25 August 2023

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

Today's Top Story

Unity in Murray-Darling Basin fractures as Victoria refuses to sign onto federal government's new plan

The federal government says it can buy water from willing sellers without the permission of the states. (ABC Rural: Warwick Long).

Victoria is digging in its heels as the rest of the basin states sign on to a new path forward for delivering the $13-billion Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Yesterday, Water Minister Tanya Plibersek revealed she had brokered a new deal between the federal government and New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory to extend water recovery project deadlines and deliver 450 gigalitres of additional environmental water.

Australia

Large parts of Australia put on high alert for significant bushfires in spring

A worrying recipe of increased vegetation combined with warm, dry weather has prompted emergency authorities to put large swathes of the country on high alert for bushfires this spring. The Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) has large parts of a map of eastern and central Australia marked in red in its seasonal outlook released on Wednesday.

VIDEO: New data shows food costs are soaring

The cost of many essential foods has risen sharply again over the past 12 months with some items are 40 per cent dearer.

Has the price you’re getting from retailers for your olives and oil gone up 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. 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.

WA stories told in Olives, Oil & Toil

A new book has been produced telling the first-hand stories of growers and others involved in the WA olive industry over 25 years.

Olives, Oil & Toil: Stories from WA Olive Groves 1995-2020 has been compiled by Maggie Edmonds, who said it “has been published for the authors, sponsors, their families and friends and future generations. It is also a record of an important sector of the WA agricultural sector.”

The book was produced with the support of volunteer contributors and sponsors, and will be officially launched by Professor Stan Kailis at the WA Olive Awards presentation event on 21 October 2023.

You can find out more and pre-order a copy at $40 from Dragonfly Publishing here.

Australia's most popular carbon credit scheme, Human Induced Regeneration, questioned by experts

Deep in the Australian outback, there are billions of dollars being made from carbon farming. Remote stations that used to farm sheep or cattle are now doing nothing on their land — and that's the intention. It's called Human Induced Regeneration (HIR) and while it's Australia's most popular method of carbon farming, it's also controversial.

And not just the HIR scheme …

Forest conservation carbon offsets being significantly overestimated, new study finds

Offsetting schemes have made little difference to deforestation in places like this in Peru's lowland rainforest. (Supplied: Eleanor Warren-Thomas)

Record land and ocean heatwaves, shrinking Antarctic and Arctic sea ice, extreme bushfires: if we needed reminding why greenhouse gas emissions must come down fast, 2023 is putting on a masterclass. But now there is more evidence that a method of carbon offsetting favoured by industries looking to "cancel out" their own greenhouse gas footprints, is seriously flawed.

Farmers receive mystery market research calls over VNI West transmission line project

Mystery surrounds who has commissioned market research into landowner attitudes toward the controversial VNI West transmission line project.

UQ researchers using artificial intelligence to breed plants resistant to climate change, pests

Professor Lee Hickey in a specially lit "speed breeding" laboratory. (Supplied: University of Queensland)

While some fear artificial intelligence could lead to human extinction, two Queensland agricultural scientists say it could hold the key to feeding the planet's growing population, which is expected to balloon to 10 billion people by 2050.

Wanted - Australian EVOO

We are looking for a supplier of Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil in larger volumes on a long-term supply basis.

To discuss further please contact Brian Dominic - email Brian@Dominicwinesestate.com or call 0418 832 001.

Opportunities

Evaluation of Eastern and Western Mount Lofty Ranges Water Allocation Plans

The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board is currently evaluating the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges (EMLR) and Western Mount Lofty Ranges (WMLR) Water Allocation Plans and want to hear from you.

You can help by filling in a survey (15-20 minutes) before 30 September, or attending one of the drop-in sessions currently being run in the regions.

Find out more and access the survey here.

Developing a Biosecurity Bill for South Australia: consultation now open

Public consultation on a draft Biosecurity Bill that will enable a modern approach to biosecurity management in South Australia is now open.

The new Bill will consolidate several existing Acts covering plant health, livestock, the dog fence, management of stray stock and relevant provisions of fisheries legislation, bringing consistency to biosecurity management across industries.

Feedback is submitted via a survey form on the YourSAy page, making the process simple. Feedback received will be collated and analysed to inform final drafting of the Biosecurity Bill before it is presented to Parliament.

The public consultation closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 26 Sept 2023. Find out more and provide your feedback here.

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.

