18 August 2023

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

Today's Top Story

Restaurateurs, producers in Croatia debate charging extra for local olive oils

Despite the rising profile of Croatian extra virgin olive oil on the international stage, restaurants in the country continue to serve lower-quality imported olive oils on their tables. Olive growers in the country are increasingly debating why this is the case and whether it would be different if restaurants added a surcharge for serving local extra virgin olive oil.

One suggestion is charging customers for a small bottle of oil which can be taken home after the meal. Interesting idea.

Australia

Cadia gold mine's assurance on dust compliance rejected by NSW pollution watchdog

Residents living near Cadia gold mine captured dust rising off the site in November 2022. (Supplied: Nicole Fagan)

The New South Wales environmental watchdog has rejected an assurance given by a gold mine in the state's Central West that it is complying with dust pollution requirements. Cadia Valley Operations (CVO) near Orange is being investigated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for excessive dust pollution.

The increased EPA activity is at least some positive news for NSW olive growers currently under threat from new or existing toxic mines.

VFF powers up petition to halt transmission projects

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has launched a petition to the Victorian Parliament calling for the VNI West and Western Renewables Link transmission projects to be stopped. VFF president Emma Germano said the petition seeks to make the state’s political leaders take notice of decisions that are impacting Victorian farmers and their communities.

New Organic Industry Discussion Group to lobby for use of 'organic' word in Australia

Mick Dan operates three organic farms on the Sunshine Coast. (Supplied: Mick Dan)

Mick Dan is passionate about farming without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, and especially proud that Australia contains 70 per cent of the world's certified organic farmland, or about 53 million hectares. But the 2021 Australian Organic Limited Farmer of the Year is deeply disturbed that Australia is the only developed country not to have a standard regulation around the word "organic".

Packaging made from food waste could save millions of tonnes of produce from landfill

The browning bananas on your kitchen counter could be transformed into the plastic packaging that contains your next garden salad. Scientists say they have found a way to divert food from landfill and convert it into biodegradable plastic wraps and cellophanes.

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.

Researchers trial native pollinators as varroa mite threatens European honey bee

Stingless bees are one of several species that scientists are trialling. (Supplied: James Cook)

Scientists are backing native stingless bees as an effective alternative to European honey bees for pollination of some crops amid varroa mite outbreaks.

While not absolutely necessary for olive pollination, bees do help at times, so this is good news. Especially as …

Varroa mite detected in Kempsey for first time, DPI says eradication still possible

Bee hives will be destroyed on the New South Wales mid-north coast after the damaging varroa mite has been detected for the first time at Kempsey.

Wanted - Australian EVOO

We are looking for a supplier of Australian Extra Virgin Olive Oil in larger volumes on a long-term supply basis.

To discuss further please contact Brian Dominic - email Brian@Dominicwinesestate.com or call 0418 832 001.

The hidden disability sunflower is popping up across the globe. Here's what it means and what to do if you see it

The hidden disability sunflower is an internationally-recognised symbol, but advocates say awareness in Australia isn't what it could be. (Instagram:@hiddendisabilities_anz).

Things most Australians don't think twice about doing can send Alexandra Green into a severe pain flare.

"I find it hard if I stand for too long - after five minutes it can get quite bad. Sitting at a desk for too long can also be painful," she said. The 29-year-old Sydneysider lives with scoliosis, osteoarthritis and chronic pain.

Not directly related to olive production but an important issue we need to all be aware of and action.

Do you know who grows your food?

Vegetable grower Warren Trundle wants more people to know where their food comes from – and what it takes to grow it! Over the past 20 years Warren has produced literally tonnes of hydroponically-grown vegetables from commercial greenhouses on his Gingin property, which he originally purchased as a going concern set up for tomatoes.

An interesting discussion about farming, consumer preferences and sales options.

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.

Opportunities

On Farm Connectivity Program: consultation now open

The Australian Government's On Farm Connectivity Program is providing $30 million over two years to enable primary producers in agriculture, forestry and/or fisheries to take advantage of connected machinery and sensor technology.

The objectives of the program are to:

extend digital connectivity and enable primary producers to take advantage of advanced farming technology;
enhance primary producers’ ability to implement digital agribusiness solutions through improved connectivity;
capitalise on the agricultural sector's productivity and growth;
support access to new communications equipment and services by offsetting some cost.

Public consultation Round 1 Guidelines

Public consultation on the draft OFCP Round 1 Guidelines opened on 2 August and interested parties are encouraged to have their say before the draft Guidelines are finalised and Round 1 opens for applications. Submissions close at 5pm on 23 August - have your say here.

Events

Entry now open for WA Olive Awards

The entry period is now open for the 2023 WA Olive Awards, with just three weeks to submit your entries.

Closing date for entries is Monday, 4 September and the winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on 21 October, being held at The Abbey at Chesters, Henley Brook. Tickets will be on sale soon.

All enquiries to Chief Steward – Ellen Slobe on 0411 293 398 or entries@oliveswa.com.au.

Don’t miss out: download the entry form here.

2023 AIOA entries now open - Last two weeks to enter

The 2023 Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) is open for entries, with now less than two weeks to go until the closing date of 1 September. *Note: this is also the final day for receipt of entry samples*

Australia’s premier olive competition, with increasing international recognition and status, the AIOA provides benefits for entrants including:

Entries individually assessed and awarded on merit.
All entrants receive comprehensive judging feedback.
Successful judging provides eligibility for OliveCare® certification.
Unprecedented opportunity for international recognition of winning products and producers.
Official AIOA Results Book, providing a great marketing tool for all medal and award winners.
The opportunity to purchase high-resolution professional product images for use in social media, website and media purposes at only $35 plus GST.

Find out more and enter here.

“I work so hard and it’s just wonderful to get something for all the hard work. I put my heart and soul into it, and I think it’s paid off with this award…and it’s expensive to make, so the boost in sales is such a bonus. Instead of three bottles, now people will ask for 12 – when it’s won Best in Show, it makes a great present.”

Liz Tonkinson, Leisal Rose, 2021 AIOA Best of Show EVOO

International

Tunisia has a plan to boost its olive oil industry

The strategy aims to increase annual production of extra virgin olive oil while growing packaged exports and domestic consumption.

ADBioplastics develops industrially compostable single-use packaging for olive oil

The Spain-based additives and bioplastics manufacturer has created a bioplastic called PLA-Premium which it claims offers improved processability, yet, like regular PLA, is 100% compostable under industrial conditions. TÜV Austria has certified the single-use product to disintegrate within three months.

State-of-the-art irrigation management leads to rising yields in California

To endure a changing climate, new approaches for managing and optimizing irrigation are paramount.

The color mistake you're making when choosing good olive oil

Many believe the telltale sign of superior olive oil is a rich, green color. However, the idea that the oil's color acts as an indicator of its quality is a myth likely born from the fact that refined olive oil becomes lighter in color after processing.

Good to see some better consumer information getting out there in media land.

Unprecedented heat sparks more wildfires across Greece

Burned olive tree on Rhodes. Photo: Yiorgos Tsakalios.

Around 4,500 hectares of olive groves have been burned in wildfires across the country. The government promises aid, but farmers want something else.

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!

They only put 10%’: Worker says there’s barely any olive oil in the Subway olive oil. Viewers aren’t surprised

A Subway worker revealed that what’s touted as an “Olive Oil Blend” at Subway restaurants uses ‘blend’ as a euphemism—with 90% of what’s in the bottle being something else entirely.

This is why labelling laws across the globe need to be tightened … 90% canola oil/10% olive oil and labelled as an ‘olive oil blend’.