Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower and Processor

03/02/2012: New trade event for artisan products
A new trade event for local, regional and international fine quality food and drink, Speciality Food & Drink Fair will showcase artisan food and drink directly to buyers. Organisers say the event will attract thousands of key decision makers and buyers from the best independent retailers, importers, distributors, wholesalers and hospitality outlets looking to source quality food and drink products. The event will run from 27-28 August 2012 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre and is strictly trade only.

03/02/2012: Plant flavonoid shows potential to block cancer pathways
The flavonoid luteolin could inhibit signalling pathways important to the growth of colon cancer cells, according to new research. Luteolin is one of the most common flavones in fruit and vegetables, and is found in both olives and olive leaves.

03/02/2012: Australian Year of the Farmer photo comp
Fairfax Media and Elders have launched the official Australian Year of the Farmer (AYOF) photo competition, with camera equipment worth $10,000 on offer for the winning photo. Monthly winners will be awarded across six categories in each state and territory, along with an overall monthly winner, with a total 442 prizes valued at over $30,000 awarded. The competition aims to inspire farmers to capture the magic they encounter in their daily lives, whether at work or at play, in the categories of: Farming people at work and play, Farm animals, The things we grow and process, Farming landscapes, Fun and funky in the country, and Country-city links. The competition runs until 30 September 2012 and images can be uploaded via the official AYOF website.

03/02/2012: Jan-Feb Olivegrower on it’s way
It’s not long now until the next edition of Olivegrower & Processor hits letterboxes across Australia and New Zealand. Another jam-packed edition, the January-February magazine has all the latest industry news and lots of really useful, practical information. And the message we’re getting is that increasingly, that’s just what our industry needs right now – more sharing of knowledge and information. That’s the aim of the Olivegrower/Friday Olive Extracts team, so if you’ve got any handy hints, good advice or suggestions to share – or any questions you’d like answered – drop editor Gerri Nelligan a line at wordsync@bigpond.com.

03/02/2012: Olive oil processing course
Expressions of interest are being called for an olive oil processing course being run by the AOA. An initial course held in March 2010 was enthusiastically attended by a full quota of growers, so further courses are being planned for this year. The Olive Centre’s Amanda Bailey said courses will be run in multiple locations according to the demand, so interested growers need to register as soon as possible in order to finalise the course schedule. The comprehensive course is ideal for those looking to refine their skills in the olive oil production process. To register, email amanda@theolivecentre.com.au.

03/02/2012: Diploma of Agriculture in Organics
A Diploma of Agriculture in Organics is being offered by Advance TAFE. The Diploma can be undertaken as a part-time course at the Farmtec campus, Sale, eastern Victoria, or off-campus via flexible delivery. The teacher is Alan Broughton and there are four intakes per year. For more information contact Advance TAFE on ph: (03) 5142 2541.

03/02/2012: ‘Caring for Country’ funding available
The Australian Government is investing more than $2 billion over five years to achieve a real and measurable difference to Australia's environment. Caring for our Country provides funding for a broad range of sustainable land management and environmental protection work. Caring for our Country is available to legal entities including organisations and community groups for work that will contribute to achieving one or more of the Caring for our Country targets. Applications close 9 February 2012.

03/02/2012: Food & Hotel Asia
Food & Hotel Asia is another international tradeshow opportunity for Australian producers, with previous exhibitors positive about the merits of attending the show. The 2012 event will be held in Singapore from 17–20 April 2012 and encompasses five specialised trade shows, along with an informative conference program. The expo will feature an international mix of food and drinks, from raw ingredients to ready-to-eat products, aimed at meeting the sourcing needs of trade professionals across the food and beverage industry.

03/02/2012: New contact for Dr Vera Sergeeva
Pest and diseases specialist Dr Vera Sergeeva is well-known in our industry, both for her research and regular communications with growers across Australia regarding samples and identification queries. She’s got a new email address, so anyone wanting to contact Dr Vera should now do so at: sergeeva@tpg.com.au.