Events

Last week to enter 2023 Australian International Olive Awards - Entries close 1 September

The 2023 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) is open for entries, with now only six days left until the closing date of 1 September. *Note: this is also the final day for receipt of entry samples*

Australia’s premier olive competition, with increasing international recognition and status, the AIOA provides benefits for entrants including:

Entries individually assessed and awarded on merit.
All entrants receive comprehensive judging feedback.
Successful judging provides eligibility for OliveCare® certification.
Unprecedented opportunity for international recognition of winning products and producers.
Official AIOA Results Book, providing a great marketing tool for all medal and award winners.
The opportunity to purchase high-resolution professional product images for use in social media, website and media purposes at only $35 plus GST.

Find out more and enter here. Don’t miss out - do it NOW!

“I work so hard and it’s just wonderful to get something for all the hard work. I put my heart and soul into it, and I think it’s paid off with this award…and it’s expensive to make, so the boost in sales is such a bonus. Instead of three bottles, now people will ask for 12 – when it’s won Best in Show, it makes a great present.”

Liz Tonkinson, Leisal Rose, 2021 AIOA Best of Show EVOO

Contract Olive Pruning - Riverland Pruning & Harvest

All aspects of olive pruning - tree training,

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pruning for shaker or hand harvesting.

All tools supplied.

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Servicing all areas of SA, VIC and NSW.

Contact Rajab – 0469 718 719

rajabnassiri510@yahoo.com

Registrations Now Open for 2023 AOA National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition

This year’s annual industry Conference & Exhibition is returning to Canberra for a two-day program featuring plenary sessions, grove visit, an EVOO cooking class and olive oil tasting workshop.

The program is a little different than in recent years and will feature shorter plenary sessions on both days, combined with in-venue and field activities.

Feature presentations respond directly to topics raised at last year’s Conference, or suggestions from growers at other AOA events throughout the year, while a tour of a local grove on the Friday afternoon will provide the ever-popular opportunity for peer discussion and problem-solving of grove management issues.

The Exhibition will feature a range of leading olive industry suppliers and service providers, on hand to talk face-to-face about your individual situation and requirements. It’s an opportune time to review your business needs and to learn all about the latest product innovations, so be sure to make time to visit the display booths. A list of conference exhibitors is available here and is updated regularly.

The plenary sessions and exhibition will be held at the Ann Harding Conference Centre at the University of Canberra, Bruce.

Where and when: Canberra, ACT 26-27 October

Note: The event also incorporates the Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner on Friday, 27 October (separate ticket).

Registrations now open - find out more 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.

New Zealand

Entries now open for 2023 NZ EVOO Awards - closing 31 August

Entries are open for the 2023 NZ EVOO Awards, providing the chance to be named New Zealand’s Best EVOO or Flavoured Oil producer.

All members should have been sent the entry packs: if you haven’t received yours, please contact the Executive Officer at admin@olivesnz.org.nz.

If you are waiting on Certification results, just leave the class blank and your Certification results will guide the process based on the Polyphenols.

More information is available on the website here.

Entries close on 31 August – get your entries off now!

International

How a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy can benefit children's health

A Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, lean proteins, fish, and olive oil. In a new study, researchers report that children born to mothers who adhered to a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy had better neurodevelopment at the age of 2.

Community milling in California: small growers encouraged to reserve early

From October through December, mills across California will open their doors to hobby growers.

Farms facing natural constraints play key role in European agriculture

Cinque Terre, Italy.

Farms facing natural challenges are less profitable than conventional ones but play a critical role in biodiversity and landscape preservation.

Chemistry takes center stage at Olive Center course

Olive oil chemistry can unlock fruit assessment for optimal yield. The science behind different analyses provides producers, hobbyists and consumers with specific options to control or evaluate the quality of any extra virgin olive oil. A scientific approach can be beneficial, whether running an olive mill or selecting a high-quality, flavorful extra virgin olive oil for a supermarket shelf.

Whether in Australia or NZ, Modern Olives’ labs are doing their bit to educate around the quality parameters of EVOO.

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!

Olive oil prices rocket with Spain set to run out of supply before next season

Fears that Spain may run out of olive oil before the next harvest begins in October have been pushing prices to record levels. Commodity prices have more than doubled in a year – the price of extra virgin olive oil from Andalusia has jumped up 114.1% from €3.83/kg to €8.20/kg in the 52 weeks to 16 August, according to Mintec figures.

Combined with the benefits of the AU-UK FTA, now may be time for Australian EVOO in the UK market.

Thieves escape with around 6,000 litres of olive oil from a factory in Teba, Malaga

Thieves escaped with thousands of litres of olive oil from a factory in the Teba municipality of Malaga province on Wednesday, August 16. Operating under the cover of darkness, the criminals took advantage of the factory’s remote location and managed to disable the facility’s security cameras and alarms before gaining entry during the early hours.