17 May 2024

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

Today's Top Story

Future of biosecurity bill in doubt after Greens say they won't back it

The Greens say they consider the proposed levy to be an "unfair" tax on farmers. (ABC Country Hour: Airlie Felton-Taylor)

The future of controversial new legislation shaking up biosecurity funding in Australia is in doubt after the government failed to secure crossbench support. The Greens have told the ABC they will not back the bill, which includes a $50 million levy to be paid by farmers. That will leave the government without the numbers it needs in the Senate for the legislation to pass.

Australia

Listen: Global squeeze increases price of olive oil

The cost of olive oil has risen about 40% in the past 12-months, driven mainly by supply issues in Europe.

Australia produces much of its own olive oil, but still relies on imports for about half of what it consumes each year.

AOA CEO Michael Southan provided ABC Radio National Breakfast listeners with the background around the recent olive oil price rise, along with an overview of its health benefits.

University of Sunshine Coast researcher receives $240,000 for spider venom fight against plague locusts

Dr Shaodong Guo is investigating the use of spider venoms to kill locusts. (Supplied: University of the Sunshine Coast)

A University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) researcher is milking hundreds of venomous spiders in the hope of creating a biological insecticide that can help farmers battle swarms of hungry locusts without killing honey bees.

Fascinating stuff: read on to see what he’s already developed. THIS is the future of sustainable pest control!

Contamination fears grow as Cadia confirms mine waste leak near Orange

A gold mine near Orange in the New South Wales Central West has confirmed its waste storage facilities are leaking. The leak has sparked fears of broadscale groundwater contamination in the farmland surrounding the Cadia gold mine, which is owned by the Newmont Corporation.

We can only hope this helps force more control of existing mine operations, and better consideration of applications for new mining developments.

Plastic net bags make way for recyclable alternatives this mandarin season

With Australia's mandarin season in full swing, plastic net bags that the fruit traditionally comes in are making way for recyclable options as major supermarkets look to follow the example of smaller retailers.

Olive producers should also look at how we package our products and see where we can cut back on plastic elements in favour of recyclable alternatives.

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.

Reko online farmers' markets increasing in popularity as supermarkets accused of price gouging

Joel Price has been selling his produce through via a click-and-collect farmers' market for a year. (ABC Capricornia: Freya Jetson)

Farmers' market organisers say an increasing number of Australians are cutting out the middleman and buying direct from producers, with many embracing a novel concept from Finland connecting them directly to farmers via social media.

Farmers want newcomers to educate themselves on risks as regional migration trend continues

More Australians are trading the hustle and bustle of the city for a quieter life in the country as the post-pandemic regional exodus continues. And with the prospect of cheaper prices, plenty of space and perhaps a bit more free time, you can't blame them. But before you settle on a lifestyle bush block, farmers say there are a few things you should know.

Good discussion around the need for ALL property owners to educate themselves about biosecurity, and take appropriate proactive measures.

Agriculture Victoria Connect: A new system for ag chemical users

Agriculture Victoria has introduced Agriculture Victoria Connect, a new online system for the application of permits and licenses for agricultural chemicals users including the:

Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP),
Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence (PCRL), and
Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL)

Find out more here or for support, call the Biosecurity Services Centre on 1800 678 779 Mon-Fri between 9am-4.30pm

Opportunities

Applications open for 2024 Australian Export Awards

Show the world what your business is made of at the 62nd Australian Export Awards.

Whether you’re breaking out of regional Australia into new markets, pushing new boundaries as a small business, or innovating across the agribusiness, food or beverages industry, there’s an award category for you!

Find out more and apply here.

New Zealand

Listen: Litre of imported olive oil selling for $30

Executive Officer at Olives New Zealand, Emma Glover, speaks to Lisa Owen about the skyrocketing price of olive oil.

International

Can there be life after extra virgin olive oil?

The news that olive oil prices could reach £16 a litre will be devastating to many Guardian readers (Extra virgin olive oil prices tipped to top £16 a litre next month, 7 May). Many will find it almost unthinkable to live a life without extra virgin oil.

Your editor is one. The simple answer to the headline question: no.

Sustainability, biodiversity good for business, this Campania farmer believes

Case d'Alto produces organic extra virgin olive oils in Irpinia from autochthonous varieties. Owner Claudio De Luca says focusing on sustainability improves quality.

There’s some interesting grove management discussion in this article.

Campaign aims to curb misuse of 'regenerative' in agriculture

With rising demand for organic olive oil, California farmers are at the forefront of efforts to promote the true meaning of organic, regenerative agriculture.

Raise a can and toast Graza's sustainably-minded nitrogen-sealed refill cans

Beloved olive oil brand and pantry staple, Graza, today announced the on-shelf debut of its nitrogen-sealed "beer can" refills nationally in select Whole Foods Market stores, and online.

Fake olive oil seized

450 litres of counterfeit olive oil, which was sold through social media, was seized on Monday, near Lisbon, according to the Food and Economic Security Authority (ASAE).

It seems this will be a regular news topic until Europe gets some rain and a good harvest.

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!