15 September 2023


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

Today's Top Story

South-east Australia set to bake under prolonged, hot spring temperatures for up to a week


Near-record September temperatures could be on the horizon for parts of the country's south-east as an unusually long run of hot spring weather sets in over southern Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures across southern Australia to reach between eight and 12 degrees Celsius above average by the weekend.


More proof of the need to get composting, soil moisture monitoring, etc happening in your grove.

Australia

More than 3 million Australians want to move to the outback, according to the Regional Australia Institute


Tania and Dale are among a growing number of Aussies eager to put the city lights behind them and make the most of abundant work opportunities in rural communities.


The new RAI report calls for greater investment in the rural workforce and country town infrastructure. No arguments there! 

Varroa mite spreads north in NSW, as new risk-based approach to hive euthanasia adopted

A varroa mite visible on a bee in a red eradication zone in NSW. (Supplied: Steve Fuller)


The number of varroa mite cases in New South Wales has risen to 264, with the confirmation of the state's most northerly detection to date. In addition to this new detection in the state's north at Barcoongere, north of Coffs Harbour, there have been an additional nine infested premises detected in the Kempsey cluster.


And while we’re talking about the invation of nasty critters …

Invasive Species Council fears fire ants could spread to Victoria after being found in Melbourne

The Invasive Species Council says fire ants are spreading despite efforts to contain them. (Supplied: Invasive Species Council/Murray S. Blum, The University of Georgia via Forestry Images)

 

Lorraine Vivian was enjoying a brief stroll through some long grass in Houston, Texas, when she noticed a small, burning sensation on her leg. 

Bulla Burra collaborative farm enters new chapter as Gladigau family steps away


When two young farming families joined forces 15 years ago they had no idea of the impact they would make on the agricultural landscape. The Bulla Burra collaborative farm, in South Australia's Mallee and Riverland regions, began when John Gladigau and Robin Schaefer combined their respective 2,000 hectares of land.


This is a model for other farmers looking to enter the co-operative space, and something members of our industry are also looking at for better economies of scale.

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.

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.

Private abattoir with enhanced animal welfare plan for Riverina draws opposition from neighbours

 

A proposed $10 million abattoir is part of a cattle producer's ambitious plan to produce carbon neutral beef, but nearby landholders say it will put the local environment at risk.

 

FYI, for growers in the region.

Small business to be exempt from Federal Government’s labour hire laws in bid to close loophole

 

Small businesses will be exempt from new labour hire laws the Federal Government has revealed, as Labor prepares to defend its “same work, same pay” legislation against opposition from big business.

Free seed libraries illustrate the power of this community gardening movement

Free food? Grow your own with help from a seed library.

 

If disasters ever cause shortages on supermarket shelves, Psaltis Cauley and passionate volunteers like her are set to support local food security with a precious seed bank of hardy and heirloom variety vegetables. 

 

Perhaps growers in the area could share some olive seeds, as one of the most important - and nutritious - health sources.

Opportunities

Skills Insight – first agribusiness projects underway

Skills Insight has commenced two new projects for the agriculture sector, as part of its role as a Jobs and Skills Council.

One project is seeking views from stakeholders about the feasibility of trade apprenticeships in agriculture and the other will consult with trainers and industry to incorporate recently updated units in AHC qualifications.

Find out more and provide your input here

Food and Grocery Code Independent Reviewer annual survey

 

The Independent Reviewer of the Food and Grocery Code has recently launched their annual supplier survey, to help identify emerging issues in the grocery supply chain, and foster fair and effective relationships between suppliers, retailers and wholesalers.

The survey provides the opportunity to provide feedback in a safe and secure manner. Your responses will be used to inform the Independent Reviewer of the level of compliance by the Code signatories - Aldi, Coles, MF&G (Metcash) and Woolworths. It may also inform future Government policy and regulations in the food and groceries industry.

All producers who supply directly to Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, and Metcash to complete the survey, which can be accessed here.

The survey closes Tuesday, 3 October.

Events

AOA Healthy Soils SA Field Day: composting, soil moisture and nutrition, pruning, drones in groves, and more 

Being held at Peninsula Providore’s Nangkita Grove on SA’s Fleurieu Peninsula, this field day will cover a number of relevant grove topics, including issues raised at previous AOA field days - e.g. biosecurity, soil moisture monitoring, soil nutrition and a demonstration of renovation pruning.

It will also communicate the results of a composting trial undertaken on the property, supported by the Federal Government Smart Farms Small Grant: Soil Extension Activities program.

The latest addition to the program is an introduction to UAVs (drones) for growers:

Mike Thomsett’s Earthbound Horticulture Consultancy has been utilising UAV (drone) monitoring for groves across NSW since 2017. Astounded at the benefits they bring to the grove manager, Mike is keen to introduce them to you via the “Drones in Groves” segment. By demonstrating and showcasing what is easily achievable, while raising awareness of the legal and regulatory framework that exists, you’ll see how growers can take the next step towards getting a higher perspective of their farms and gathering valuable information for smarter decisions.

Details:

Sunday, 24 September 2023: Nangkita Grove, Tooperang SA. 

Grove host: Mel Hollick

Cost: $44 levy payers/AOA members; $55 others (GST incl). Includes morning/afternoon tea, lunch and refreshments.