03/02/2012: Traffic light-style labeling could encourage healthier choices: study
Color-coded labeling and rearranging products in-store could lead consumers to make healthier choices, according to a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers. The study saw red, yellow and green labels attached to foods and resulted in a dramatic drop in sales for those marked with red labels, along with an increase in green-labelled items.

03/02/2012: Olives NZ Conference 2012 – time’s running out to register
Places are filling fast, so now’s the time to lock in your place at the Olives New Zealand Conference 2012 – Let’s Get it On! The venue is the Five Star Sudima Airport Hotel, Auckland on Saturday, 24 March, with an Olives to Oil processor course the following day. Olives NZ EO Gayle Sheridan reports that the Marketing and Blending workshops are proving incredibly popular, with stream one booked out and stream two half full. The Olives to Oil processor course is also heavily booked. It is first come first served, so register NOW to avoid disappointment. Accommodation bookings will be forwarded to the Sudima Hotel at COB today, so confirm your arrangements now to be part of this important industry event. Registration forms available at www.olivesnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Conference-Programme-20122.pdf

03/02/2012: Retailer consultation urged for effective nutrition labelling research
Retailers need to work with manufacturers and regulators to track the impact of systems such as traffic light labelling on consumer purchasing behaviour of food and drink products, stresses a Brussels-based consumer information group as it releases a new report.

03/02/2012: Life under the Food Safety Modernization Act: tracing, tracking and brand protection
The ability to track and trace ingredients is likely to be a major focus for food manufacturers as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is rolled out – but the most important consideration for companies is brand reputation, according to a FSMA specialist at ADT Security Services.

03/02/2012: Mafia grip on Italian food sector putting industry at risk, report
Mafia involvement in the Italian food industry is rife, with revenue from the agriculture and food sector generating 5.6% of the entire organised crime business in the country, finds a new parliamentary report. Not surprisingly, olive oil is one of the food items specifically mentioned in the report – Ed.

03/02/2012: Plant ‘nourishing’ gene could help boost global crop yields
The discovery of a 'nourishing gene' that controls how nutrients are distributed in plants and crops could offer hope for improved crop yield and increased food production, say researchers. The gene is involved in the movement of nutrients from plant to seed, so could we perhaps see an even more nutritious olive into the future – Ed?

20/01/2012: Australians star in 2011’s most memorable quotes
In the world of olive oil there was no shortage of strong opinions and words to remember in 2011. Online news site the Olive Oil Times narrowed them down to the best, however, publishing a list of the 20 most memorable quotes from 2011 – including three from Australian olive industry members Amanda Bailey, Leandro Ravetti and Paul Miller.

20/01/2012: Be a part of international olive oil guide
Only three Australian and four New Zealand producers have taken advantage of the listings available in the Olive Oil Times’ international online Olive Oil Guide. The guide provides each olive oil brand with its own page on the Olive Oil Times website, complete with producer information, production methods, tasting notes, suggested food pairings, accolades, a link to the producer’s website and retail outlets where consumers can buy products. Producers are allowed one free brand submission, with a small fee charged for each additional brand submission. Learn more http://www.oliveoiltimes.com/olive-oil-business/olive-oil-guide-faq/17815

20/01/2012: Dietary Guidelines leave EVOO out in the cold
The internationally-recognised health benefits of extra virgin olive oil do not rate in the draft Australian Dietary Guidelines released on 13 December by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Other ingredients in the Mediterranean Diet are recommended, as is the replacement of some saturated fat by vegetable oils high in monounsaturated fats, however EVOO doesn’t rate a mention. The Guidelines are out for public consultation until 29 February 2012.

20/01/2012: Workshop guides transition from oil to olives
A workshop being held in Melbourne will help producers through the practicalities of changing from oil to table olive production. Switching from Olive Oil to Table Olive Production is a one-day course covering all aspects of running a successful table olive business, presented by Simon Field of Olive Business. In 2011 Field’s company, Salsi Olive Grove, switched its production from olive oil to table olives and is currently successfully selling olives into the Melbourne gourmet wholesale market. The workshop will be held on Saturday, 25 February at the Vibe Hotel, Carlton.

