19 July 2024

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

Today's Top Story

Xylella Fastidiosa identified in Extremadura

Infected olive tree (bacterium Xylella fastidiosa).

Plant health authorities in Extremadura have identified Xylella fastidiosa in the autonomous community and enacted containment and eradication measures.

Australia

Thank you and goodbye, Paul Eblen

The South Australian olive community recently lost an industry stalwart, with the passing of grower and long-time Olives South Australia (OSA) board member Paul Eblen.

OSA Treasurer for many years, and active participant and organizer of numerous industry activities over the past 20-plus years, Paul was passionate about the Australian olive industry. He championed local table olive production, in particular, and backed up his enthusiasm up with active participation in industry events and initiatives.

A warm and supportive gentleman in his dealings with colleagues, and diligent representative for the South Australian industry, Paul will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Our sincere condolences to Michelle, William and Madeleine, and Paul’s extended family. We will celebrate Paul’s industry contributions in the September edition of Olivegrower & Processor.

Olive oil prices likely to remain high off the back of a poor season for Australian growers

Australian olive growers have had a patchy season due to poor weather and impacts from pests. The shortfall could make the already competitive olive oil market even tighter. Some olive growers are turning away customers to make their supply last longer.

Once overcooked and overlooked, brussels sprouts bounce back as Australia's best-value vegetable

Sauteed, steamed, roasted or even raw, brussels sprouts are surging in popularity this winter. (Keenan Loo, Unsplash)

Brussels sprouts are making a culinary comeback, with the once-shunned veggies rated the fastest-growing vegetable in 2022/23 in terms of value. With most Australians failing to eat enough greens, a 53 per cent surge in sales is being hailed as a boon for nutrition and the horticulture industry.

This earns a place in today’s FOE so your editor can share her recipe for converting ANYONE to brussels sprouts, while also showcasing EVOO: halve, pan-sear in a good (big) splodge of EVOO and garlic until browned, then give a final toss with fennel seeds, and the juice and zest of an orange. Divine!

Native vegetation loss potentially 'devastating' after record dry autumn, botanist warns

As farmers report high numbers of dying and distressed native trees and shrubs, a botanist is warning of the potential for "devastating" losses. A record dry autumn across southern parts of Australia saw parts of the country record record-low rainfall for the first half of 2024.

A reminder to keep a check on any stressed trees on your property, particularly near buildings or infrastructure.

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.

Rivers of Gold: A guide to the Australian olive oil industry

In theory, Australian olive oil should have the same prestige as its European counterparts. We’re well on the way.

Great to see Gourmet Traveller celebrating the quality and flavour of Australian EVOO, and the efforts of our local producers.

'FOGO' processing plant opens in Tasmania's north-west in a bid to keep food and garden waste out of landfill

Paul Bennett has been buying compost to enrich pasture for more than a decade. (ABC Rural: Laurissa Smith)

Australia is grappling with a food waste problem. Each year, we throw out about 300 kilograms of food per person, and most of that goes to landfill. A new organic waste processing plant in Tasmania's north-west is hoping to change that.

Reducing landfill while producing compost for agriculture – win-win! We should all be lobbying for one of these in our regions.

Country Women's Association of WA makes history in vote to allow men as members

The West Australian Country Women's Association (CWA) has welcomed men into its ranks after 100 years, with members voting almost unanimously to grant men membership rights.

No doubt some WA olive growers will be keen to take up the invitation!

Opportunities

Information on hiring overseas workers

The Department of Home Affairs has dedicated Business, Industry, and Regional Outreach (BIRO) officers to provide information on migration to businesses wanting to hire overseas workers.

The Employer Hub page recently went live, providing access to information on the different types of visas, the skilled occupation list, sponsorship and the steps for hiring overseas workers, checking visa holder work rights, understanding employer responsibilities, and a contact form for connecting with the BIRO network.

Find out more here.

Events

International Olive Sustainability Conference

Program details have been announced for the International Olive Sustainability Conference, being held at the University of California Davis.

Presenters from 10 countries across the olive-growing world will share research and projects that focus on the role of the olive in a sustainable future, with presentations, panel discussions and case studies on topics including soil health, biodiversity, advanced technology, utilisation of mill by-products and input management. Other topics include sustainability certifications, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and how to add value in the marketplace.

