29 September 2023

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

Today's Top Story

Australia's fire warnings system is generating misleading ratings, exaggerating risk, ABC investigation reveals

Although there have been several bushfires already this month, a catastrophic fire danger prediction for September 4 was made in error.

Australia's new $11 million fire warning system is exaggerating the risks, alarming communities, and undermining public confidence, an ABC investigation has found.

Even with the warning system in place, it’s important that we’re all aware, and acting on, this year’s increased bushfire risk. I’ve just checked the fire tank, and tested my pump and hoses: have you?

Australia

Drought preparations start early as regions given tailored plans to manage El Niño impacts

As farmers around Australia brace for another El Niño, communities are starting drought preparations early to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

Why Australia’s food bowl, the Murray-Darling Basin, is making headlines

The Murray-Darling Basin has been making headlines lately. This river system is home to Australia’s food bowl, producing a staggering 40% of our food and fibre. Yet the Basin Plan that manages it is about to be overhauled and a lot of people are extremely worried. It is an incredibly complex issue but an equally important one. Australian Farmers unpacks what is the big deal about this river system, why the legislation behind it is before Parliament and how changes might drive up the cost of our food.

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.

When does daylight saving time start in Australia in 2023? Here's your pocket guide

Daylight saving time starts on the first Sunday of October every year for select states and territories. (Supplied: Unsplash)

It's that time of year again - daylight saving. While this means one less hour of sleep for some, it also means longer and lighter days as summer draws even closer. Here's a quick rundown about what happens where you are.

Brownport Almonds in Sunraysia underpaid 197 workers more than $500,000

One of Australia's largest almond growers and processors has agreed to pay back more than $500,000 after underpaying workers for five years.

A reminder for those with employees to ensure that they’re paid under the correct award classification.

GROWER TO GROWER

Have a question? Need some advice? Ask a fellow grower!

The FOE team regularly hears from growers with questions about grove or production practices, or equipment, that they just can’t find the answers to. They’re things other producers are likely know about and/or experienced themselves. So we’ve set up a new Friday Olive Extracts feature, Grower to Grower, where you can send your questions and have them answered by your peers.

Just send the details to editor@olivegrower.com.au and we’ll put them out to the Friday Olive Extracts community - that’s thousands of readers across the globe.

Experts warn fires caused by lithium batteries set to rise as use of product increases

It's not yet known what caused the fire at the Bouldercombe site. (Supplied: Kent Murray)

Fires caused by lithium batteries are expected to increase over the coming years as use of the highly flammable product continues to rise, an energy storage expert has warned.

Lithium battery fires and safe usage are one of the issues covered in the September edition of Olivegrower & Processor. Not a subscriber? You can do so here.

Farmers in western New South Wales say 3G service declining in lead-up to shutdown

Farmers in western New South Wales say they have already seen a significant drop in 3G phone service, months ahead of major telcos' timelines to phase out the old technology.

Opportunities

National Farm Safety Education Survey

Farmsafe Australia is inviting growers to participate in an online survey which aims to obtain stakeholder feedback to gain insight into the current impact, opportunities, and future requirements of farm safety in Australia.

The project seeks your feedback about existing and potential Farmsafe Australia initiatives, and the survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You can take part here.

Have your say on new Biosecurity Protection Levy

From 1 July 2024, the Federal Government is further strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system with the Biosecurity Protection Levy.

The levy will help share the costs of delivering our biosecurity system between domestic producers and is intended to collect around $50 million each year, to keep pace with today’s needs and prepare for the threats of tomorrow.

If you’re an agriculture, fishery or forestry producer, they want to hear from you. We’re consulting on the design of the Biosecurity Protection Levy and want to know how you think the levy system should work and how levies should be collected.

Consultation closes 4pm, 13 October 2023. Find out more and have your say here.

Events

2023 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner - don’t miss the chance to accept YOUR Award(s)!

The countdown is on to the announcement of the Australian International Olive Awards winners, celebrating this year’s outstanding products and rewarding the efforts of our most successful producers. For many, including the winners of the Best of Show titles, it’s a business-changing outcome, and if you’ve entered your EVOO, flavoured oil or table olives this year, it could be you.

Food, wine, friends and celebrations

The major awards will be revealed at the 2023 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner, being held in conjunction with the National Olive Industry Conference & Exhibition in Canberra, ACT.

