30 January 2026

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Today's top story

Ominous weather outlook for Aussies in 2026 as 'strong signs' El Niño will take hold

Australians are being told to brace for a mixed bag of weather in 2026, with early estimates suggesting the current La Niña system may be on its last legs.

Australia

Bushfire preparedness and preventative irrigation

Image: Unsplash

By Laura Thomas

A historic heatwave has seen Australian records topple this week, with sizzling temperatures of up to 50C causing concern for farmers and rural communities.

And as the mercury continues to climb, so does the threat - and incidence - of bushfire.

So what can olive growers do to help protect their grove if they find it in harm's way? Read more.

What happens to the human body in 49C heat? Australians are finding out

Doctors warn there are biological limits to temperatures we can survive, and exposure to extreme heat can provoke a heart attack.

For more information to keep you and others safe while working in the heat, visit the Safe Work Australia website.

Bushfire recovery grants and concessional loan applications now open

Applications for Victorian Primary Producer Recovery Grants and Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans to support farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires are now open.

Find out more.

Climate change increased the chance of intense Australian heatwave fivefold, study finds

The intense heatwave in south-eastern Australia in early January was made five times more likely by human-caused climate change, a new international analysis has found, despite La Niña having a dampening effect on its intensity.

Co-op for olive industry

There’s a revolution looking to reshape the Australian olive industry

And while it may have been a long time coming now the option of co-operative power has arrived it is catching on very quickly.

AOA Classifieds

Got something to sell? Want to buy?

If you’ve got something industry-related to sell, you can reach your target market directly with our grower-to-grower service - AOA Classifieds.

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.

Plant biosecurity in action: PHA highlights from 2025

2025 marked a significant year for Plant Health Australia (PHA), with progress across coordination, preparedness and engagement that continued to strengthen Australia’s plant biosecurity system.

Farmer’s Australia Day tribute

South Australian farmer Harrison Schuster discusses his touching Australia Day tribute which went viral “for all the right reasons”.

International

Türkiye becomes world’s 2nd-largest olive oil producer

Türkiye leads global export growth in the 2024-2025 season, recording a 132% surge in olive oil exports and positioning itself as a key driver of worldwide trade expansion.

Women farmers at the forefront of olive oil’s future, UN says

As the United Nations prepares for the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, women olive oil producers from Greece, Portugal, Tunisia and Lebanon share how resilience, sustainability and stewardship guide their work.

Crackdown on olive oil fraud in Spain: a good thing for Italy, here's why

Ne Italy will also definitely benefit from new anti-fraud measures introduced by Spain along the entire olive oil supply chain, including pomace.

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts brings 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!

Cooking with olive oil might actually make your food more nutritious, new study says

Olive oil is considered nutritional liquid gold to many. Its plant compounds, including monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) and antioxidants, can help support your overall health, and they may even reduce inflammation and cancer risk.

Cyprus olive oil losing out to patchy EU regulations

EU regulation for controlling olive oil quality including Cyprus contains serious weaknesses that risk undermining consumer confidence, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors released last week.

Growing olives experiment launched in Kherson region

An experiment with growing olive trees as an alternative to traditional crops has been launched in the Kherson region.

More modern olive growing models and new lands for olive groves: The double challenge

It's called SuperOliVe and it's an exciting new project that brings together universities, olive oil producer associations and agricultural companies. With ambitious goals.

Calendar 2026

25 February

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

Email Laura to have your event included.

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