BMSB linked to olive fruit drop; Robot dogs vs birds; Traceable labels for Italy’s GI oils

08 November 2024

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

Today's top story

Study suggests stink bug caused mysterious fruit drop in Italy

Brown marmorated stink bug.

The brown marmorated stink bug has been identified in Italian and Greek olive groves. Increasing evidence now links its presence to an early fruit drop in northern Italy.

BMSB is present in Australia too, so this is very relevant news.

Australia

The AOA’s media release went out and the media got busy, reporting on and profiling the winners of this year’s Australian International Olive Awards. Here’s a couple more from the last week:

Grassy Spur Olives recognised for tasty and high-quality oil

Helen and Peter Wright, third and fourth from the left, at the Australian International Olive Awards.

Grassy Spur Olives of Stony Creek took out the Best in Show award for Boutique Volume Frantoio Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) at the annual Australian International Olive Awards held recently in Bendigo. The Frantoio EVOO was also awarded the Best of Victoria, and Champion Italian Varietal olive oil.

Listen: Jared Bettio, Rio Vista on ABC Country Hour

An SA producer takes home an award for the Southern Hemisphere's best olive oil.

Vale Sharn Hunkin

An active member of the industry from its early days, Sharn (centre back, at the 2019 Hunter Olive Awards judging) was a highly respected olive oil judge at state and national competitions over many years.

Sharn Hunkin became involved in the olive industry around 1996, participating in research trips in Australia and Europe.

Sharn and his wife Margaret established their Baerami Olives grove in the Bylong Valley on the edge of the Hunter Valley, producing a range of olive oils and table olives.

He was one of the early members of the Hunter Olive Association, involving himself with all the association’s activities, including field days, and judging at every Hunter Olive Show since its inception in 2005. Sharn also judged at many other shows around Australia including the Royal Canberra Olive Show, the Sydney Royal Fine Food Show, and the AOA National Olive Awards.

Sharn was a nurse with the NSW Health Commission, working at Morisset Hospital.

Sharn would mix olive oil in the diesel in his ute. He said it did not really impact its performance, but it did blow some smoke.

Sharn passed away early in November after an ongoing battle with disease.

Rest in peace, Sharn, a good friend of the olive industry.

Stephen Mitchell, Hunter Olive Association

Hazelnut growers use robotic dogs to scare birds and boost domestic production

Professor Gurr hopes technology like robotic dogs will help growers prevent bird attacks. (Supplied: AgriFutures Australia)

A robotic dog that walks its way through orchards to scare off birds is one idea being used by Australia's hazelnut growers to boost production, and popularity, of the nut in Australia. Bird attacks on tree nuts cost growers millions of dollars in lost production every year.

Different crop, same issue, interesting solution.

Farmers slam supermarket code of conduct ‘loopholes’

An updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct draft has been criticised for not going far enough to discourage supermarkets from taking advantage of fresh produce growers.

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Olivebiz Classifieds are online now at www.olivebiz.com.au/classifieds. To arrange a listing, contact Gerri at editor@olivegrower.com.au.

Opportunities

Webinar recording: Visa Options for Horticulture

A recording is now available of the Visa Options for Horticulture webinar, hosted by AUSVEG in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs’ Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO).

If you missed the live webinar, this is a great opportunity to catch up on vital information regarding current visa programs in the horticulture sector.

Watch the recording here and access the BIRO presentation here.

There’s also a comprehensive list of FAQs here.

Events

AOA SA Back to Basics Field Day: Part of the NFF National Horticulture Roadshow

The Australian Olive Association has developed a “Back to Basics” Field Day with support from the National Farmers Federation, to provide key information for new olive growers and those thinking about becoming olive growers.

A particular focus of the day is on how grape growers can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives, and also make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyard. However, the information is for anyone looking to enter the olive industry or manage a neglected grove.

Topics will include site selection, varieties, irrigation, grove management, pruning, pests and diseases and harvest options. Several industry equipment suppliers and service providers will also be on hand to show you what is available to make your grove as efficient as possible.

Presenters will include Michael Southan (AOA), Michael Thomsett (AOA), David Braunack (Two Sisters Wine Co), Leon Atsalis (Eclipse Enterprises), Jared Bettio (Mt Torrens Holdings).

Details:

Thursday, 12 December 2024 – 8.30am-5pm

Two Sisters Wine Company, 9 Stelzer Rd, Stone Well, SA 5352

Registrations close 5 December unless sold out earlier. More information and register here.

* Note: Numbers are strictly limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant.

International

U.S. olive oil market size to reach $4.78 billion by 2030

The U.S. olive oil market size is expected to reach USD 4.78 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030.

Italy mints special labels for its PDO and PGI olive oils

The Italian Polygraphic Institute and State Mint craft the labels to guarantee the traceability of extra virgin olive oils with geographical indications.

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Spanish researchers prove that a compound found in black olives could be useful against obesity

Researchers from the University of Granada have verified that beta-resorcylic acid, found in some foods, aids weight loss.

Turkey lifts ban on bulk olive oil exports

Turkey’s olive oil producers are preparing to ramp up exports to the United States, Japan and Australia following the complete lifting of bulk olive oil export restrictions.

Tunisian olive oil output to jump by 55% this season

Tunisia expects olive oil output to jump by around 55% this season, the agriculture ministry said on Tuesday, giving a boost to both the country’s exports of “green gold” and also to ailing public finances.

Friday Olive Extracts – send us YOUR news

We’re now well over half-way through the year and the 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!

Producers in Portugal anticipate another bumper harvest

Production could reach 190,000 tons after a wet winter replenished aquifers. However, labor remains a challenge for some growers.

This is good news for European supply, given the recent flood catastrophe in south-eastern Spain.

How the US elections threaten Spain's olive oil market

Donald Trump has announced his intention to impose a general tariff of up to 20% on imported goods. While sectors like machinery, vehicles, and chemicals are expected to suffer the most, Spain fears its olive oil industry could take a significant hit.