The Water Efficiency Program, returning farm water savings to the environment, has been axed. (Supplied: Murray-Darling Basin Authority)
No more water will be taken from farms to be returned to the environment under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan following a policy shift announced today by the federal government. "We think we can do better with off-farm efficiencies," Water Minister Keith Pitt said.
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And while we’re on water …
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Wyangala Dam's wall is set to be raised 10 metres to increase its capacity by 650 gigalitres. (ABC News: Brad Markham)
It is an ironic problem to be faced with when trying to stop towns from running out of water - partially draining one of New South Wales' largest dams as part of its proposed expansion. Questions of whether the level of Wyangala Dam near the central-west town of Cowra will need to be lowered, and what will happen to some of this water, remain unanswered.
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The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) supports the launch of WorkSafe Victoria’s advertising campaign, ‘It’s never you, until it is’. The powerful advertisements are intended to influence the mindsets of the farming community. VFF CEO Jane Lovell said, “Although graphic and emotionally confronting, these ads are designed to challenge any complacency around safety.”
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One fifth the number of pre-Covid-19 backpackers, or 40,000, remain in Australia to harvest horticulture and they are going home at 1000 a week. Photo: NSW Farmers.
The acute, Covid-19 induced labour shortage affecting fresh fruit and vegetables has brought an industry beyond the bring of frustration and in response NSW Farmers' Association this week released its five-point-plan to tackle the problem.
And let’s hope this is acted on quickly …
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Vanuatu's High Commissioner to Australia has claimed that seasonal workers from the Pacific Island country have faced death threats after becoming embroiled in a bitter employment dispute in regional Queensland. The controversy has provoked a social media storm in Vanuatu and caused consternation in Canberra, with fears the episode will damage the reputation of the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP).
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Australia's agriculture sector is booming, with farmers expected to reap a record $66 billion for their produce this year despite trade tensions with China and the global pandemic.
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COVID restrictions: stay informed
It’s important to keep up with the changing status of pandemic regulations, so you can access state-specific information on COVID-19 from the links below:
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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, 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.
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Tasmania introducing General Biosecurity Duty
The Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment as announced that, following extensive industry and community consultation, a new legal obligation known as the General Biosecurity Duty is being introduced under the Biosecurity Act 2019, active from 31 March 2021.
Read the Biosecurity Advisory here see what this means for you. |
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Farmers who have battled through years of drought will lap up rain any day; however, the unusually wet summer has brought with it a raft of challenges. Some areas of NSW have already recorded upwards of 100 millimetres of rain this year and that is impacting some crops and livestock.
It’s a roller coaster ride across the various states … NSW has great moisture but the associated disease issues, while states like SA are still seriously dry and in need of some decent rain. And then there’s Queensland, which has areas of both …
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Lake Moogerah was at 13.3 per cent capacity on February 24. (Supplied: Seqwater)
Drought has gripped agricultural land west of Brisbane for years, but to the untrained eye, it can be hard to see. Scenic Rim Lucerne co-owner Russell Jenner said there was "not good moisture under the ground".
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The word sommelier is often associated with fine wine, but did you know that it can also be used when talking about olive oil? Central Victorian growers Milly Byrne and Julie Howard are olive oil sommeliers and just like their counterparts in wine they can assess its quality, chemistry and flavour.
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Victorian Energy Upgrades program |
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The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps Victorians cut power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by giving households and businesses access to discounted energy-efficient products and services.
Victorian growers are encouraged to implement energy efficiency projects through free on-farm assessments and grants, saving 15-75% of the capital cost depending on the project.
But you’ll need to be quick, as applications close next Tuesday, 9 March.
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Olive Oil Processing Webinar with Pablo Canamasas – last days to register, don’t miss out! |
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Pre-season Considerations for EVOO Processing - Wednesday 10 March, 10.00am AEDT
Pablo’s webinar last year proved extremely popular with everyone connected with growing and processing olive oil. This first of two processing webinars with Pablo to be held in March this year, the first session will focus on preparation for best quality EVOO production. The webinar will cover:
- Harvest plan considerations
- Factors that may alter the harvest plan
- Processing plan considerations
- Staff aspects
- Processing documents
The format will be a 30 minute presentation followed by a 30 minute interactive Q&A session, providing plenty of opportunity for people to clarify particular queries or issues.
Registration
The session will be held via Zoom Meeting format and all attendees must register to gain access. A link to the session will be provided via email prior to the webinar.
Cost: Levy payers $20 plus GST; non-levy payers $40 plus GST.
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Rave reviews keep coming for AOA Healthy Soils Field Days – have you registered for your state’s event? |
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Compost-making at Nangkita Grove during last Sunday’s SA Healthy Soils Field Day
The AOA’s Healthy Soils Field Days program is now well underway, with the Tasmanian and SA events garnering rave reviews from participants. The program is continue during March in major production regions across all states, with the Hunter Valley next in line this Sunday.
