Tractor scammers; Banned chemicals detected; Ultrasound extraction

22 November 2024

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

Today's top story

Olive oil prices on track to halve, says world's biggest producer

One of the most difficult periods for the industry is coming to an end and will be driving prices down to half of their all-time high in the coming months, according to Spain's Deoleo.

Australia

Tractor scammers are fleecing farmers out of tens of thousands of dollars - and there's nothing the banks can do about it

The website, which originated in Russia, is listing tractors for sale and scamming Australians out of tens of thousands of dollars. (ABC News)

A website claiming to sell cheap tractors has been scamming Australian farmers out of their money. The scam has been running for nearly a year.

“If it seems too good, it’s probably bad” is the message here. If you’re after new equipment, talk to one of the Australian suppliers who support our industry. The businesses which took part in the recent National Conference & Exhibition are listed here and here, and you can find other trusted industry product and service providers via their ads in Olivegrower & Processor and here on Friday Olive Extracts.

Will Robert F Kennedy Jr 'go wild' on US agriculture and what could it mean for Australia?

Donald Trump has announced Robert F Kennedy Junior as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services. His potential influence over the USDA is unclear following Trump's announcement, but he does appear to have permission from Trump to get involved in food and farming policies.

New Olives SA Board and Executive

Olives SA has just introduced its newly appointed Board and Executive, providing fresh leadership and a clear vision for a strong and representative association moving forward.

Representing a diverse cross-section of our industry, the new team brings new perspectives, innovative ideas, and a shared passion for advancing the interests of all SA olive growers and producers. Their focus is on representing and supporting members while driving the broader growth and recognition of the industry.

Meet the new team and find out more here.

Farmers complain of poor connectivity after 3G network shutdown in WA

Farmers say connectivity has declined in the wake of the 3G shutdown. (ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt: Jo Prendergast)

It has been one week since the 3G network was switched off in Western Australia and farmers say they are noticing a difference. Telstra maintains that the 4G footprint replicates 3G, but says if people are concerned they should make contact.

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.

Banned chemicals dieldrin, DDE detected in bodies of magpies

The NSW Environment Protection Authority discovered two banned pesticides after performing tests on dead magpies. (Supplied: Cooper Street Veterinary Hospital)

About 30 magpies were taken to a vet after showing signs of paralysis and weakness, with nine dying in care. The Environment Protection Authority found traces of two chemicals that have been banned since the 1980s and 1990s.

It’s imperative to use ONLY approved chemicals, and safely dispose of any which are no longer registered. You can check on the APVMA Public Chemicals Registration Information System (PubCRIS) database here https://apvma.gov.au/pubcris and search the APVMA database for minor use and emergency use permits here https://apvma.gov.au/permits.

ACCC's supermarket inquiry to hear from Woolworths followed by its rival, Coles

It might not have the explosive drama of a Senate inquiry but for the past 10 days hearings led by Australia's consumer watchdog have been quietly unpicking the mechanics of the nation's supermarkets.

Opportunities

EOIs invited for AAHAR 2025, India

AAHAR 2025 is the 39th edition of India’s largest food show. It is one of the largest well established B2B trade shows in the food and beverage space in India.

This year’s event is being held in New Delhi from 5-9 March 2025. Expressions of Interest are invited to join the Australian Pavilion at India's largest processed food and beverage expo, covering food products, beverages, dairy products, confectionery and bakery, fresh fruits and vegetables, nutraceuticals and more.

Find out more and register your EOI here by 30 November.

Events

AOA SA Back to Basics Field Day: Part of the NFF National Horticulture Roadshow

The Australian Olive Association has developed a “Back to Basics” Field Day with support from the National Farmers Federation, to provide key information for new olive growers and those thinking about becoming olive growers.

A particular focus of the day is on how grape growers can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives, and also make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyard. However, the information is for anyone looking to enter the olive industry or manage a neglected grove.

Topics will include site selection, varieties, irrigation, grove management, pruning, pests and diseases and harvest options. Several industry equipment suppliers and service providers will also be on hand to show you what is available to make your grove as efficient as possible.

Presenters will include Michael Southan (AOA), Michael Thomsett (AOA), David Braunack (Two Sisters Wine Co), Leon Atsalis (Eclipse Enterprises), Jared Bettio (Mt Torrens Holdings).

Details:

Thursday, 12 December 2024 – 8.30am-5pm

Two Sisters Wine Company, 9 Stelzer Rd, Stone Well, SA 5352

Registrations close 5 December unless sold out earlier. More information and register here.

* Note: Numbers are strictly limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant.

International

Scientists yield 789 kg oil, 891 MWh solar power per hectare yearly from same land

The study concludes that joint production is more efficient than when the two activities are conducted separately.

There’s more detail on this very interesting – and relevant – topic in the June 2024 edition of Olivegrower & Processor.

Extra virgin olive oil in the fridge? Some say yes!

What if we kept extra virgin olive oil in the refrigerator? A question that is far from trivial in light of a recent study conducted by researchers from University of Athens e Prague aimed at identifying the key strategies to improve the stability of Evo.

2024 UNESCO World Olive Tree Day dedicated to Puglia's monumental olive trees

Successful grafting of a monumental olive tree - A.M.O. Puglia.

In honour of UNESCO World Olive Tree Day on 26th November A.M.O. Puglia Alberi Monumentali di Ostuni and Save the Olives ONLUS are spotlighting the urgent fight to save Puglia's monumental olive trees, many of which are in danger of extinction due to the devastating Xylella fastidiosa bacteria.

Ultrasound after the crusher improves the extraction process

The improvement of the oil extraction process thanks to the ultrasounds applied in the mill has been certified by an inter-university study co-ordinated by Prof. Alexander Leo, ordinary machines and plants for the agro-food industry of the Aldo Moro University of Bari.

Olive oil production in first month of 2024 season increases 32.2% — DoS

(Jordan’s) olive oil production during the first month of the 2024 season has increased by 32.2 per cent, compared with the same period of last season, the Department of Statistics (DoS) announced on Tuesday.

While in Italy …

Oil yields on the rise, here is the province-by-province update

In mid-November production at 85 thousand tons, with an average yield of 12,75%.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

The year is racing by 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!