20/01/2012: Table olives discussion paper – last days to comment
Time is running out to comment on the National Table Olives Committee’s discussion paper. Feedback in invited from all olive industry participants, with input providing the basis for the development of draft Australian Standards for Table Olives. Download the paper at http://www.olivessouthaustralia.com.au/index.php/home/1-general-info/35-discussion-paper-on-table-olives. Forward comments before the end of January to Peter McFarlane, by post to 33 Phillips St, Somerton Park SA 5044; by fax on 08 8376 7048 or via email to peter@mc.com.au

20/01/2012: Facebook app enables small business e-stores
A Facebook shopping app has been launched in Australia, aiming to help small businesses reverse recent downward trends in consumer spending. Developed by Brisbane-based start-up aradium, the app enables small businesses to run an online e-commerce store on Facebook, the world’s largest social networking website. More information www.facebook.com/aradium and read more in the coming edition of Olivegrower & Processor.

20/01/2012: What’s the weather like at your place?
Random weather conditions continue to be experienced across Australia, from heat waves to heavy rains, floods and even cyclones. How has your grove fared? Have you lost blossoms or young fruit to strong winds? Is your grove under water, or parched from days of scorching heat? Send Olivegrower & Processor editor Gerri Nelligan an email with details of what’s been happening in your area, and she’ll compile a snapshot of how things are looking across the country. And New Zealand growers, we’d love reports from you too. Send your details to wordsync@bigpond.com

20/01/2012: Entries open for LA International EVOO Competition
Entries are now open for the 13th Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil competition. Oils are judged by both regionality and fruitiness intensity, with additional categories for flavoured oils. Medals are awarded and winners also benefit from the display and sales of gold-medal winning oils at the annual LA County Fair. The 2012 competition introduces separate competitions for northern and southern hemisphere oils, ensuring all international EVOOs are judged at their freshest and best quality. Entry deadline for the southern hemisphere competition is July 6. More information http://www.fairplex.com/wos/olive_oil_competition/

20/01/2012: Olives NZ Conference 2012 - have you registered yet?
It’s getting closer, so now’s the time to lock in your place at the Olives New Zealand Conference 2012 – Let’s Get it On! The event will be held at the Five Star Sudima Airport Hotel, Auckland on Saturday, 24 March, with an ’Olives to Oil’ Processor Course the following day. Detailed conference program information and registration forms http://www.olivesnz.org.nz/uncategorized/conference-2012-lets-get-it-on-2/. Registrations close on 31 January 2012.

20/01/2012: Price for Italian extra virgin olive oil drops to ’09 levels
A 20% hike in olive oil imports by Brazil, 11% by the EU, 7% by the USA and 5% by Canada offset falls in Japan (-12%) and Australia (-10%), according to the International Olive Council’s figures for the 2010/11 crop year. Released in the IOC’s December newsletter, the figures show that the year from October 2010 to September 2011 was also notable for significant drops in reported producer prices. By December 2011 the producer price for extra virgin olive oil in Italy had fallen to €2.43/kg, down 18% on December 2010 and 40% from last summer’s peak.

20/01/2012: FDA: We’ll publish FSMA foreign supplier verification rules ‘soon’
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has missed its January 4 deadline for publishing details of how it will regulate imported food under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), but says it will update the industry “soon”. The rules relate to the proposed Foreign Supplier Verification Program, which will see importers required to provide verification of certification and compliance with FDA regulations.

20/01/2012: New sensory analysis course to highlight olive oils from La Rioja
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and the Environment has teamed up with the organization Ibercaja y Zeytum Servicios Oleotécnicos to create an olive oil educational program aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of olive oil. The first course runs from January to May at the Centro Cultural de Ibercaja, and consists of five theoretical and practical sessions. Each session allows students to discover the different benefits, aromas and flavors of the main varieties of olive oil through a process of comprehensive sensory analysis.

