15 May 2026

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Today's top story

Gulf conflict sends shockwaves through olive oil supply chain

While olive oil is not directly tied to the Gulf conflict, the sector’s dependence on fuel, fertilizers and shipping leaves it highly vulnerable to prolonged disruptions.

Australia

Update: 2026 AOA National Olive Conference & Exhibition

The Australian Olive Association (AOA) has announced that the 2026 National Olive Conference & Exhibition will not proceed as a physical, centralised event. 

This decision was necessitated by global fuel supply chain disruptions and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which have created significant logistical uncertainty and financial risk regarding event deposits. 

While the traditional three-day format is unrealistic for this year, the AOA is developing alternative networking and industry learning concepts. A final decision on these alternatives will be communicated in the new financial year as the fuel situation becomes clearer.

More details are available here.

Check your grove on the national olive tree crop map

Australian olive growers are being urged to check their grove on the olive industry’s tree crop map, to help keep the important resource up-to-date.

The Australian Tree Crop Map provides the exact location and area of commercial olive groves across the country, providing a better understanding of the industry, its size and location. 

Map data is also crucial in the event of a biosecurity outbreak. Read on to access the map and find out more.

Ag lobby finds points to like in Federal Budget

The Federal Government’s 2026-27 Budget has been met with a broadly positive response from agricultural groups after it exempted farmers from new trust tax reforms and ruled out changes to small business capital gains tax concessions.

Federal budget disappointment for farmers and environmental groups

Federal budget cuts to national pest and weed control programs have been labelled "savage" and "tragic" as feral animal numbers rise across the country.

New research calls for fit-for-purpose connectivity across Australian farms

Australian agriculture needs a more realistic, resilient and fit‑for‑purpose approach to connectivity if it is to remain productive, safe and competitive, according to new research released (Monday) by AgriFutures Australia.

First north-west cloudband of 2026 to develop over Australia, delivering a broad band of rain

After the nation's driest April in eight years, an unfavourable monthly outlook and El Niño looming in the near distant future, expectations for drought relief this May were not particularly high.

Announcing the 2026 National Safe Work Month theme: Safe work is for life 

Safe Work Australia is pleased to announce the theme for National Safe Work Month 2026: Safe work is for life.  

Held each October, National Safe Work Month is a time for workplaces across Australia to focus on safe and healthy work for all. In 2026, the campaign will highlight that WHS is about more than preventing harm in the moment – it’s about protecting workers’ lives, health and future.  

International

Peruvian olive oil exporters face scrutiny as fruitfly crisis deepens

A Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in southern Peru has intensified concerns among olive oil producers after Spanish authorities reported pesticide-contaminated imports to the E.U. food safety system.

Olives in Austria: The experiment that could change European olive oil

Austrian farmers are growing olives where they have never belonged. As the climate warms, their bold experiment reveals what may lie ahead for olive growers across the Mediterranean.

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.

Olive oil production increases fivefold in 26 years

Portugal’s olive oil production reached 160,000 tonnes in the current season – and quintupled in the last 26 years – but experts meeting in the Alentejo town of Moura today believe the sector can still grow in volume and value.

In England’s Fens, a farmer bets on olive trees and a warmer climate

On reclaimed marshland in eastern England, farmer David Hoyles is cultivating 18,000 olive trees and producing what may be Britain’s first commercial extra virgin olive oil.

Olive oil and brain benefits: an important new discovery

A Spanish study shows that some compounds in extra virgin olive oil cross the blood-brain barrier and could protect the brain from diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

In Milas, ancient Memecik trees inspire a modern olive oil venture

With its layered historical heritage, the city of Milas sits in southwestern Turkey, near the Aegean Sea.

Along the foothills of the surrounding mountains, ancient Memecik trees have found ideal conditions to thrive for generations, shaping a rugged landscape that remains little known compared to the region’s coastal destinations.

How olive oil soap is still made by hand in Turkey

Doktoroğlu Soaps is one of Turkey's largest producers of handmade olive oil soap, turning out nearly 8 million bars a year. Workers follow centuries-old methods using just a few simple ingredients.

Industrial production once pushed many artisanal soapmakers out of business. Now, a growing demand for natural products is helping revive the industry.

Calendar 2026

25 May

Tastebook® EVOO Sensory Training

Registration and more information

1 June

Entries open, 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

10 August

Entries open, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

21 August

Entries open, 2026 Australian International Olive Awards

3 September

Entries close, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

8 October

Awards ceremony, WA Olive Awards

www.oliveswa.com.au

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