20 JUNE 2025

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Today's top story

Tasmania's toil for the good oil

Image: Tasmanian Country.

The olive harvest has begun in Tasmania, where the industry is described by its peak body as “small but well-established”.

A look into Tasmania's olive harvest and industry, featuring a few words from AOA Director Kent Hallett!

Australia

Hort Innovation’s largest weed control investment to boost Australian horticultural production

One of the key priorities at Hort Innovation is safeguarding the supply of fresh, nutritious produce for Australian consumers.

A challenge the industry continues to face in achieving this is the impact of harmful pesticides on our fruit, vegetables and nuts.

That’s why we’re investing in innovative, eco-friendly solutions that enhance farm productivity while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and herbicides.

Farm plastic waste recycling options a 'leap forward for sustainability'

Tonnes of plastic farm waste is being turned into new products with the development of recycling techniques by the agricultural industry and engineering researchers.

Each year, Australian farms go through an estimated 110,000 tonnes of plastic waste, but recycling options for soft plastics and twine in particular are limited.

Funding boost sees NSW biosecurity budget swell to more than $1b

The NSW government has announced $141.2 million in new funding to safeguard the agricultural industry from pests such as feral pigs and fire ants.

Premier Chris Minss says the money will help to boost detection, protection and response. Industry bodies say ongoing support and strategic allocation of funding is needed.

Calls for agriculture lobby groups to unify for stronger representation

Food producers in Western Australia have been warned agricultural representation is at a crisis point, and industry needs to pay to improve advocacy of primary production to government.

The warning came amid calls for a single, united group to represent farming and fishing interests to the government, a move that could consolidate the hundreds of separate interest groups in operation.

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.

AOA Classifieds

Beware of rural road hazards

Motorists continue to report widespread flood damage across NSW’s road network as farmers issue a fresh plea for funding to repair rural roads.

NSW Farmers Executive Councillor and Taree beef farmer Deborah Willis said record floods in May had crippled thousands of kilometres of roads that had been in disarray since 2021.

How will the super tax impact property?

In this first part of a two-part series, industry experts advise landholders on what course of action to take in the light of Federal Government’s moves to tax unrealised gains in superannuation.

The Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023 is better known as the ‘Super Tax’ and if approved, will impose an additional 15 percent tax on the earnings of superannuation balances above $3 million.

Managing soil during and after drought

Considering the dry situation many landholders in southern Australia are currently experiencing, it is timely to share the Soil CRC resources for farmers, advisors and researchers on soil management during and after drought.

Australia’s variable climate presents ongoing challenges for land managers, particularly during and after drought. The Soil has produced a suite of practical, science-based resources to help farmers, graziers, and landholders manage soil health through these tough conditions.

International

After a drastic jump last year, olive oil prices in the EU have halved.

Agricultural prices in the European Union rose by 2,6 percent in the first quarter of this year, with milk, eggs and cereals rising the most, Eurostat reported. On the other hand, the price of olive oil fell the most, by more than 40 percent.

Greek olive oil: Price drops, surplus, and a push for a national plan

Greece’s olive oil industry finds itself at a critical turning point. A sharp drop in domestic demand has left nearly 40% to 50% of this year’s harvest unsold, creating a surplus that is placing intense pressure on producers. Farmgate prices have plunged to around 3.80 euros per liter—barely covering production costs and raising concerns across the supply chain.

New method detects olive oil adulteration, reduces environmental impact

Researchers from Moroccan and French universities have developed a new method to detect olive oil adulteration, which could significantly reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

According to the authors of the research, published in the Food Chemistry journal, the new tool also shortens the time required for olive oil analysis, making in situ anti-adulteration assessments more widely accessible.

Why olive oil prices are higher in Croatia

Croatian olive oil prices are on the rise, with an 18% increase in April 2025. Factors include consumer awareness, market trends and production costs.

Send us YOUR news!

Friday Olive Extracts is back for 2025, bringing 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!

Olive oil can ‘transform heart, brain and metabolic health’ if used properly

Olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, has some well-documented health benefits but many people might not realise they’re using it wrong, losing some of its nutrients on the way.

Physician Pooja Toshniwal Paharia detailed the do’s, don’ts, trues and falses around the ‘liquid gold’ ingredient for News Medical.

Six arrested after the discovery of a network of olive thieves in inland Malaga province

Six people have been arrested so far with two others under investigation in the Guardia Civil's operation 'Zaranda 25', part of the plan against agricultural and livestock theft.

The suspects are accused of theft, falsification of public documents and belonging to an organised criminal group.

Olive leaf extract successfully incorporated into biomedical polymer filaments

Researchers from the University of Cádiz have successfully incorporated olive leaf extract into PLCL filaments, a biodegradable copolymer used in biomedical applications, to create filaments with therapeutic properties for soft-tissue engineering and drug delivery.