12 May 2023

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

Today's Top Story

UK free trade agreement good news for Australian winemakers, farmers, and fishers

The long awaited Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom is good news for Australian farmers. It will cut tariffs and increase quotas on a range of Australian exports and make it easier for young people to move between the two countries for work.

We’ll update on the specifics around olive products in the June edition of Olivegrower & Processor.

Australia

Federal budget 2023: Fee hikes on international travel, overseas parcels, imports to fund $1b biosecurity boost

An Australian biosecurity announcement on a recent international flight. (ABC Rural: Clint Jasper)

The cost to import everything from vehicles to white goods and e-commerce parcels will rise as the federal government funds the biggest boost to biosecurity in decades.

And here’s more detail on budget measures affecting agriculture …

Federal budget 2023: Biosecurity boost, farm labour enhancements, water review highlights for agriculture

A much-requested strengthening of Australia's biosecurity measures has been confirmed in the federal budget. The government will provide an extra billion dollars over four years to strengthen the system, including greater regulation, surveillance and international engagement.

Farmers ditch diesel as electric tractors inch towards production

Rob McCreath is able to shift his cows between paddocks on his electric motorbike. (ABC News: Michael Brooks)

When Tasmanian beef farmer Rob McCreath braves the autumn frosts, jumps on his motorbike and heads out to tend to his cows each morning, he can still hear the birds sing. His cows continue chewing the cud, ignoring the farmer whizzing past them, the bike barely disturbing the peaceful morning scene.

Rural Queensland property owners to object to 'ridiculous' land value increases by Valuer-General

Rob Window's rural block has more than doubled in value and, while that would be good news for many, it means stress. His property went up 149 per cent following the Queensland valuer-general's 2023 land appraisals, leaving Mr Window worried he would not be able to afford his new council rates.

This issue isn’t just happening in Qld, so there could be some useful information if it happens in your LGA.

Mobile Doppler radar investigated as potentially 'life-saving' tool in extreme fire management

In testing, the radar was placed on cleared land near the controlled burn. (Supplied: DBCA)

Unexpected wind shifts, ember attacks, fire storms and fire vortices. They're some of the unpredictable and extreme components that can transform a bushfire from bad to deadly. As bushfires become increasingly ferocious in Australia, aggravated by climate change, major fire and research bodies from across the country are turning to a well-known piece of technology that they say could be a "life-saving" tool in fire management.

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, like Len, who has an Oliomino 700 processing unit and Speedy Shaker harvester for sale, as he’s retiring. 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.

Contractor arrangements: be informed and lock it in!

The olive harvest/processing season sees many producers engaging contractors to provide services on their properties, so here’s a timely reminder of the importance of being informed and aware of the service arrangement you’re entering into.

There are currently quite a few new people coming into the industry, so for them in particular it’s important to do a bit of homework before committing to a contract or service. Ideally, talk to other experienced growers about who they use and how the contractual process generally works - terms and conditions, what the costs are, etc. Work out the range of pricing you should be looking at when negotiating with a contractor.

Then discuss the same aspects with (where possible) several contractors and ensure the arrangement is suitable and viable for your business.

Bottom line: all growers should get as much information as possible before you agree to any contract service arrangement, and preferably ensure the terms and conditions are in writing before any work commences. Even when services are in high demand, it’s your grove and business, so don’t feel pressured to accept a deal which doesn’t work for you.

VNI inquiry proposed

Opponents want an inquiry into the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West [(VNI West) renewable energy project. The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has urged the Victorian government to take over the planning of the state's transmission network following the Australian Energy Market Operator's (AEMO) proposed VNI West project.

Goats deployed across Gold Coast hinterland, northern NSW help landowners tackle rampant weeds

The goats reduce the need for harmful chemicals and labour. (ABC Gold Coast: Steve Keen)

Goats deployed across the Gold Coast hinterland and northern New South Wales are helping landowners tackle rampant weeds such as wild tobacco, devil's fig, privet, and camphor laurel. Sandrine Rangeon runs a one-woman operation that brings in about 100 goats to a property, sets up electric fencing to contain the renowned escape artists, and puts them to work devouring anything green in their cloven-hoofed path.