This conference will benefit farmers who are considering planting olives or transitioning their existing groves to regenerative or organic farming and olive millers looking for better by-product management strategies

Details: 5-7 September, UC Davis California.

Find out more and register here.

VIC: Spray irrigation workshop for Gippsland horticulture

Wondering how you can get more out of your spray irrigation systems, or thinking about an upgrade?

This free interactive workshop is tailored for growers aiming to elevate their irrigation game. Whether you're eyeing a new system or seeking to fine-tune your existing setup, this workshop is your gateway to optimised performance and sustainable management

Details: 6-7 August, 10am-3pm - Thorpdale Hall, Thorpdale (includes lunch).

Find out more and register here.

Have you submitted your entries for the 2024 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA)?

If not, get cracking, to make sure you’re in the running to be named Best of Show in Australia’s premier olive competition. This year’s also increases the opportunity for recognizing and marketing opportunities, with new decals for Best of Class and Best of Show winners, and a new Platinum Medal to showcase exceptionally high-scoring entries.

Entrants will also be included a Producer Index Listing in the Results Book, providing buyers and consumers with details of how to find your award-winning products. The listing will also be accessible on the Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil Everyday website.

Attracting increasing international status and recognition, the 2024 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) offers a multitude of quality and marketing benefits:

assessment by internationally trained judges;
comprehensive judging feedback for every entry;
successful judging provides eligibility for OliveCare® certification;
international recognition of winning products and producers;
inclusion in Official Results Book - an impressive marketing tool for all medal and award winners;
access to professional product images from the Results Book at only $35+GST – a fraction of the price of your own professional photography.

Find out more and enter here, or if you need assistance with your entries please contact Competition Convenor & Chief Steward Trudie Michels on 0419 031 527 or aioa@australianolives.com.au.

Key dates

Entries Close: 23 August 2024

Medal winners announced: 7 October 2024 via email

Major Award winners announced: 2024 AIOA Presentation Dinner, 25 October, Bendigo, VIC

2024 Platinum Sponsor

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International

Olive oil production estimates decrease again

Forecasts for olive oil production across the Mediterranean countries have been downgraded again. Following enthusiasm amongst olive oil buyers earlier this year when forecasts pointed to a bump in production in countries like Spain, Portugal and Italy, the sentiment is now “more negative”, according to industry sources.

As value of Tunisian exports soar, packaged olive oil struggles

Olive oil export revenues in the first seven months of the 2023/24 crop year nearly doubled in Tunisia, but many producers are not reaping all the benefits.

Comparative analysis of cultivated and wild olive genotypes to salinity and drought stress

The Mediterranean region’s harsh conditions, characterized by low rainfall, high solar radiation, and elevated temperatures, pose challenges for vegetation, particularly in the face of climate change. Due to their high germplasm diversity and greater flowering abundance compared to the offspring of cultivated olives, wild olives (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) could be utilized for selecting new olive cultivars capable of adapting to a changing climate.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

We’re now half way through the year and the Friday Olive Extracts (FOE) team continues 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!

New Spanish podcast delves into the world of olive oil

A la Sombra del Olivo brings together three hosts from different backgrounds and a diverse range of guests with the goal of educating the public about olive oil.

‘The virgin olive oil sector needs a lot of dissemination and people to connect with it, especially young people …Podcasts are a form of sharing knowledge or connecting with different topics that young people use.’

Does olive oil produced in quake-affected regions contain asbestos?

A debris disposal site next to an olive grove in Narlıca, Hatay. (Photo: Mehmet Temel).

We had the products of some producers who produce olive oil in the Samandağ region analyzed.

Understanding the positive effects of extra virgin olive oil on cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Research links extra virgin olive oil consumption with better heart health.

USITC makes determination in five-year (sunset) reviews concerning ripe olives from Spain

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) voted today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on ripe olives from Spain would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.

Some say a shot of olive oil can prevent a hangover – here’s what the science says

The search for alcohol hangover cures is as old as alcohol itself. Many cures and remedies are sold, but scientific evidence for their effectiveness is lacking.