As communities and farmers continue to battle the mouse plague, a funding announcement for genetic biocontrol research could be a potential game changer for future plagues. 

Victorians must now check in at all retail stores, supermarkets and cafes, in a move health authorities hope will allow them to chase down "every single person who might be exposed" to coronavirus.

The current Victorian restrictions remind us all that it’s important to keep up with the changing status of pandemic regulations across the board. You can access state-specific information on COVID-19 from the links below:

The Barwon River at Brewarrina during the drought in 2019 and in flood last month. Scientists predict the Murray-Darling basin faces more dry years and fewer wet years. (ABC News: Nathan Morris) 

Data from the CSIRO shows there has been a huge fall in inflows across the Murray-Darling Basin in the past 20 years. Lower rainfall translates to a big drop in water flowing into streams, rivers and dams across Australia's largest river system. Dr Francis Chiew, a research group leader in water resources assessment and prediction at the CSIRO, said long-term rain trends suggested a significant reduction in water availability in the Murray-Darling system.

Scientists analysing growth rings of 700-year-old native cypress trees in Western Australia's Wheatbelt say the region suffered a series of megadroughts lasting up to 30 years in past centuries. The study has also suggested the region was comparatively blessed with rain during the 20th century.

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, extra oil - or even your grove. 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.

The Australian Olive Association (AOA) operates a communications and extension program for the benefit of growers and our broader industry. With several years of the current program now completed, they are seeking your feedback to help measure the impact of the program. 

They want to identify the most effective platforms for delivering R&D outcomes and technical information to you, and how this information has assisted your business. They’re also keen know if there are other sources of technical information you use, to ensure they’ve got the right mix.

The survey asks questions about various aspects of the communications and extension program. All answers remain confidential and will only be reported as aggregated numbers or anonymous comments.

If you haven’t completed the survey yet, please grab a coffee and take five or 10 minutes to add your input.

Take the survey here.

As a strong trading nation, trade is vital for the strength and prosperity of the Australian economy. Exporters and importers have benefitted from the opportunities provided by the removal and reduction of tariffs. 

The Export Council of Australia is aware of the growing number of trade barriers that businesses are faced with across their supply chains and export markets. The Trade Barriers Register is a tool created to assist Australian businesses through identifying and understanding where trade barriers are experienced and how these issues can be communicated to the government for action.  

The Trade Barriers Register allows you to share information on barriers that you may have experienced, during the importing or exporting process, or due to regulatory barriers within Australia.

More information here.

Farmer Jon Elder has saved almost $200,000 a year by switching to a solar-powered irrigation pump on his cotton farm, and he is not alone. Big and small farm businesses are making the switch, but there are some pitfalls.

New commodities added to Austrade's Digital Export Tool 

The number of commodities in the Austrade export services laws and regulations tool has been doubled, so more food and agribusiness exporters looking to find new market opportunities have access to the latest rules, tariffs and trade agreements relevant to their product. New information is available for cotton, dried herbs, tea, coffee, spices and other processed plant products. And yes, there is information under ‘olives’ – take a look here.

The NFF is hosting a national forum series, aimed at taking stock of progress towards the 2030 Roadmap goals to become Australia's next $100 billion industry. Next week they head to the Barossa Valley, hosting the Towards 2030 Forum in partnership with Primary Producers SA.

Speakers will include:

Details: Tuesday, 8 June - 8:30am-5:30pm ACST - Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, Rowland Flat.

Limited seats are still available, at a cost of $100 pp ($50 for Primary Producers SA members). More information and register here.

The 2021 South Australian Premier's Food and Beverage Industry Awards are now open for entry. A chance to celebrate and share your success with your team, your customers and your industry, the awards provide winners and finalists with a point of difference and a powerful recommendation for their products in domestic and export markets.

Entries now open

7 June - Entrant information session, 4pm. Register your interest here contact@safoodawards.com.au

5 July - Entries close 5pm

12 July-20 September - Consumer Award voting opens

16 August-3 September - site visit/interview with the judges for shortlisted candidates  

22 September - Award finalists and Consumer Award Top 20 announced

12 November - Winners announced at Gala Dinner.

More information here.

Waikawa Glen's award-winning olive oils from 2020.

Thrilled and overwhelmed, Lisa Buchan and partner Glenn Wigley, of Waikawa Glen Olive Oil, have won gold at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition for their 2020 blend.

Wairarapa olive oil wins internationally

Three Wairarapa olive growers have impressed international judges to win top awards at the world’s most prestigious olive oil competition. At the 2021 New York International Olive Oil Competition, Wairarapa’s Loopline Olives won two gold medals, while Olive Black won one gold medal, and Juno Olives won one gold medal.

Officials from the company said the medium-density groves provide them with the flexibility to select the best olive variety for each growing condition.

When you consider flavor, health and the environment, olive oil is the best value cooking oil you can buy. Joseph R. Profaci of the North American Olive Oil Association explains why.  

A new study shows that the consumption of olive oil played a role in maintaining cardiovascular health and mobility in elderly Sardinians.

We’re now nearly half-way through 2021, 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!

Olive oil consumption and imports to the United States continue to grow, making the country one of the world’s most lucrative markets for olive oil sellers. Estimates for the 2020/21 crop year show both figures falling slightly compared to the record highs set in 2019/20, but continuing to confirm the upward trend of the previous three decades.

Top-quality extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) evokes images of sunny Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Greece and Italy - places where olive trees have been grown for millennia for their precious essence.

However, thanks to a number of Chinese and Japanese producers who are making olive oil whose quality is on par with or better than that of their Italian and Spanish counterparts, this picture is changing.

A recently published study from researchers in Spain recommends heating olives during the washing process to improve yield quantity and quality. Most olive growers keep and ship their fruits in refrigerated storage. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth and helps stop fermentation.

Return of Invitation to Participate forms, AGOA – NE VIC

Closing date for entry forms and samples, AGOA – NE VIC

Soil Health and Biology Masterclass 2021

Entries open Olives NZ EVOO Awards – New Zealand

23 August

Entries open, 2021 WA Olive Awards

Results announced, AGOA – NE VIC

AGOA Presentation Dinner – Wangaratta, VIC

Entries close, 2021 WA Olive Awards

Entries close Olives NZ EVOO Awards – New Zealand

Olives NZ EVOO Awards Dinner – Wellington, NZ

Results announced, 2021 WA Olive Awards

To include your event, or update your existing event details, email FOE editor Gerri Nelligan at editor@olivegrower.com.au

Friday Olive Extracts Editorial editor@olivegrower.com.au

Advertising: editor@olivegrower.com.au

Subscribe to Olivegrower & Processor magazine secretariat@australianolives.com.au