20/01/2012: Olive oil tour stops at Britain’s ‘Taste of London’
For the second year in a row, Britain’s annual Taste of London gastronomical event will feature the European Olive Oil Program. The campaign organizers hope its presence at the festival will help spawn increased interest in the so-called ‘liquid gold’. Olive oil, particularly that of Spanish origin, has grown increasingly popular among the Brits in recent years, with sales increasing by 17% since 2009. More than 50,000 are expected to attend the month-long Taste of London event, providing country-wide promotion for European EVOO. Any olive oil producers taking part in the Australia Day promotional events in the UK this year – and if not, why aren’t we? – Ed.

20/01/2012: Another extra virgin olive oil for kids
Another extra virgin olive oil blended to woo young taste buds is being marketed by a Spanish producer. Designed to be subtle in flavor but fruity and slightly sweet, the new product from Almería-based Castillo de Tabernas is 60% Picual, 20% Hojiblanca and 20% Arbequina and has a maxmimum acidity of 0.1%. The company says the blends were those preferred in taste tests with more than 2000 children and are designed to introduce them to EVOO’s health benefits from an early age. Perhaps we should be taking ‘Fresher is Better’ into Australian and New Zealand kindergartens – Ed.

06/01/2012: Random testing
The AOA recently commissioned its 2nd round of 30 random tests under the AS5264-2011. A summary of the testing results will be made available by the AOA in January/February 2012. These results will also be made available to the ACCC.

06/01/2012: FoodNavigator-USA’s top 5 predictions augur well for EVOO
Online food and beverage industry news site FoodNavigator-USA has listed its predictions for the top five factors likely to have the greatest impact over the next year, and the news looks good for olive oil. The 2012 list includes functional foods for seniors, nutrition for children and ‘natural’ foods – all of which include our own ‘wonder food’ EVOO.

06/01/2012: AOA CEO calls for support from banks
The ongoing produce price wars between Coles and Woolworths have had wide-ranging effects on the country’s food producers, including causing banks to slash farm valuations. So writes AOA CEO Lisa Rowntree in an opinion piece for online news site weeklytimesnow.

06/01/2012: Wanted – Kalamata olives
Viva Olives is looking to buy new 2012 season ripe Kalamata fruit (off the tree, not processed), with good prices being offered. If you have some to sell, contact Darren McKenzie on mob: 0407 846 107; ph: 08 8584 5811 or email: darren@vivaolives.com.au.

06/01/2012: Table olives discussion paper – last weeks to comment
The National Table Olives Committee’s discussion paper is still available for comment and feedback, with input providing the basis for the development of draft Australian Standards for Table Olives. All olive industry participants are invited to comment on the issues raised in the paper, which can be downloaded here. Forward comments before the end of January to Peter McFarlane, by post to 33 Phillips St, Somerton Park SA 5044; by fax on 08 8376 7048 or via email to peter@mc.com.au.

06/01/2012: 2012 Olive Industry Directory
Just a few more weeks and the 2012 edition of the annual Australian & New Zealand Olive Industry Directory will arrive in letterboxes across the globe (yes, it goes far further afield than just our shores). The industry’s most comprehensive guide to personnel, products and services, the OID, as it’s known, is a ‘must have’ for anyone involved in olive growing, processing or sales.

06/01/2012: Woolworths improves olive oil
Supermarket giant Woolworths will adopt the Australian Standard for premium olive oil for its own brand lines, reports weeklytimesnow. However it will not require the voluntary standard be met by other brands it stocks. The Weekly Times revealed last year that several imported premium or ‘extra virgin’ olive oils were not meeting the Australian standard for extra virgin, including Woolworths' imported brand.

06/01/2012: … likewise New Nutrition Business’ Top 10 nutrition trends
‘Naturality’, energy and muscle, bone and joint health will be among the top 10 food, nutrition and health trends for 2012, according to a report just published by New Nutrition Business. Predicted as the largest trend, ‘naturality’ refers to products offering natural and intrinsic health benefits, or ‘free from’ artificial additives – olive oil!

06/01/2012: Olives NZ Conference 2012 - have you registered yet?
It’s getting closer, so now’s the time to lock in your place at the Olives New Zealand Conference 2012 – Let’s Get it On! The event will be held at the Five Star Sudima Airport Hotel, Auckland on Saturday, 24 March, with an ’Olives to Oil’ Processor Course the following day. Detailed conference program information and registration forms here. Registrations close on 31 January 2012.

