03 March 2023

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

Today's Top Story

Renewable energy transition tough for some farmers as costly batteries come up short

Dave Hewlett says he spent $120,000 on a battery storage system but it's not enough to keep him from switching his generator on. (Supplied: Dave Hewlett)

Farmers that want to switch to renewable energy to counter rising electricity prices are finding batteries cost twice as much to install in rural areas and that the technology still is not up to the task.

Australia

Farmers fear Scott's Refrigerated Logistics collapse could impact produce delivery

Scott's Refrigerated Logistics employs about 1,500 people nationally. (ABC Goulburn Murray: Callum Marshall)

Farmers fear the collapse of a national freight company could impact fresh produce delivery across the country. Scott's Refrigerated Logistics, which has depots in every mainland Australian state and employs about 1,500 workers, entered voluntary administration on Monday.

Important news for those with other products in their business mix. As is this …

Vets declare Ovine Johne's Disease endemic across NSW, as farmers increase biosecurity

A nasty bacterial disease that causes sheep to waste away has spread further across New South Wales. The often fatal Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) is now considered endemic across NSW after its detection on the Northern Tablelands.

Victorian government to pay landowners for hosting power infrastructure

The payments have not allayed the concerns of some landowners. (Pexels.com)

Landowners in regional Victoria feel they have not been adequately consulted or informed about plans to construct massive electricity transmission lines on their land and around their communities. The state government announced today that it will pay landholders who host the electricity transmission infrastructure $8,000 per kilometre per year for 25 years.

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.

Calls for changes to disaster arrangements after hailstorm leaves farmers with no income for a year

Fruit and vegetable growers on Queensland's Granite Belt have been left without an income for a year after a devastating hail event, prompting calls for changes to disaster arrangements.

Electric ute arrives in Australia, but how will farmers rate its performance?

The first fully electric ute has arrived is in Australia. (Warwick Long)

The first electric ute to be commercially available in Australia has arrived and is on a tour showing the nation what it can do.

Farm chemical spray drift causing widespread tree deaths, claims community group

A tree said to be affected by spray drift in Gulgong, NSW. (Supplied)

Farmers, scientists and other community members across NSW have criticised the state’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for ignoring reports of damage to crops and vegetation from agricultural chemicals drifting on the wind.

Opportunities

Nominations open for the Horticulture Awards for Excellence 2023

The Horticulture Awards for Excellence recognise and celebrate the game-changing improvements and achievements made by exceptional individuals and companies within the horticulture industry.

The range of award categories this year cover growers, researchers, environmental actors, exporters and marketers.

Find out more and nominate for an award here.

New to Export Program for Queensland exporters

Taking the first steps to export success can be a complicated process, so Trade and Investment Queensland has introduced the New to Export program. The program is open to Queensland businesses that haven’t previously exported and caters to a vast scope of business sizes, industries, sectors and regions from across the state.

Successful applicants receive comprehensive and focused mentoring and training in a 12-month program designed to enable their business to scale and deliver commercial export success. Businesses are also supported with matched grant funding of up to $15,000 to get the export ball rolling.

Find out more here.

Events

Olives WA AGM

The WA Olive Council will be holding its AGM on Friday, 31 March at 645 Hay Street, Jolimont.

All financial members are invited to attend, nominate for a Director role, and vote. Download the agenda here and please RSVP (essential) to admin@oliveswa.com.au.

Churchill Fellowship applications now open

The Churchill Fellowship application round for 2023 is now open, offering Australians from all walks of life the opportunity of funded travel overseas to investigate a topic or issue of their choice. Churchill Fellowships open doors so recipients can meet with leaders in their field of endeavour, observe, learn and then bring their new-found knowledge home to share with their industries and communities.

Up to three Hort Innovation Churchill Fellowships are on offer this year, with applications closing on 1 May.

Find out more and apply here.

Olives WA EVOO tasting workshop

Want to learn how to assess olive oil? Olives WA are running a FREE olive oil tasting workshop in Subiaco on Saturday, 18 March, for both new and experienced olive oil tasters.

Places are limited places and bookings are essential. Preference will be given to those who express an interest in participating in olive oil competition judging.

Email entries@oliveswa.com.au now to register.

New Zealand

Cyclone Gabrielle hit NZ's main fruit-growing region hard - now orchardists face critical climate choices

Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most productive regions and the hub of the fruit-growing sector, is among the areas worst hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and ongoing rain.

Olives NZ reports that Two Hawke's Bay producers lost their homes and groves, two others had their groves flooded and an additional eight groves have sustained wind and or infrastructure damage. We’re thinking of you all at this tough time.

International

Olive oil is about to skyrocket in price

At a time when U.S. consumers are still grappling with "eggflation" and higher food costs in general, the last thing you want to hear about is yet another looming price spike on a popular grocery item. Unfortunately, that's just what's currently happening with an important kitchen staple you probably shouldn't cut back on: olive oil.

Maybe talking about EVOO price rises in the context of overall higher food costs will help temper consumer attitudes.

Olive oil consumption in Italy, Greece expected to grow amid global decline

Despite rising prices, lower production and the impacts of inflation, olive oil consumption in Italy and Greece is expected to rise, bucking the global trend.

Starbucks wants to make olive oil coffee the next big thing—here's what experts have to say, plus how to brew your own version at home

Starbucks' newest drink line includes an ingredient brand new to the international coffee chain: Olive oil. The recently announced Oleato Coffee Beverages infuse Italian Partanna extra-virgin olive oil into classic Starbucks drinks, such as the Caffè Latte, Iced Shaken Espresso, and Golden Foam Cold Brew.

This story has longevity, and now they’re adding health benefits to the conversation. Great global promo for EVOO - and we’re not the only ones who think so …

Starbucks could become a global ambassador for EVOO, experts say

A new generation of consumers might discover extra virgin olive oil through Starbucks' new line of olive oil-infused coffee drinks.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

A new year has started 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!

Organic farms produce less, but are more cost effective, study finds

Researchers in Germany highlighted the difference between conventional and organic farming in terms of real costs and yields.

Paso Robles Olive and Lavender Festival coming this May

Paso Robles Main Street Association event will be held Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Paso Robles Olive & Lavender Festival, a Paso Robles Main Street Association event, will be held Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park. The event is free admission with a fee for the Distillery Trail and Cal Coast Beer Co. beverages.

Something to ponder if you’re in a region with multiple olive producers …

AI tools may not transform agriculture, but will help farmers, experts predict

ChatGPT lacks reasoning abilities and cannot predict the future, but it may prove useful for farmers in other ways.

Sevillian researchers confirm the benefits of olive oil to prevent cancer or Alzheimer’s disease

Olive oil, an important element in the Mediterranean diet, thanks to its main compound, oleic acid, has beneficial effects on health and offers properties that help prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s disease or lower cholesterol. A group of professors from the Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine of the University of Seville, together with professionals from the health districts of Seville Norte and Aljarafe and the Costa del Sol Hospital, have put together a survey of their main contributions to health.