Ritesh Jain (left) and Professor Neena Mitter with their non-toxic bio-clay technology. (Supplied: QAAFI)
The breakthrough RNA technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines could be set to revolutionise pest control in agriculture, according to new Australian research published in the peer-reviewed Nature Plants journal.
Let’s hope the technology can also be used on the vectors for Xylella fastidiosa, should it ever reach our shores.
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Changes will ensure COVID-positive Australians can vote in the election. (Australian Electoral Commission)
Changes to voting rules will be made to ensure all Australians with COVID-19 will be allowed to vote in the federal election. The original legislation meant anyone who tested positive before Tuesday but did not apply for a postal ballot could not vote on the phone. But the Australian electoral commissioner has requested changes which have been accepted by the government.
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Horticulture industry employees will benefit from a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Woolworths Group and the Retail Supply Chain Alliance this week which will see the organisations collaborate to safeguard the welfare of Australian workers.
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Dogs4Jobs founder Peri Chappell started her charity in NSW's Riverina. (Supplied: The Art of Zowie Photography)
Working dogs are known for their love of the job, but sometimes circumstances mean they need a new purpose or a second chance. This is where Dogs4Jobs comes in, a community service focused on rehoming working breed dogs with the tagline, "A dog for every job and a job for every dog".
If you’ve got a job for a dog, you know who to contact!
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As the east coast deals with the latest round of tropical rain after a thoroughly wet season, the big question is if this is all going to end sometime soon. There has already been a huge amount of rain in Queensland over the past few days, with more on the way as rain spreads down the eastern seaboard.
And more on La Niña …
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Crop-damaging weather, war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed up the prices of pantry staples. (Supplied: Unsplash)
If it seems like your grocery bill is more expensive than ever, that's because the price of food hasn't been this high since the last time Australia had back-to-back La Niña weather systems a decade ago. Now there's a chance we could be in for a rare "triple-dip" La Niña.
The article says that price tracking shows olive oil is up 30-50% since the pandemic began. We’d love to hear from FOE readers as to whether you’re seeing those increased $$$.
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COVID restrictions: stay informed
Infection numbers are high at present, so it’s important to keep up with the current status of pandemic regulations across Australia. You can access state-specific information on COVID-19 from the links below:
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When the mining boom turned to bust a decade ago in central Queensland, John Hallam's hotel in the town of Capella emptied out almost overnight. "It was devastating," Mr Hallam said. He credits the region's diversity of industry, particularly agriculture, for keeping businesses in the town afloat.
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Got something to sell? Or want to buy? Go direct to your target market – olive growers and producers
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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 – like Anthony, who’s looking for high quality fresh or brined olives. 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.
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Mitch Brimblecombe says rising input costs are the number one issue facing young people in agriculture. (ABC Southern Queensland: Lydia Burton)
Once encouraged to leave their rural communities to embrace the opportunities of the "big smoke", many young people are returning or remaining in the small towns they have always called home.
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Australian Export Awards now open for applications |
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The Australian Export Awards will this year celebrate its 60th anniversary of showcasing the achievements of Australia’s leading exporters. Since the inaugural awards in 1963, the annual program has recognised 1,990 Australian businesses.
Applications for this year’s awards are now open and close in June, with winners announced in November.
More information and enter here. |
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India trade agreement roadshow |
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Australia and India signed an Australia-India Economic Co-operation and Trade Agreement on 2 April.
Once in force, this will generate export opportunities for Australian businesses, including in agriculture, premium foods, resources and energy, and services.
To highlight new prospects, Austrade and DFAT are hosting an India Market Update across Australia. Events in Sydney, Perth and Darwin have already been held, with further events as follows:
- Brisbane: 3 June (7.30am – 9.00am)
- Adelaide: 8 June (7.30am – 9.00am)
- Hobart: 15 June (7.30am – 9.00am)
- Canberra: 22 June (7.30am – 9.00am)
- Melbourne: 29 June (7.30am – 9.00am)
Further details and register here. |
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Processing Practices seminar with Pablo Canamasas |
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With COVID travel restrictions now lifted, Olives NZ has confirmed that the long-awaited Processing Practices seminar with Pablo Canamasas will be run in September.
