Best of Show award.

Food, wine, friends and celebrations

The major awards will be revealed at the 2023 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner, being held in conjunction with the National Olive Industry Conference & Exhibition in Canberra, ACT.

The event is always a great night, enjoying good food and wine while catching up with old friends, making new ones, and celebrating the achievements of this year’s most successful producers.

Official AIOA winners’ photographs

The AOA has once again booked a professional photographer to cover the event, capturing the night’s celebrations and recording the winners with trophies and sashes. The images are used in media coverage and promotions throughout the following year and beyond, and can also be provided for your own promotional use.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun and celebrations, and hopefully to collect your winner’s trophy. Seating is limited, and ticket sales close on 13 October, so book yours now!

Details:

2023 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner

Friday, 27 October from 6.30pm - Ann Harding Conference Centre, Bruce, ACT

Book your tickets here.

Major sponsors:

OLIVE GROVE

FOR SALE

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Offers over $650k.

Serious buyers only.

Phone Judi on 0407380885.

International

South Island olive growers shine bright at 2023 New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards

South Island's olive oil producers have emerged as the champions of the 2023 New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards. Congratulations to Robinsons Bay Olives winner of Best in Show and Isobel Olives Picual winner of Best Boutique oil.

Just one of the articles published this week celebrating the NZ EVOO Awards winners, and the quality production achieved by NZ growers in a difficult year.

International

Optimism in Italy as olive harvest gets underway

While producers in southern Italy expect bumper crops, the fortunes of farmers in central and northern Italy are less certain.

And elsewhere too …

Tunisian producers anticipate production rebound despite heat, drought

State and industry sources suggest Tunisian olive oil production could rebound to 220,000 tons in the 2023/24 crop year.

Contract Olive Pruning - Riverland Pruning & Harvest

All aspects of olive pruning - tree training,

re-shaping, re-juvenate,

pruning for shaker or hand harvesting.

All tools supplied.

Fully licensed and insured.

Servicing all areas of SA, VIC and NSW.

Contact Rajab – 0469 718 719

rajabnassiri510@yahoo.com

37 tons of olive oil stolen from co-operative as prices soar

Some 37 tons of olive oil were stolen from the agricultural co-operative in Polygyros, in Halkidiki, northern Greece. The incident took place as the olive oil prices soar to unprecedented levels in the country. The damage worth is estimated to exceed 370,000 euros.

These increasing heists give the term ‘liquid gold’ a whole new meaning!

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

The year is racing by and Friday Olive Extracts (FOE) continues and Friday Olive Extracts (FOE) will continue 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!

California olive farmers turn to birds for natural pest control

Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

Olive farmers are boosting bird populations and biodiversity by creating and preserving bird-friendly habitats to help control pests.

Morocco wants to use its olive oil production for domestic consumption

According to Maghreb Intelligence, the Moroccan kingdom will suspend olive oil exports in order to supply its domestic market with 9 million litres.

Yet another producer country protecting its domestic supply …

Why olive oil prices are higher in Spain

A combination of retail purchase schedules, consumer habits and tax rates explain why extra virgin olive oil costs more in Spain than in France, Italy or Portugal.

Europe’s olive oil supply running out after drought – and the odd hailstorm

Olive groves in Chiclana de Segura, near Jaén, the cradle of Spain’s olive production, where the harvest is down 70-80%. Photograph: Jon Nazca/Reuters.

Europe has almost run out of local olive oil supplies and is set for more shortages, after extreme weather damaged harvests for a second year. The world’s largest producer has said it is having to import supplies from South America to keep up with demand.

Olive oil prices press bb.q into fried chicken rethink

Korean fried chicken franchise bb.q, known for its golden olive oil fried chicken, is altering its signature recipe after 18 years of unwavering commitment to Spanish extra virgin olive oil in response to the escalating international olive oil prices.

Moving from olive oil to olive oil/other oil blends is not a good thing!