06/01/2012: Olive oil extract space gains another player
Spanish firm Probeltebio has joined a growing list of players in the olive oil extract space that has been hot ever since olive extract polyphenols won a rare botanical antioxidant health claim from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

06/01/2012: Healthy oil components may fight pancreatitis
Fatty acids and phytochemicals found in fish oil and olive oil have been shown to block cellular mechanisms involved in the development of acute pancreatitis, say researchers. Read more here, and also in the coming January-February edition of Olivegrower & Processor’s regularHealth Round-up.

06/01/2012: Trans fats and nutrient intake linked to Alzheimer’s brain shrinkage
Consumption of ‘junk food diets’ containing high levels of trans fats may lead to brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s, whilst consumption of foods high in vitamins may offer protection, says new research. Still more reason for consumers – and food manufacturers - to switch to olive oil – Ed.

06/01/2012: What’s the weather like at your place?
The past few weeks have seen the whole gamut of weather conditions experienced across Australia, from heat waves to heavy rains, floods and even cyclones. No doubt the effects are being felt in olive groves, and we’d love to know how yours has fared. Have you lost blossoms or young fruit to strong winds? Is your grove under water? Or parched from days of scorching heat? Send Olivegrower & Processor editor Gerri Nelligan an email with details of what’s been happening in your area, and she’ll compile a snapshot of how things are looking across the country. And New Zealand growers, we’d love reports from you too. Send your details to wordsync@bigpond.com.

23/12/2011: Organic education
Advance TAFE in Victoria are offering a Diploma of Agriculture Specialising in Organics. The Diploma is offered part-time at the Farmtec campus, Sale, Eastern Victoria, or off-campus via flexible delivery. There are four intakes per year and the teacher is Alan Broughton. For more information contact Advance TAFE on 03 5142 2541 or view details at the Advance TAFE website.

23/12/2011: Dock them
Monitoring imports of olive oil by Customs to ensure they comply with trade standards (whichever is enacted) makes good sense. The testing can be undertaken on every batch by an Australian independent internationally accredited laboratory – and paid for by the importer as part of the clearance process – according to online industry comment on olivebusiness.com.

23/12/2011: Manual on managing climate change and soil carbon
The OFA has produced a manual on managing climate change in organic systems. It outlines the proven practices for increasing soil carbon, as well as management methods for improving water and energy use efficiency on farms to increase adaptability, reliability, crop yields and reduce expenses. The online version of the book, Improving the Capacity of Organic Producers to Manage Climate Change, is available from the OFA website.

23/12/2011: Oil China 2012
Registrations are now open for the 2012 8th China International Exhibition of Olive Oil & Edible Oil (Oil China 2012), being held in Beijing from 23-25 April 2012. Oil China 2011 attracted 100 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, showcasing more than 200 brands of medium-to-high-end edible oils (including olive oil) to 7000 trade visitors from 30 countries. The China International Olive Oil Competition is also held during the exhibition. Olive oil consumption continues to grow dramatically in China, presenting positive export marketing opportunities for Australian and New Zealand producers. More information email info@eoliveoil.com

23/12/2011: Olives NZ Conference 2012 - Let's Get it On!
Olives New Zealand has recently announced details of its Conference 2012 – Let’s Get it On! The event will be held at the Five Star Sudima Airport Hotel, Auckland on Saturday, 24 March, with an ’Olives to Oil’ Processor Course the following day. Detailed conference program information and registration forms at: http://www.olivesnz.org.nz/uncategorized/conference-2012-lets-get-it-on-2/ Registrations close on 31 January 2012.

23/12/2011: Table olives discussion paper
The National Table Olives Committee’s discussion paper is available for comment and feedback, with input providing the basis for the development of draft Australian Standards for Table Olives during 2012. All olive industry participants are invited to make comment on the issues raised in this discussion paper, which can be downloaded at http://www.olivessouthaustralia.com.au/index.php/home/1-general-info/35-discussion-paper-on-table-olives or from the AOA website. Please forward comments before the end of January 2012 to Peter McFarlane, by post to 33 Phillips St, SOMERTON PARK SA 5044; by fax on 08 8376 7048 or via email to peter@mc.com.au.

