19 April 2024

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

Today's Top Story

Registration of Kalamata olives as intellectual property renews controversy in Greece

The registration of the Kalamata table olive PDO from Messenia with WIPO will restrict the term's use by table olive producers in Greece, re-igniting an ongoing debate.

The AOA is in contact with DFAT and DAFF to confirm any implications for Australian producers. We’ll keep you posted.

Australia

Summer El Niño event over, Bureau of Meteorology says

The Bureau of Meteorology has declared the El Niño event that gripped the Pacific Ocean over summer to be over. The southern oscillation index has returned to a "neutral" state, meaning neither El Niño nor La Niña is in effect.

Watch: Turning farm waste into jet fuel

Fasten your seatbelts! We’re taking off to discover how making fuel from plants, fats and farm waste can help reduce aviation emissions.

Why our supermarkets and major retailers changed tack on their price-gouging tactics

For years, big retailers have competed at the check-out while tightening the screws on those who stock their shelves and boost their profits. It's a far cry from the price-fixing tactics of Visy and Richard Pratt - but it seems the jig is up.

OliveBiz Classifieds - THE industry channel for sourcing and selling olive products

The AOA is regularly contacted by both producers and businesses wanting contacts for sourcing supplies of EVOO and table olives.

The AOA is an independent body representing all producers and at all times maintains a hands-off approach to trade and commercial arrangements within the industry. The AOA also has an immovable policy around the privacy of its database, so will never provide contact details for its members and subscribers.

Maintaining that independence while assisting with sales opportunities for industry members is why we set up the OliveBiz Classifieds. Providing direct access to olive producers, it’s the place where businesses can list their sourcing needs, growers can list any excess stocks, and the two can get together on an independent, commercial basis of their own arrangement.

So if you’re approached by a business looking for Australian EVOO or table olives and can’t supply them, please let them know about the OliveBiz Classifieds service. All the details are listed below.

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.

United front needed to defeat venomous fire ants, Senate inquiry finds

South American red fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2001. (Supplied: Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries)

Inquiry chairman calls for authorities to involve the public and work with farmers and pest control companies to stop the spread of the imported pest.

Quad bike death toll rises

According to the latest figures from Safe Work Australia, the death toll from quad bike incidents continues to rise, with 10 fatalities reported this year. In 2023, there were a total of 23 deaths related to quad bikes.

Please take heed and respect the usage boundaries of any vehicles you use on your property.

Opportunities

NSW & WA: Is your business eligible for an EV charging station grant?

In 2023, Australian EV sales rose by 161%, with 87,217 vehicles sold nationwide. Over half a million Australians say their next car will be an EV - chances are, your staff and customers are among them. And increasingly, destination preferences will include availability of EV charging facilities.

The good news is many businesses in regional NSW and Western Australia can currently apply for government grants which cover 50-75% of the cost of installing EV charging stations on their premises.

2024 AOA conference exhibitor and industry supporter Smart Commercial Solar have developed a handy quiz to help you determine if your business may be eligible. They’re also offering free assistance with the application process for AOA members to ensure you stand the best chance of accessing funding.

For more information on the grants, head to the government links below or take the Smart Quiz here or via the QR code above.

WA Workplace EV Charger Grant

Destination NSW EV Charger Grant

One million ‘Introduction to AI’ scholarships available to Australians

Artificial intelligence (AI) ‘scholarships’ are now on offer to one million Australians, in a bid to increase the nation’s literacy of a technology.

The free 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' microskill course is provided by the National AI Centre (NAIC), co-ordinated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, and the Institute of Applied Technology Digital (IATD).

The course will provide a non-technical introduction to AI fundamentals and is designed for people at the beginning their AI literacy journey. This makes it ideal for workers seeking to upskill, individuals starting their career in AI, and small to medium business owners.

Find out more and apply here.

International

Global production may exceed expectations, but not enough to move prices

Analysts predict climate change will result in new price dynamics, with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and other market segments behaving differently.

Germany's consumer watchdog warns olive oil quality is falling

The results of random testing by Germany’s national consumer watchdog have led to questions about the quality of extra virgin olive oil being shipped into Europe’s largest economy.

This is becoming a weekly key news topic!

To squeeze or not to squeeze: The olive oil world is divided over plastic packaging

The latest product launch at California Olive Ranch may look familiar to some olive oil fans. It’s a squeezable plastic 500 mL bottle, a design that encourages customers to “channel their inner chef” by squeezing the extra virgin olive oil into their pots, pans or recipes.

Grim scenario: Greece could end up importing olive oil from China

Despite forecasts indicating that the worldwide olive oil industry will increase from its 2023 valuation of $14.64 billion to a whopping $19.77 billion by 2032, up from $15.11 billion in 2024, Crete’s olive cultivation faces a grim future due to climate change, drought, and lack of government support.

Olive oil production becomes increasingly viable in Oman

The oil-rich Gulf country planted its first commercial olive trees about ten years ago, which are now bearing fruit and yielding returns for farmers.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

We’re now well into 2024 and 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!

Olive oil becomes a luxury item and gains anti-theft seals in Brazilian supermarkets

Olive oil has become a luxury item worldwide due to its price hike. In Brazil, supermarkets now treat it as such, with some chains even using anti-theft security seals on the product bottles, similar to high-end alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, and consumer electronics.

Dr Michael Mosley says one spoonful of a food a day can tackle inflammation and reduce blood pressure

Michael Mosley said olive oil, which is rich in oleic acid and polyphenols, can help to reduce your risk of heart disease, improve your memory and even extend your life. Credit:BBC

Diet and wellbeing guru Dr Michael Mosley has advised people to take a spoonful of something every day - and claims it can tackle inflammation, reduce blood pressure and even boost memory.

Given Dr Mosley’s following, this is a valuable endorsement of the benefits of EVOO.