24 October 2025

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Today's top story

Australian rural road speed limits could be slashed under new proposal

The 'default' speed limit on rural roads in Australia could be lowered from 100km/h to as low as 70km/h under a new Federal Government proposal intended to reduce crash injuries and fatalities.

Click here to find out more and have your say by Monday October 27.

Australia

Adapting and preparing for changing weather conditions

Image: Unsplash

By Laura Thomas

Weather has continued to dominate news headlines this week, as Australians endure soaring temperatures and wet, wild storms.

The first insight into summer has also been released by the Bureau of Meteorology, revealing it's likely to be hotter-than-normal.

As our weather continues to change, it's important olive producers have a good understanding of its impact on their olive enterprise and are prepared to adapt. Read more.

Using data to make workplaces safer – every job, every day

New figures released by Safe Work Australia during National Safe Work Month show that the rate of work-related fatalities in 2024 is lower than the 5-year average from 2020 to 2024. However, claims for Mental health conditions continue to rise.

Poor phone reception threatening regional safety

Australians rely on their phones and the internet for education, business, socialising and in emergencies. And as Optus’ recent Triple Zero outage highlights, the consequences of a network outage can be fatal.

Make safety a priority

Many farms are homes as well as workplaces and we all have a part to play in improving farm safety, health and wellbeing.

A new podcast season is urging listeners to make safety a priority for everyone who sets foot on the farm.

Grants of up to $3m to scale up drought resilience projects

Federal grants of between $100,000 and $3 million (GST exclusive) are available for up to two years in funding to scale up or extend drought and climate resilience projects.

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.

'Right to repair' gains traction

Australia's peak farm bodies have renewed their push for a legislated Right to Repair for agricultural machinery, saying the lack of reform continues to cost regional producers time and money.

Record-breaking heavy horses showcasing agricultural history

A team of more than 60 heavy horses have hauled an antique wagon to set a new world record. The event harnessed old-fashioned horsepower, but its real aim was to showcase Australia’s agricultural history.

Watch now on ABC Landline.

International

EU unveils bold strategy to revive European agriculture through youth empowerment

The European Commission has launched an ambitious ‘Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture’ – a comprehensive roadmap designed to rejuvenate European agriculture and attract a new wave of young farmers.

The initiative aims to double the number of young farmers in the EU by 2040, targeting a share of around 24% of all European farmers.

Tunisia’s olive oil sector faces record harvest amid price collapse and fraud allegations

Tunisia is poised for a record olive oil harvest, but the sector is mired in collapsing prices, farmer unrest, and allegations of large-scale illegal sales to Spanish buyers.

Catalonia expects significant increase in olive oil production

Catalonia's olive oil production is expected to double in 2025/26 due to improved weather conditions, but challenges remain for producers.

Turkey's table olive exports reach record high

In the 2024/25 crop year, Turkey's table olive exports reached a record high of $255 million, with green olive exports showing the largest increase.

Mediterranean diet adherence may reduce digestive disorders

A study published in Gastroenterology found that following a Mediterranean or plant-based diet was linked to a lower risk of chronic constipation, with participants who adhered closely to these diets having a reduced risk.

The impact of the olive fly on the chemical and sensory quality of oil

The 2025 olive growing year stands out for itshigh olive fly pressure (Bactrocera oleae), which, in various areas of the Mediterranean basin, has reached high infestation levels, sometimes close to 100% of the fruits.

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!

Centuries-old olive tree in Hatay continues to yield fruit

In the courtyard of a centuries-old mosque in the southern province of Hatay, a 1,358-year-old olive tree continues to bear fruit as a living symbol of Türkiye’s deep-rooted olive tradition.

Olive tree emerges as symbol of interconnected health and sustainability

A new review led by Yale researchers highlights the olive tree’s unique role in connecting human, animal, and environmental health — a living model of the “One Health” approach to sustainability.

Calendar 2025

28 - 30 October

AOA National Olive Industry Conference and Exhibition 2025, Adelaide SA

(Optional field day, 28 October)

www.nationaloliveconference.com.au

30 October

Awards announced, Australian International Olive Awards 2025 – Adelaide SA

www.internationaloliveawardsaustralia.com.au

To include your event in our next edition, or update your existing event details, please reach out to Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au

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