10 May 2024

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

Today's Top Story

Telstra's 3G shutdown delayed over triple zero concerns

Telstra has moved to delay the shutdown of its 3G network to give people more time to upgrade. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Telstra has delayed the shutdown of its 3G network over concerns it may stop thousands of customers making emergency calls. The national telco postponed the network switch to August 31 - two months later than planned - to give customers more time to upgrade their devices.

Australia

Senate inquiry recommends powers to forcibly break up supermarkets and imposition of mandatory code of conduct

The first of six inquiries sparked by the cost-of-living crisis has backed calls for the major supermarkets to be slapped with hefty fines if they are found to have mistreated suppliers.

Working dog trials and sales in Australia gaining popularity and fetching big bucks

Farmers across the country are increasingly turning to working dogs to get the job done. (ABC Capricornia: Russel Talbot/Aaron Kelly)

Border collies Buck and Rebel do not shy away from hard work. They run all day, herding cattle into their pens and keeping them in check. It's clear from watching them that, as farmers around the country grapple with workforce shortages, these are some of the most efficient workers in the industry.

As many of you will no doubt agree, working dogs are also great companions while you’re toiling in the grove - and if they’re like mine, barkingly brilliant at bird control!

While April was Australia's coldest in almost 10 years, the world keeps breaking heat records

Australia may have shivered through its coldest April since 2015, but the rest of the world continued to break heat records for the 11th month in a row.

Varroa mite Control Order to be removed in NSW

Following extensive industry consultation, the Biosecurity (Varroa Mite) Control Order (No.2) 2024 has been removed to take away any undue regulatory burdens on beekeepers.

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.

Federal government announces $519.1m in funding for drought resilience

It took 18 "frustrating" months for grazier Michael Doering's Future Drought Fund grant application to be approved, but he said it was worth the wait to safeguard his business.

Petition calls for scrapping of proposed new biosecurity protection levy

The Nationals have launched a petition calling on the Federal Government to scrap ‍the proposed new biosecurity protection levy on Australian farmers.

They say that imposing the levy on farmers, rather than international importers, makes the levy a ‘fresh food tax’ on industry: farmers will be forced to pass on costs, meaning families will feel more pain at the grocery checkout.

They reiterate industry concerns that there is no information available as to how the levy will be collected or managed, and that it appears that the funds raised will go towards consolidated revenue, rather than being specifically dedicated to biosecurity activities.

Find out more and access the petition here.

Groundwater plan review begins as Limestone Coast farmers fear for land's future

A farming family on South Australia's Limestone Coast is concerned a drain that has run dry for the first time in 80 years is a sign groundwater resources are being over-used.

This is increasingly an issue, so it’s important that all landowners keep updated around, and get involved in, water reviews in your area.

Review of Migration Strategy points test: submissions

The Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11 December 2023 and outlines a new vision for Australia’s migration system. One of the key areas of future reform outlined in the Migration Strategy is to explore ‘a reformed points test to better identify migrants who will drive Australia’s long-term prosperity’.

The Department of Home Affairs will be conducting a review of the points test system. A discussion paper supporting the review has been published on the Department’s website here.

Closing date for submissions on the paper is 5pm AEST on Friday, 24 May 2024.

Events

World Bee Day 2024

20 May marks the seventh annual World Bee Day, a day to celebrate the vital role bees play in food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.

From webinars to morning teas to fairs - events are happening all around Australia. Visit the World Bee website here to find one near you or host your own morning tea!

While helpful rather than imperative for olive pollination, bees are a necessity for horticulture across the board, and for many olive growers with other crops in their mix. Bees are having a tough time right now, so let’s all do our bit to support them.

International

A spoonful of olive oil a day could reduce risk of death from dementia: study

A study has found that about a spoonful of olive oil a day could lower the risk of dying from dementia. The study, published in the JAMA Network Open on Monday, observed more than 90,000 adults in the U.S. over 28 years, 65 per cent of whom were female. The mean age was 56 at the beginning of the study.

From Algae Oil To High-Phenolic Olive Oil: Here Are Our Newest Cooking + Drizzling Staples

So much is happening in the “oil space” right now. From non-toxic seed oil alternatives to medicinal olive oil that may as well replace your daily supplement regimen, there are a multitude of brands taking over our local Erewhon shelves with high-quality, beautifully packaged cooking and drizzling oils that can be used – yes - as kitchen staples, but also as wellness essentials.

Study reveals therapeutic properties of EVOO polyphenols on childhood cancer

A joint study carried out by researchers from the universities of Castilla-La Mancha, Porto, Lisbon and Palermo has analyzed the therapeutic potential of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol in treating neuroblastoma, a cancer affecting young children.

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!

Heat, fruit fly hamper harvests in Peru and Northern Chile

Unseasonably warm weather has created the conditions for the Mediterranean fruit fly to proliferate. Smuggling may have furthered its spread in Chile.

Extra virgin olive oil prices tipped to top £16 a litre next month

Olive oil prices are set to climb further this year – heading to more than £16 a litre for a bottle of extra virgin – amid a drop in global production to the lowest level in more than a decade.

Why olive oil might soon be pricier than wine

The cost of living crisis has seen prices for many cupboard staples rise in the last two years, but one item in particular is seeing record-breaking prices. Olive oil, cherished for its rich flavour, health advantages, and culinary versatility, is a staple in many kitchens, but an unfortunate series of events has led to a surge in prices.

The trials and triumphs of organic olive farming in Andalusia

The fifth-generation family behind Luque Ecológico believes organic farming produces flavorful extra virgin olive oil, protects the environment and mitigates the impacts of drought.