6 February 2026

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Today's top story

Extreme weather fuels volatility across the global olive oil market

Localised extreme climate events are increasingly triggering cascading effects across the global olive oil market, with irregular harvests feeding price volatility, trade tensions and subtle shifts in traditional diets.

Australia

SA olive grove thriving again after bushfire

Image: Woodside Farm today: Olive grower Ron Baker is pictured in his Adelaide Hills grove, six years after it was impacted by bushfire (Ron Baker).

By Laura Thomas

South Australian olive grower Ron Baker knows better than most - “it’s hard to kill an olive tree”.

His and wife Ethne’s 6,400-tree grove, Woodside Farm, was severely impacted by the 2019 Cudlee Creek Bushfire. But six years, a lot of hard work and an intense rejuvenation process later, the grove is thriving again.

Read on to find out how successful bushfire recovery was achieved at Woodside Farm.

Weather bureau forecasts higher temperatures likely to continue

Continued above average daytime and overnight temperatures and below average rainfall for parts of central and south-east Australia are likely from February to April, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest long-range forecast.

Australian summers to experience more 50C days as heatwaves intensify, experts say

After two heatwaves in January alone, the prospect of seeing 50 degrees Celsius forecast on weather maps across south-eastern Australia is becoming more and more likely.

Fruit tree netting installations to increase over next decade as heatwaves persist

Humans are told to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide, but for agricultural crops, seeking shade has never been more important. 

Anatomy of a heatwave: how a cyclone, humid air and atmospheric waves drove brutal heat in the southeast

In 2009, the combination of a cyclone, atmospheric waves and warm moist air triggered a record-breaking heatwave. It’s happening again.

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.

Drought-affected SA farmers able to access low-interest loans of up to $250,000

South Australian farmers under financial strain from years of drought will be able to access low-interest loans of up to $250,000 from the state government.

Get ready for Payday Super 

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay their employees’ super each payday instead of at least once every 3 months. 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released new factsheets, checklists and videos to help you prepare for this change.  

Read more.

International

'Key informants' report that farmers accept mental health help but face barriers

Governments and organizations that provide mental health support to farmers dealing with depression, anxiety and isolation have traditionally focused on overcoming the stigma associated with getting help—but that isn't the barrier farmers face, according to a new study by a research team led by rural sociologists at Penn State.

Olives have been essential to life in Italy for at least 6,000 years – far longer than we thought

How far back does the rich history of Italian olives and oil stretch?

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts brings the latest industry news and events direct to your inbox each week.

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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!

New study ranks areas in Greece most suitable for olive cultivation

Researchers say climate and terrain data could help farmers, insurers and policymakers plan the future of olive cultivation in Greece.

Olive oil: January frost could affect yields

Better climatic conditions during the harvest season and higher yields in regions such as the Aegean and South-Eastern Anatolia meant that Turkish olive oil production in 2024/25 was significantly better than had long been assumed. 

Europe’s olive grove crisis affects nature & culture, but has solutions

Across Mediterranean Europe, olive groves are in decline from a range of factors, from disease to depopulation.

Shipment of olive oil destined for Switzerland disappears, three arrests

A gang that swindled an olive oil company by falsifying the information of a transport company has been busted. Nearly half a million euros in proceeds from the sale of stolen oil has been recovered.

Taiwan companies charged for selling olive oil diluted with canola

Two Taiwanese companies have been charged with defrauding customers by falsely labeling olive oil mixed with canola oil as “100% pure olive oil.”

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