The event is always a great night, enjoying good food and wine while catching up with old friends, making new ones, and celebrating the achievements of this year’s most successful producers.

Official AIOA winners’ photographs

The AOA has once again booked a professional photographer to cover the event, capturing the night’s celebrations and recording the winners with trophies and sashes. The images are used in media coverage and promotions throughout the following year and beyond, and can also be provided for your own promotional use.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun and celebrations, and hopefully to collect your winner’s trophy. Seating is limited, so book your tickets now!

Details:

2023 Australian International Olive Awards Presentation Dinner

Friday, 27 October from 6.30pm - Ann Harding Conference Centre, Bruce, ACT

Book your tickets here.

Major sponsors:

OLIVE GROVE

FOR SALE

Established Organic Olive Grove, Northern Tasmania. Three titles with Mersey River frontage and warm spring. Trout fishing and resident platypus. Two bedroom brick home. Mature fruit trees.

Offers over $650k.

Serious buyers only.

Phone Judi on 0407380885.

2023 National Olive Industry Conference & Exhibition: So Much To Learn & Experience

Being held in Canberra, ACT on 26-27 October, this premier event brings together industry professionals for two days of invaluable networking and knowledge sharing. Don't miss the opportunity to gain new knowledge, build your networks and meet the experts.

Program:

Thursday 26th

8.30am - 1.00pm plenary sessions

1.30pm - 5.00pm grove tour

6.00pm - 9.00pm conference dinner

Friday 27th

9.00am - 1.00pm plenary sessions

1.45pm - 3.00pm interactive cooking demo/class/Q+A

3.30pm - 4.30pm olive oil tasting session

6.30pm - 11.00pm Australian International Olive Awards Presentation (optional, additional ticket)

Trade Exhibition

Featuring a range of leading olive industry suppliers and service providers, the Exhibition is an opportune time to review your business needs and learn all about the latest product innovations. A list of conference exhibitors is available here - be sure to make time to visit the booths and speak face-to-face with industry experts.

View the full Conference program here and register here.

The National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition 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. The event is also supported by the industry sponsors and exhibitors.

International

Olive farmers in Puglia face catastrophic harvest after autumn storms

Coldiretti Giovani Impresa, via Facebook.

The damage to the southern Italian region’s olive trees is expected to drive up prices in the short term and lower production in future harvests.

Iberian olive oil producers draw private-equity interest as prices soar

Private-equity firms are eyeing olive farms in Spain and Portugal that use new agricultural techniques to boost production as they see big profits after prices doubled since the start of 2023.

Contract Olive Pruning - Riverland Pruning & Harvest

All aspects of olive pruning - tree training,

re-shaping, re-juvenate,

pruning for shaker or hand harvesting.

All tools supplied.

Fully licensed and insured.

Servicing all areas of SA, VIC and NSW.

Contact Rajab – 0469 718 719

rajabnassiri510@yahoo.com

How monovarietal olive oils promote ecological farming, safeguard landscapes

Producing monovarietal extra virgin olive oil promotes endemic varieties, which require fewer phytosanitary interventions, preserve landscapes and promote biodiversity.

Study reveals deep faults in carbon credits; olive trees may present a solution

While some forest preservation projects generate millions more carbon credits than they should, traditional olive growers are missing out on a potential revenue stream.

How drought in Europe proved a blessing to Middle Eastern producers of olive oil

The latest victim of planetwide shifts in temperatures and weather patterns appears to be the ancient olive tree. A yearlong drought coupled with a blistering summer in southern Europe, the heartland of olive oil production, has left Spain, the world’s largest producer, and other countries struggling to satisfy global demand for the kitchen staple.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

The 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!

A successful harvest in South Africa amid rolling blackouts

Power cuts reached a few bleak milestones this year, but the country's producers were undeterred.

Good Planet Olive Oil Cheese debuts in dairy-free blocks, cubes, and shreds

Good Planet is hoping to revolutionize the cheese alternative category with a whole new line that focuses not only on meltability, but also on artisan taste and heart health benefits.

Still further proof of the versatility of olive oil!

Co-op puts £7.50 extra virgin olive oil under lock and key after a spate of thefts

Extra virgin olive oil being kept in a plastic security case a Co-op in Norwich (SWNS).

A Co-op has been forced to keep £7.50 extra virgin olive oil locked away after a spate of thefts. Shoppers at the convenience store on Sprowston Road, in Norwich, can only get bottles of the oil once a member of staff has released them from a security case.