Registrations close Monday 18 September, 5pm. Register here and arm yourself with the knowledge to improve your soil, and the health and productivity of your trees.


This event 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.

2023 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner - don’t miss the chance to accept YOUR Award(s)!

The countdown is on to the announcement of the Australian International Olive Awards winners, celebrating this year’s outstanding products and rewarding the efforts of our most successful producers. For many, including the winners of the Best of Show titles, it’s a business-changing outcome, and if you’ve entered your EVOO, flavoured oil or table olives this year, it could be you.

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, so book your tickets 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:

New Zealand

Final Grove Pruning Field Days

 

Just a reminder to NZ growers that there are three remaining Pruning Field Days organized by Olives New Zealand:

Wairarapa – Sunday, 17 September with Andrew Priddle - 4pm at Chris Penman’s Bella Olea grove, Greytown.

Kapiti - Sunday, 17 September with Neil Smith - 1.30pm at Noble Estate. In conjunction with the Kapiti branch’s annual New Season Oil Tasting and shared lunch from 11am.

Hawke’s Bay–- Sunday, 1 October 10am at Arataki Grove.

FREE for ONZ Members, $25 for Non-Members.

More information and details here.

2023 NZ EVOO Awards Weekend

2022 NZ EVOO Awards Best in Show winners, Waikawa Glen

 

Olives NZ is gearing up for the Olives NZ Awards Weekend 2023, being held in Hawke’s Bay on 30 September to 1 October inclusive. The weekend’s activities include:

NZ EVOO Awards Cocktail Evening

Saturday, 30 September from 5.30pm at the Century Theatre Foyer, MTG Hawke's Bay, Napier.

With 119 entries into the Awards, the star of the weekend will be the 2023 New Zealand Extra Virgin Olive Oil Awards presentation. Mix and mingle with a cocktail hour, before heading into a seated theatre for Awards presentation. Celebrate with the winners back in the foyer over a feasting table.

Cost $150 per person.

Reni's Olive Oil Tasting

Saturday, 30 September, 12.30-2.30pm at Telegraph Hill Olivery, 1279 Howard Street, Hastings.

Cost $60 ONZ members, $120 non-members.

Field Day

Sunday, 1 October 10am-12pm at Arataki Grove, 19 Albany Lane, Havelock North.

The field day will look at the management program that has been undertaken over the last four years, covering the period after first harvest in 2019, grafting the Kalamata block and planting this year.

Free for members, $50 for non-members

More details and register here.

International

California olive farmers embrace regenerative agriculture to combat climate challenges


After the initial investment, California farmers say regenerative farming practices enhance soil health, fight pests and improve oil quality.

Why you should consider hosting an olive oil tasting party


A cooking oil, flavor enhancer, and health supplement to some, olive oil is a massively important ingredient in many cultures around the world. As such, there's a wide variety of olive oils to choose from when stocking your kitchen, to the point that it can be a little overwhelming to find your go-to bottle. To solve this problem, we recommend a decision-making strategy that is just as fun as it is effective: hosting an olive oil tasting party.

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


Award-winning EVOO, local cuisine delight the senses on Hvar

House of olive oil in the center of the olive grove.


Eva Marija Čurin challenged guests at a dinner to decide which extra virgin olive oils paired best with local dishes.

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!

Europe's drought hits olive oil exports to India, prices already up 60%

 

Tip the container gently over your salads, pizzas and pastas because the price of extra virgin olive oil has gone up Rs 1,100 per litre from Rs 850, and may soon rise to Rs 1,500.

Researchers use AI to identify the olive oil compounds that affect Alzheimer’s

AI-generated image

 

Using a machine learning algorithm, researchers identified ten compounds in extra virgin olive oil that act like pharmaceutical treatments for dementia.

The EU warns of the entry into Spain of olives from Morocco with a banned pesticide


Highlights: The EU food alert system has classified the incident as "serious" Chlorpyrifos is not authorized in European space. For now, the olives have only been distributed in Spanish territory.

Israeli firm prepares to launch countertop olive oil appliance

According to its creators, Olive X-Press will be available for sale in various retailers in 2024.

 

After over a decade of development, a team of Israeli entrepreneurs say they are preparing to launch a countertop olive oil production appliance: the Olive X‑Press.

2023


24 September

AOA-Smart Farms Composting Trial Field Day, Tooperang, SA

www.olivebiz.com.au

 

30 September

NZ EVOO Awards Presentation, Hawke’s Bay

admin@olivesnz.org.nz


9 October

Medals announced (email), Australian International Olive Awards - Adelaide, SA

www.internationaloliveawards.com.au


11 October

Presentation Dinner, Royal Adelaide Olive Awards

www.olivessouthaustralia.org.au


12 October

Awards Night, Hunter Valley Olive Show - Hunter Valley, NSW

www.hunterolives.asn.au


21 October

Awards Night, 2023 WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au


26-27 October

AOA National Olive Industry Conference & Trade Exhibition - Canberra, ACT

www.nationaloliveconference.com.au

 

27 October

Awards dinner/Trophy presentation, Australian International Olive Awards - Canberra, ACT

www.internationaloliveawards.com.au


To include your event, or update your existing event details, email FOE editor Gerri Nelligan at editor@olivegrower.com.au

Friday Olive Extracts is Published by:
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