Opportunities

Farmer feedback sought to improve farm safety

The Victorian Farmers Federation’s Making our Farms Safer Project (VFF MOFS) is calling for farmer feedback to gauge the impact of the ‘Making our Farm Families Safer’ campaign, which aims to improve the safety of children on farms.

The campaign was initiated following the death of seven children on farms between 2016 and 2021 and is primarily aimed at providing information, tools and resources to those caring for children aged 10-15, who are performing farm work tasks.

Farmers are urged to complete a short anonymous survey that will be used to inform future campaigns and help reduce tragedy from striking farming families. Recent figures from Agrifutures Australia reported 55 deaths on farms nation-wide in 2022.

The two minute survey is open until 23 May and can be completed here www.makingourfarmssafer.org.au.

Events

Interactive training: Weather tools from the BoM

Managing your growing crop with the weather in mind can be a challenge, so having a suite of forecasting and historical data available can help with decision making.

The Bureau of Meteorology has released new tools for agriculture and natural resource management and this interactive online training session will see segment lead Rachel Davis and senior meteorologist Johnathan How lead participants through:

What tools are available
Where they can be found
How they work
How they are best used

Details:

Thursday, 11 May - 3-4:30pm AEST

Zoom meeting (online). Limited spots available - register here.

Note: this event is part of the PotatoLink Extension project but available information does not limit attendance to potato producers.

Women’s leadership program scholarship applications closing soon

Time is running out to advance your career with a farming and agriculture sector women’s leadership scholarship.

Partial scholarships of $1,000-$5,000 are available to help women in select industries participate in Women & Leadership Australia’s world-class leadership courses.

Courses are available for women at all levels:

· Impact Program for women not in formal leadership roles;

· Leading Edge for early career managers;

· Executive Ready for mid-level managers;

· Advanced Leadership Program for senior and executive leaders.

Applications close 9 June. Find out more and apply here.

International

Does olive oil go bad? Here's what you need to know

As far as cooking fats are concerned, olive oil is the “it girl” of the pantry. Not only is it prized for its fabulous flavor, it’s immensely versatile, as handy for sautéeing spinach as baking cakes. Olive oil is also brimming with health benefits, particularly when you reach for the extra-virgin variety. But, does olive oil go bad?

Good information for consumers, with a ‘real’ expert on the topic, Cobram Estate’s Leandro Ravetti, behind the advice. One to share, if that’s your thing.

The global price of olive oil hit a 26-year high

Heat and drought in the Mediterranean are harming production of olive oil, causing its price to spike. The global price of the oil is now almost $6,000 per metric ton, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). That’s the highest since 1997, when it reached $6,225.

Europe rolls out new rules governing olive oil quality

Brussels reviewed olive oil classifications, labeling and marketing. The simplified rules aim at a more homogeneous E.U. olive oil market.

The focus on transparent labelling of product origin is a good thing …

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

The new 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!

Tom Hegen’s aerial photos of Spanish olive groves reveal undulating patterns and deep traditions

All images © Tom Hegen, shared with permission.

For millennia, Spain has been leading producer of olives thanks to the Mediterranean climate’s long, hot summers and mild winter temperatures. Harvested and cured in brine or ground up to extract the natural oils, the fruits are grown on trees planted in vast groves that stretch for miles over the undulating landscape … For German photographer Tom Hegen, the rows and grid-like patterns of the groves presented an irresistible subject.

For while you’re relaxing over a coffee during your busy day.

Europe inaugurates climate dashboard for olive, grape and wheat farmers

The new dashboard will provide short-term weather and long-term climate data to help farmers plant new groves, anticipate future challenges and prepare better for pests and diseases.

This went public a year ago: it would be interesting to know about usage.

Researchers develop simplified way to determine polyphenol contents of olive oil

Researchers in Italy have devised a new method to measure the presence of polyphenols in extra virgin olive oils in minutes without a specialized technician.