26 April 2024

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

Today's Top Story

Harvest time and olive lace bug management

It has been suggested that control measures for olive lace bug (OLB) may be outside harvest withholding periods. This is not the case.

The Australian Olive Association’s scientific adviser in sustainable pest management, Professor Robert Spooner-Hart, says that growers should not be harvesting OLB infested groves and transporting the olives to a central processing point, as this further increases the risk of spreading OLB.

Chemicals such as Pyrethrum, which have only a one-day withholding period, or Sivanto, which has a withholding period of 14 days, make spraying before harvest an important and current option for many growers. For other options visit the chemical permits page on the AOA website here.

Australia

Australian primary producers say they ‘can’t afford’ to pay proposed biosecurity levy

National Farmers Federation says farmers are already paying for the measures and should not be made to pay more.

And it seems biosecurity is the media topic of the week …

Feral pig population booms in NSW, sparking calls for more funding to control pests

Landowners say they have never seen so many feral pigs. (Supplied: Christopher O'Bryan)

Feral pigs are back in big numbers across north-west New South Wales and there are reports the pests are killing sheep and charging at humans. The situation has led to calls from the NSW Farmers Association for the state government to provide extra funding and resources to tackle feral pigs.

Cost of fire-ant outbreak in Australia could be much higher than ‘flawed’ earlier prediction, data shows

The cost of a widespread fire ant outbreak may be far higher than predicted in “flawed” government modelling provided to ministers in the fight against the highly invasive species, new research suggests.

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 – like Martin, who has an Oliomio Olive Press for sale. 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.

What is mineral sands mining and why are farmers wary of its potential to lead us 'out of climate crisis'?

Thousands of hectares of farm land are subject to mineral sand mining proposals. (ABC News: Scott Jewell)

Mineral sands are used to make everything from electric cars and smartphones to sunscreen. As Australia enters what Trade Minister Don Farrell is calling a "golden age in critical minerals development", mining companies are eyeing vast stretches of farmland in Victoria and New South Wales for mineral sand mines.

Here’s more on the issue:

Radiation fears, contentious business practices at the heart of proposed mineral sands mine hearing

A proposed mineral sands miner promising to inject hundreds of millions of dollars into Victoria's economy has been accused by farmers of using questionable tactics to secure land and putting their crops at risk.

Careless burning off could be burning money

As fire restrictions ease around the state, EPA Victoria is warning landholders that what they toss into the flames while burning off this autumn could be costly for the environment and their hip pocket.

We hope olive growers are now mulching their prunings, but this is an important reminder for anyone who burns off on their property.

Opportunities

NSW: Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program

The Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP) is a NSW Government program connecting employers with secondary schools.

The program has 27 field officers who each have a geographic territory within which they work with all the schools (state/private/independent) to create opportunities for employers to connect with students, either through hosting an excursion to the farm/factory/site or visiting the school and presenting to the students. No two RIEP opportunities look the same and the RIEP officer is responsible for crafting the experience to suit both the employer and the school.

It presents a great opportunity for growers, processors and research delivery partners to attract high school students to a job/career.

More information here or contact Fiona Forrester, Senior Project Officer, Partnerships (Regional) Training Services NSW, on 0417 412 795 or fiona.forrester3@det.nsw.edu.au.

Webinar: Learn more about the RIC AgriStarter Loan

The Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) is an Australian Government farm business lender providing low-cost loans for farmers and farm-related small businesses in financial need to strengthen Australian agriculture.

RIC loans can be used for management, recovery and future proofing following severe business disruption due to drought, natural disasters and other biosecurity issues.

The webinar will discuss information on the AgriStarter Loan and how it may be able to assist new farmers or farm succession planning.

Details: Wednesday, 29 May - 12pm AEST. Free. Register here.

Events

2024 Australian Golden Olive Awards

Key dates have been announced for the 2024 Australian Golden Olive Awards, presented by regional association Olive Producers NE Victoria (OPNEV).

The awards provide OPNEV members and growers from all over Australia the opportunity to benchmark their products, along with early testing results for entry into other competitions and for AOA Code of Practice requirements.

Classes cover EVOO (including Micro Volume Class), Agrumato Olive Oils and Flavoured Olive Oils.

2024 competition dates:

Return of Invitation to Participate: 14 June

Submission of product: 12 July

Testing results documentation emailed: 16 August

Awards announced: TBC

More information and entry forms here.

Regional Tech Hub

Confused about what the 3G shutdown means for you? Not sure what you need to do?

The National Farmers’ Federation and the Regional Tech Hub are holding this webinar to arm producers with information to navigate the 3G shutdown. Discussion will include what the 3G shutdown involves, how it will impact you and your devices, and what you need to do for a successful transition.

Representatives from Telstra, Optus and the Regional Tech Hub will be in attendance to answer your questions regarding the closure of 3G networks.

The webinar is free and open to anyone interested in finding out more, so please share the invitation with your networks.

Details: Tuesday, 30 April 2024 - 12 noon AEST.

SA: Small Business Week 2024

Join Business SA for a week-long program of events, workshops and information sessions from 29 April to 3 May 2024 to help you strengthen and grow your small business.

Find out more and explore the program here.

New Zealand

5 fantastically fragrant New Zealand olive oils

European imports are in short supply and costs are increasing, but New Zealand-grown olive oils present a high-quality alternative.

Yay! Promoting locally-produced as an alternative to increasingly expensive imports.

International

New Brexit border checks could stifle fine food imports from EU, warn sellers

Panzer's delicatessen in north-west London has lost 37 suppliers from the European Union since Britain left the bloc's single market in 2021, and owner David Josephs fears more will quit after the UK introduces new border checks this month.

Additional measures from April 30 are expected to restrict products including olive oil, and cause prices to rise further. Increased opportunities for Australian exports?

Plant apocalypse: how new diseases are destroying EU trees and crops

From ancient olive groves to root vegetables, foreign pests introduced via the bloc’s open import system are causing damage worth billions – and outbreaks are on the rise.

Grim but very interesting reading.

Can olive oil help keep snoring at bay? Expert sheds light

While olive oil may not be a miracle cure for snoring, it could play a role in promoting overall sleep health. Read on to know more.

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 milling byproducts may improve animal feed

Diets including olive tree leaves and olive oil pomace did not negatively impact the health of sheep or their milk quality while decreasing methane emissions.

What’s healthier, canola oil or olive oil? the answer isn’t as black and white as you might think

Canola and olive oil are pantry staples and easy to find at a grocery store. Yet, if you've spent enough time reading health-related stories or tapping on wellness Instagram and TikTok accounts, you likely know one has a golden-child reputation.

Hmmm …