9 October 2026

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Today's top story

Warning El Nino could wipe $13b from Australian economy


Higher prices and lower economic growth lie in store as farmers prepare for drier conditions from a strengthening El Nino.


Australia's economy could suffer a hit of about $13.4 billion over the next two years - leaving gross domestic product about 0.45 percentage points lower than it otherwise would be - according to Commonwealth Bank analysis.

Australia

AOA Think Tank Workshops underway - register now for an event near you!

The first in a series of state-based Olive Industry Think Tank Workshops took place in WA this week.


Delivered by the Australian Olive Association, the workshops replace the 2026 National Olive Conference & Exhibition which is on hiatus due to the ongoing uncertainty around global fuel supply.


Designed for seasoned growers and newcomers alike, the events bring growers together in their home states. While each program features unique regional elements, all events include interactive discussions on bottling, labelling, and quality standards, the olive levy roadmap and R&D investments, and an open forum for grower-raised topics.


AOA Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan urged growers to take advantage of the opportunity to network and engage with their industry peers without the commitment of costly, time consuming inter-state travel.


“These events are a great opportunity to take a break from the grove, chat with other growers about shared challenges and problem-solve," he said.


Registrations remain open for upcoming events in for Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales during October and November.


Event details can be found below in this week's edition of Friday Olive Extracts, or read more in the September issue of R&D Insights.

Why irrigation matters to every Australian


The NSW Irrigators’ Council has launched a statewide campaign highlighting the essential role irrigation plays in Australian food production, regional employment and long-term food security.

Temporary Disaster Roaming introduced just in time for natural disaster season


It was announced today that effective immediately, in times of natural disaster, those people affected by the loss of their phone signal can effectively and seamlessly utilise a competitors service to stay in touch and to help stay safe.

Upcoming AOA 2026 events

VIC Grafting & Think Tank Workshop

Sunday 18 October, 9:30am - 5:00pm

Oasis Olives, Kialla East


Registrations close 9 October


Register here.

TAS Back to Basics Field Day

Tuesday 27 October, 8:30am - 4:30pm

Cradle Coast Olives, Abbotsham


Registrations close 20 October


Register here.

TAS Think Tank Workshop

Wednesday 28 October, 9:00 - 2:00pm

Cradle Coast Olives, Abbotsham


Registrations close 20 October


Register here.

SA Think Tank Workshop with Grove Demos

Wednesday 4 November, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Peninsula Providore, Tooperang


Registrations close 28 October


Register here.



NSW Think Tank Workshop - TBC


Mixed success for ag on visa speed-up to catch harvest


Growers and contractors are having mixed success in fast-tracking the processing of 417 and 400 visas ahead of harvest.

Coles, Woolworths supply chain tactic driving small farms out, producer says


A small-scale banana farmer who has had his agreement to supply Coles ended due to the supermarket simplifying its supply chain says the move signals the end of small-scale farms across the country.



Industry experts have claimed Coles and Woolworths are centralising their supply chains in a bid to cut costs.

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.

In the Year of the Woman Farmer, Australia’s women are taking the lead


From cattle country to cotton fields, we celebrate the women keeping Australian agriculture alive.

Search underway for emerging agriculture leaders 


Applications are now open for the 2027 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, giving university students the opportunity to build the skills, networks and industry experience needed to help shape the future of Australian agriculture.


Applications close Friday, 13 November 2026.

International

Researchers trace olive cultivars to four major genetic founders


A new genetic atlas traces the ancestry of hundreds of olive cultivars across the Mediterranean and beyond, uncovering unexpected relationships with implications for breeding, conservation and modern olive farming.

Greece eyes its biggest olive oil crop in four years, but prices remain under pressure


Greek olive oil production in the 2026/27 MY could rise to around 300 thsd tons after a disappointing previous season. If the forecast materializes, it would be the country’s largest output since 2022/23, when production exceeded 330 thsd tons.

Spain’s bigger harvest could trigger market action


Spain expects olive oil production to rise 23 percent to 1.6 million tons in 2026/27, with a larger crop potentially triggering a new market-regulation mechanism.

Taste buds are wrong; bitter olive oil is better


For the past 10 years, nutrition experts and the general public continue to rank the Mediterranean diet as the healthiest approach to meal planning. A key ingredient in the lifestyle approach is extra virgin olive oil. But a study published earlier this year in the medical journal “Foods” finds even Italian consumers wrongly associate sweeter tasting olive oil as healthier, when the opposite is actually true.

Drought pushes up the price of Istrian olive oil as new harvest gets underway


The olive harvest is getting underway across Istria, with the first new-season oil already being produced, but prolonged summer heat and drought have increased production costs and are expected to push up prices.

Lebanese olive oil exports plunge as conflict disrupts harvest and trade


Lebanese olive oil exports fell by more than half in the first seven months of 2026 as conflict disrupted transportation, restricted access to southern groves and raised concerns among international buyers.

Caserta's olive oil: Expectations, challenges, and quality in 2026


The olive harvest will begin in the second half of October, but it is already possible to estimate the 2026 season in terms of high temperatures, quantity, quality, and prices. 

Calendar 2026


15 October

Awards presentation, Hunter Olive Show - Hunter Valley, NSW

www.hunterolives.asn.au/how-to-enter


18 October

Vic Grafting and Think Tank Workshop

Oasis Olives, Kialla East

Register now


27 & 28 October

Tasmania Field Day and Think Tank Workshop

Cradle Coast Olives, Abbotsham

Register now


4 November

SA Think Tank Workshop with Grove Demos

Peninsula Providore, Tooperang

Register now


TBC

NSW Think Tank Workshop



Email Laura to have your event included.

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For Friday Olive Extracts editorial and advertising enquiries, email Laura at comms@australianolives.com.au