Run over two days, Processing Practices will focus on best practice processing to achieve the best quality and quantity of oil from your olives.
“This course is an absolute must for everyone who grows olives and produces Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as well anyone with an olive press or looking to buy one,” Olives NZ EO Gayle Sheridan said.
“How processing practices impact on product quality and quantity is a hot topic for everyone in the olive industry, and this is an opportunity not to be missed.”
Details:
Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 September, Canterbury - Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove and Waipara Olive Processors.
More information and register here. |
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Dr Andrew Reynolds, of the University of Otago's Department of Medicine, received funding from the Health Research Council announced today to begin a trial comparing the costs of delivering the food to those associated with treating secondary events after a heart attack.
Not surprisingly, olive oil is one of the ‘healthy fats’ foods being provided.
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Italian authorities said they prevented 2.3 million liters of virgin and refined olive oils labeled as extra virgin from entering the market. |
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The second edition of a national oleotouristic competition recognized the contribution of farmhouses, museums, producers and chefs to Italian olive oil culture.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture … should we ask Mr Littleproud to back an Australian version?
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Texas olive producers face another season of setbacks due to weather conditions, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. Like in 2021, the 2022 olive fruit crop is expected to be a near-total failure, said Stephen Janak, AgriLife Extension program specialist, Hallettsville.
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Salento, Italy
Dozens of centuries-old olive trees in the Monumental Olive Tree Valley in the southern Italian region of Puglia will not be destroyed even if they are infected with Xylella fastidiosa.
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Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news |
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We’re now well into 2022, and Friday Olive Extracts (FOE) 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! |
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According to experts, an olive oil shortage is on the horizon, so if you can’t live without it, you’ll have to learn to make your own. Although traditionally made with an oil press, you can produce your own using simple kitchen equipment and appliances that you may already have.
We’re not thinking this will take off but it’s an interesting idea! Or if you’d like an older ‘recipe’ …
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“Hand Clutching an Olive Branch,” 1353–1323 B.C., New Kingdom, Amarna Period. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Norbert Schimmel, 1981
An archaeologist pieces together a recipe for olive oil crafted in ancient Egypt. It’s easy for you to try at home.
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Depression affects many people and it can be life changing too. Medical treatment and counseling can often help relieve symptoms but experts say that lifestyle remedies like a healthy diet can also boost a person’s well-being. So where do we start and what foods can help combat anxiety and depression?
One recommendation is “a simple swap from butter to olive oil”. We’ll back that!
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After an exceptional harvest in 2021 in which Uruguay yielded 1,900 tons of olive oil, producers once again expect another bumper crop.
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2022
28 May
Olives SA/WEA seminar, Tasting and appreciating EVOO – Adelaide
1 June
Entries open, 2022 Australian International Olive awards
6-8 June
Hort Connections 2022 – Brisbane
18 July
Entries open, 2022 Hunter Olive Show – Hunter Valley, NSW
22 August
Entries open, WA Olive Awards
26 August
Entries close, 2022 Australian International Olive awards
31 August
Entries close, 2022 NZ EVOO Awards
2 September
Entries close, 2022 Hunter Olive Show – Hunter Valley, NSW
5 September
Entries close, WA Olive Awards
3 October
Medals announced, 2022 Australian International Olive awards
6 October
Awards presentation, 2022 Hunter Olive Show – Hunter Valley, NSW
8 October
Olives NZ Conference and Awards Dinner – Wellington, NZ
14 October
Field tour, 2022 AOA National Olive Conference & Exhibition – Devonport, Tasmania
14 October
Awards Dinner, 2022 Australian International Olive awards
15-16 October
2022 AOA National Olive Conference & Exhibition – Devonport, Tasmania
20 October (TBC)
Awards Night, WA Olive Awards
22-23 October
SA Olive Festival - Nangkita Olives, Fleurieu Peninsula
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Friday Olive Extracts is Published by: |
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Olivegrower Communications: |
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Olivegrower & Processor
March Issue
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Australian and New Zealand
Olive Industry Directory
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