Each field day focuses on the role of healthy soils in producing healthy trees and lifting grove productivity. Presented in the grove, the information will cover a wide range of topics around soil health, from identifying and managing soil issues to monitoring and improving both soil and tree health. Along with expert speakers, each program will involve a panel of specialist service providers who will demonstrate and discuss the latest technology to monitor, test and measure vital soil parameters and tree health.
Remaining dates and venues:
7 March - Hunters Dream Estate, Pokolbin NSW
14 March - aFthonia Farms, Hampton (via Toowoomba), QLD
21 March - Lisadurne Hill Olives, Rushworth, VIC
28 March - Preston Valley Grove, Lowden (via Donnybrook) WA
Cost* is $40 incl GST for AOA members and levy payers; $50 incl GST for others.
* Tickets will be refunded where a Field Day needs to be re-scheduled to due COVID. Where possible, the decision to cancel will be made at least 7 days prior to the scheduled date.
The full program for each field day, including speaker and venue details, is available on the OliveBiz website here, where you can also register.
This one day of learning how to care for your soil will repay you, your grove and your business for years to come. Don’t miss out, register now!
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This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation olive research and development levy, co-investment from the Australian Olive Association and contributions from the Australian Government. |
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Photo: Oliving project
Arnold Schwarzenegger, a celebrity chef, and several German actors are sponsoring ancient olive trees on the island of Crete in Greece. Their donations and the resulting publicity help preserve these impressive Greek natural monuments, which are in danger of destruction due to financial pressures and inadequate awareness of their multi-faceted value.
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Andalusia’s olive oil production in 2020 is expected to be up to 300,000 tons lower than previously predicted, due to the effects of a hot, dry autumn followed by a record-breaking cold winter.
Given that Australia’s 2021 harvest is looking great overall, maybe we could fill any EVOO void!
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“The sniff test is really where it’s at. That’s your biggest identifier if something has gone wrong.”
Simple, practical advice for consumers on shelf life and storage. Good to see more discussion on the topic.
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The first phase of the Med-Gold project is approaching completion and the results could revolutionize how olive growers plan for the future. The four-year project funded by the European Union seeks to provide olive, grape and wheat growers with information that can be used to develop short, intermediate and long-term strategies to combat climate change and pests.
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Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news |
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With 2021 now underway, 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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Producers are asking the government to repeal a law allowing the term ‘Kalamata’ to be used outside of Messenia. A new PDO designation could be the solution.
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The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), in cooperation with the security bodies, on Saturday announced the seizure of about 1,120 adulterated olive oil containers, estimated at 17,897 liters, during the 2020/2021 olive oil season in across the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
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A devaluing local currency coupled with the scarcity of hard currencies has made production more expensive. Producers are turning to exports as a solution.
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2021
7 March
Healthy Soils Field Day - Hunter Valley NSW
10 March
AOA Processing Webinar - Pre-season Considerations for EVOO Processing
14 March
Healthy Soils Field Day, Hampton (via Toowoomba), QLD
21 March
Olives NZ AGM (Zoom)
21 March
Healthy Soils Field Day - Rushworth, VIC
24 March
AOA Processing Webinar - Technical Aspects of Olive Oil Extraction
23-25 March
Soil CRC Participants Conference
25 March
Processing webinar with Pablo Canamasas #2 – Online via Zoom
28 March
Healthy Soils Field Day - Lowden (via Donnybrook) WA
5 April
Entries close, Berlin Global Olive Oil Awards – Berlin, Germany
9 April
Olives NZ Focus Grove Field Day - Hawke’s Bay
12 April
Olives NZ Focus Grove Field Day - Northland
14 April
Olives NZ Focus Grove Field Day - Canterbury
15 April
Olives NZ Focus Grove Field Day - Nelson
16 April
Olives NZ Focus Grove Field Day - Wairarapa
7 May
Entries close, OLIVE JAPAN 2021 International Olive Oil Competition
15 May
Registrations close/samples due, EVO IOOC – Palmi, Italy
18-19 May
Farm2Plate Exchange 2021 – Scenic Rim, Qld
25 May
Winners announced, OLIVE JAPAN 2021 International Olive Oil Competition
7-9 June
Hort Connections 2021 – Brisbane, Qld
2 August
Entries open, Hunter Olive Show
3 September
Entries close, Hunter Olive Show
7 October
Awards night, Hunter Olive Show
15-17 October
2021 National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition - Devonport, Tasmania
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Friday Olive Extracts is Published by: |
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Olivegrower Communications: |
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Olivegrower & Processor
December Issue
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Australian and New Zealand
Olive Industry Directory
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