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Image: DPI NSW.
Spring - Summer is the perfect time to conduct visual inspections for Xylella - our #1 exotic plant pest threat to our agricultural industry.
Australia is currently Xylella-free. However, if established, it could impact more than 20 plant industries with over 712 host species recognised worldwide.
Early detection of Xylella is critical. You can help by carrying out visual inspections for plant symptoms and by keeping an eye out for insect vectors.
For more information on Xylella Awareness Week click here!
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Xylella now present in China
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has determined that Xylella fastidiosa (Xylella) is present in mainland China. As a result, China is now considered to be a high-risk country for Xylella.
This is significant news for our industry, as Xylella is the #1 risk for olives and the key priority in the new levy project updating the Olive Biosecurity Plan.
Read more, via the OliveBiz website.
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Image: ABC.
"Drought isn't visible, it doesn't make news."
This was a comment made by a Fleurieu Peninsula local on ABC radio last week that has resonated with many grappling with a water crisis.
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The value of agriculture in 2025-26 is expected to be the third highest on record at $91 billion.
Including fisheries and forestry, ABARES expects the sector to reach $98 billion, according to Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville.
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Intense or prolonged rainfall, and runoff and overflow from drains, rivers, creeks and dams can create the potential for damage to crops through flooding, ponding and soil saturation.
Impacts on existing crops can be direct and immediate where plants and soil are submerged for periods of time or washed away by fast moving water. Other biosecurity and agronomic challenges may take longer to reveal themselves.
An interesting animation video made available by AUSVEG to help growers identify the biosecurity risks associated with wet weather events. A timely resource in the wake of ex-Cyclone Alfred.
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Support for agribusiness and primary industries following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred | |
Government support is now available for Queensland and New South Wales primary producers affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Click the links below to access the assistance available within your state.
Queensland
New South Wales
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Back to Basics Field Day NSW a success | |
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The Australian Olive Association got back to the basics of olive production at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove in the Hunter Valley on Monday - thanks to all who came along!
If you're an existing grower wanting to know more, or a newcomer looking to join the industry, our Back to Basics Field Day is the event for you.
Scroll down to check out the booking links and more information on our upcoming field days happening in Victoria and Western Australia next month.
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Steel and aluminium prices may not affect everyone, but the US president has hinted at more tariff regimes on pharmaceuticals and agricultural products too.
Read the National Farmers Federation's statement on the United States tariffs on Australia, here.
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Back to Basics events are designed to provide key information to new olive growers and those thinking about joining the industry.
The focus is on how grape growers can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives and make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyard. However, the information is for anyone looking to enter the olive industry and useful for existing growers as a refresher session.
Register now to find out more about site selection, varieties, irrigation, grove management, pruning, pests and diseases and harvest options.
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The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant. | |
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This highly-acclaimed and comprehensive program will be delivered by Pablo Canamasas, international olive oil consultant, processing expert and EVOO judge.
The course covers every aspect of processing quality olive oil, from grove management for optimal fruit quality to best-practice processing and storage.
Along the way you’ll learn a lot about olive oil chemistry, and the practical aspects of oil extraction.
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This 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. | |
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Got something to sell? Looking to buy?
OliveBiz will take you straight to your target market!
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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.
Contact Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au to organise your listing.
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Experts believe the ship was hit with a storm and crashed into either a large rock or a small island. Nevertheless, it was found in such good condition that researchers uncovered one amphora that still had intact olive pits inside
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A venomous spider with a "huge appetite" was an unpleasant surprise inside a delivery of olives for a horrified nursery owner.
Europe's largest Spanish funnel-web spider was found at the West Sussex nursery in a shipment of olives from Cordoba, in Spain's Andalusia region.
A startling reminder that biosecurity is everyone's responsibility! There is always a risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia, threatening our agricultural industries, environment and jobs - it definitely pays to be alert!
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Image: Higher organic olive oil production costs have led more organic producers to export in Italy. Pozzo di Gaspare / Olive Oil Times.
Nearly 280,000 hectares of olive groves in Italy are now cultivated using organic farming practices, compared to approximately 170,000 hectares a decade ago.
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Iraq’s olive oil production has reached a record high in 2025, marking a significant milestone for the country’s agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said oil extraction rates had risen to 18% across olive varieties such as Picual, Gerafa, and Saint Catherine, calling it a historic achievement.
“This success follows three years of dedicated efforts, including improved harvesting methods and the use of specialised presses to enhance oil quality,” the statement read.
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Image: Wild olive trees exposed to westerly winds from the Mediterranean at Atlit, northern Israel, have taken on strange shapes. Sue Surkes/Times of Israel.
Experts from key state and civil society organisations are joining forces to protect what could be the last wild olive trees in Israel.
The plants — many looking more like bushes, with tiny fruits that produce relatively little oil — grow on ridges of kurkar, or fossilised sand, in and around the town of Atlit, south of Haifa in northern Israel. Such ridges along Israel’s coast have largely disappeared due to construction and development.
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Friday Olive Extracts is back for 2025, bringing the latest industry news and events direct to your inbox each week.
As THE place to share olive industry news, event details and reminders, our industry e-newsletter keeps growing in popularity and we now have nearly 3,000 subscribers across the globe. If you’re not one of them, why not? Sign up here!
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!
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An interim free trade agreement between Chile and the European Union has come into force, removing tariffs on the first 11,000 metric tons of Chilean olive oil exports to the 27-member bloc. | |
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Calendar 2025
28 MARCH
Olives WA Annual General Meeting
Online
Register via entries@oliveswa.com.au
7 APRIL
AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - VIC
Inverleigh, Victoria - Clydebank Farm
Register now!
15 APRIL
AOA / NFF National Horticulture Roadshow Back to Basics Field Day - WA
Cowaramup, Western Australia - Olio Bello
Register now!
16 - 17 APRIL
AOA Olive Oil Processing Workshop
Cowaramup, Western Australia - Olio Bello
Register now!
To include your event in our next edition, or update your existing event details, please reach out to Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au
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