Many of the everyday items we own have become more technologically advanced in recent years, from fridges to mobile phones to cars and even tractors. But our ability to repair them has become harder, with many companies insisting only the manufacturer is able to do so.

Serious injury claims are on the rise and agricultural industries are the most dangerous, according to the latest data from the Commonwealth work safety body.

Agriculture's labour shortage will begin to ease over the coming months, with vaccinated backpackers allowed into the country and changes to streamline the Pacific seasonal labour scheme.

Electrical transmission company AusNet Services has announced the proposed route of its controversial power line through western Victoria, devastating some of the farmers impacted.

The country is gradually opening up but with different boxes to tick in every state, so 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:

A rise in rural crime across Central Victoria over the past few months is leading police to take a more direct approach to tackle farm and livestock thefts, as well as getting to the bottom of who is doing it.

If you employ people in your business, you need to be on top of the recent 1.75% increase to minimum wages. The increase applies to 21 Australian awards and was payable from the first full pay period on or after 1 November 2021, so make sure you know if your employees are eligible. 

Employees not covered by an award or registered agreement are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, which is set and reviewed each year under the Fair Work Act 2009.

Find out more here.

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.

Gippsland was much wetter than average with parts of Central Gippsland wettest on record. In contrast, parts of western Victoria had near average rainfall, tending to below average in the far south-west.

Bushfire researchers believe Victoria's threat of destructive bushfires this year will be somewhat subdued, but are stopping short of urging primary producers to be complacent on the back of widespread rain across much of the state.

Want to sell your food and agriculture internationally but not sure where to start? Austrade’s export services can help you get started. Feel connected and supported as you:

Sign up for Austrade export services’ email series here. 

Disaster recovery grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible South Australian primary producers affected by the recent spring hailstorm. The assistance will be available to eligible primary producers in 24 council areas across the state, and also includes access to the Family and Rural Support Program (FaBS), Rural Financial Counselling and waste removal services.

Find out more on the PIRSA website here.

In celebration of World Soil Day on 5 December, the Soil CRC is hosting a panel of experts to discuss soil health and why it matters.

What makes soil healthy? Is soil health even a concept worth striving for? Why is it important? All these questions and more will be discussed with the expert panellists, facilitated by Soil CRC CEO Dr Michael Crawford. There will also be a chance for the audience to join in the discussion through question time.

Details: December 7, 12:00 noon AEDT. Register here. 

A new law in Italy has changed monitoring and removal operations in Xylella-plagued areas. Funds are being used to replant trees and compensate millers.

As the olive harvest season gets underway, significant numbers of citizens and residents are flocking to farms and mills to experience first-hand olive picking and the oil extraction process, according to farmers and olive producers.

Maintaining organic farming methods and experimenting with ancient olive varieties are how Château d’Estoublon keeps its 500-year olive oil production history alive.

According to Ignacio Silva, specialization is key to the survival of traditional producers, and the whole sector must modernize to thrive.

We’re nearing the end of 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!

The tiniest brushing of olive oil can make almost anything taste better. And when it's drizzled or doused? That's a luxury if ever there was one. Accessorize that with some herbs and aromatics, and the olive oil experience reaches totally new heights. 

The Italian Antitrust Authority has announced an investigation into Nutri-Score regarding how some large retailers and food producers in Italy use it.

In many parts of Egypt, yields are expected to be between 50 and 80-percent below the average. However, producers are optimistic about the future.

OSA/Woodside Farm grove rejuvenation visit – Woodside, SA

2021 Hunter Olive Show awards night – Pokolbin, NSW

Olives NZ Conference and Awards Dinner – Wellington, NZ

Field tour, 2022 AOA National Olive Conference & Exhibition – Devonport, Tasmania

15-16 October

2022 AOA National Olive Conference & Exhibition – Devonport, Tasmania

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

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