24 JANUARY 2025

Today's top story

New US import tariffs and what they could mean for Australian producers

US President Trump doubled down on his plans to roll-out foreign import tariffs during his inaugural speech earlier this week.

Tariffs on Australian and Chinese exports to the US could lead to higher prices, economic uncertainty, and a decrease in demand for Australian-made goods and services.

A lot has been written on this topic in Australian and global media this week. Read more here about how WA primary producers are bracing for impact.

Australia

Rural lobby groups back 'RailFail' campaign to improve train lighting and driver safety

Image: ABC

More than 18,000 level crossings in Australia have little more than a stop sign to warn drivers to look out for freight trains hurtling towards them in the dark.

A family-driven campaign calling for a mandatory lighting solution is gaining momentum, but the rail industry is fiercely resisting. 

Backed by 12 families who have lost loved ones at level crossings and more than 20 rural lobby groups, including the National Farmers Federation, it's even attracted the support of country music star Lee Kernaghan.

Farm fatalities double in 2024

Off the back of recently released WorkSafe interim data highlighting an alarming jump in agriculture-worker fatalities, it is now being reported that farm fatalities more than doubled last year.

Speaking in response to one of the deadliest years for the agriculture sector, Farmsafe Australia chairperson and Tasmanian farmer Felicity Richards said preliminary figures showed more than 70 fatalities in 2024, compared with 32 the previous year.

Half of Australia under heatwave warning, as slow-moving cyclone lingers off WA

Extreme heatwave conditions Image: ABC

Australians working outside are urged to stay hydrated and take extra precautions this week, with much of the country under extreme heatwave conditions.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecast severe to extreme heatwave conditions in large parts of Western Australia and Queensland this week, as a result of slow-moving Tropical Cyclone Sean, which is driving hot air into the east and west.

Hot conditions are expected to last until at least tomorrow.

New ag levies legislation takes effect

More than 50 pieces of legislation governing over 110 agricultural levies and charges have now been streamlined into five Acts and subordinate legislation.

Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Matt Lowe said the new legislation would make life simpler for those interacting with it.

The changes came into effect on 1 January 2025.

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Applications now open for AgForce Training’s Women’s Leadership Program

Women working in Queensland’s agricultural industry are being encouraged to take on more leadership roles with the help of a new training and mentoring program being delivered by AgForce Training.

The Queensland Women in Agriculture Leadership (QWAL) program will support 15 exceptional women to tap into their leadership potential and shape the future of agriculture in the state.

International

Major olive oil warning as Donald Trump threatens tariffs spike for Spain

Donald Trump's pledge to put costly tariffs on olive oil imports could weaken customer demand Spanish commentators have warned.

The US President has pledged to increase tariffs on Spanish goods including wine and olive oil after mistakenly identifying it as a member of the BRICS bloc of developing countries.

Spain: Malaga's olive oil exports hit all-time high, rocketing by 50%

In the first 10 months of last year, the Spanish province sold 593M euros of the "liquid gold" abroad, putting it in second place in Andalucia after SEville and Cordoba.

Kurdistan region expands olive industry with specialised factories, unique varieties

Iraq's Kurdistan region now has 1.5M olive trees, with 1,800 tonnes of olives produced in 2023.

According to reports, the region's soil is "very apt for olive cultivation, and its trees are short, allowing for dense planting and quick fruit production".



Cobram Estate aims to double US take

Cobram Estate OIlives is close to sealing a deal that could see it double the company's grove footprint in the United States.

Owners of the 3,508 hectare grove at Boort, with 1.24M trees, say the deal would see more than 1,500ha of groves owned in California.

Farmers reap rewards of olive boom in Rangamati

Olive farming has added a new dimension to the rural economy in Rangamati, Bangladesh.

The harvest of commercially cultivated olives in the hills have been strong this year, leading to widespread enthusiasm among farmers.

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2025

28 January

AOA Office Re-opens

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