23/12/2011: Health tops Leatherhead 2012 food trends
Renewed interest in health and wellness leads the top 10 trends set to dominate the UK food and drink sector in 2012, according to Leatherhead Food Research.

23/12/2011: VN Dalmia offers an olive oil reality check
While debate swirls around how to ensure the quality of extra virgin olive oil in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, consumers in India are getting an entirely different message. In a new campaign rolled out by the country’s largest olive oil marketer, it’s the lowest edible grade - one that can’t even legally be called ‘olive oil’ in most places - that Indians should turn to for a healthier diet. Introducing the only major campaign in the world to promote olive pomace oil.

23/12/2011: Organic: “If it’s not certified, take it back”
Some consumers remain unaware of the importance to look for a trusted organic logo on organic products to guarantee they are getting what they are paying for, warns Dr Andrew Monk, director of the Biological Farmers of Australia. He warns that brands which choose to use an ‘organic’ claim without respecting recognised Australian standards, could face ACCC prosecution.

23/12/2011: OliveMark updated
The ONZ OliveMark has been reviewed and some important changes are being made. The red sticker has been redesigned so that Olives New Zealand features more clearly. ONZ was considered not previously recognisable, and the change reinforces that it is a standard set by the national body. Sticker sales funds surplus to costs will also now go into a separate fund which, when sufficient, will be used for marketing – another great reason for growers and producers to support and utilize the OliveMark. In the meantime, ONZ members are invited to share their ideas on promoting the OliveMark by directing them to David Walshaw at david@kapitiolives.com.

23/12/2011: Olive grove census
Olives New Zealand is undertaking a survey of all growers in order to gain a better understanding of the size and nature of the industry. This in turn will provide information on actions needed in providing leadership, education, resources and industry advocacy for members. It will also allow ONZ to achieve greater credibility with government and other organisations in representing the interests of growers and other industry participants. Information on individual businesses will not be revealed; summary data will be produced by the executive officer. The survey form will be e-mailed out this week: please print, update and complete details, and return via post or scan and e-mail. Full co-operation in the survey process will make the project a success, so let’s hope all growers get behind it.

23/12/2011: International Olive Council seeks greater ‘transparency’
The need for more transparency in the olive oil market and for uniformity on olive oil tariff codes were among key issues discussed at the 99th session of the International Olive Council’s Council of Members, held at the IOC’s Madrid headquarters from November 21-25. IOC Executive Director Jean-Louis Barjol said that actions in response to these issues would include a new data base of historical prices and a joint project with the World Customs Organization on the harmonization of tariff codes. As it stands, the WCO classifications vary from the IOC ones and do not differentiate between virgin extra and virgin olive oil. Are we perhaps starting to see the global industry marching to the same drum – Ed?

23/12/2011: Clinical trial design in the new EU health claims regime
How to demonstrate health benefits among healthy human beings? That is the challenge new European Union health claim laws have set contract research organisations (CROs) and others involved in trial design. A tough challenge yes, but not an insurmountable one, say two of Europe’s leading experts in the area.

23/12/2011: Oxygen-sensitive sensor can challenge MAP - inventor
An oxygen-sensitive colour change sensor used to determine the shelf-life of packaged food could challenge industry food quality and safety practices, says its UK-based inventor. Sounds like a great progression in food safety for the table olive and olive product producers – Ed.

23/12/2011: Researchers make biodegradable plastic bottles from olive skins
Soon you may be able to buy olive oil in bioplastic bottles made from a compound found in olive skins, thanks to the work of a Spanish researcher. Jesús Zorrilla has found a way to extract PHAs (poly-hydroxy-alcanoates) from the residues of olive skins, which in turn can be used to make plastic containers that are non-toxic and 100 percent biodegradable.

14/10/2011: ONZ Conference 2012
Olives New Zealand is also planning to hold a pre-harvest conference in March 2012. Proposed content will include an oil blending workshop, table olives workshop, pre-harvest and processing considerations, and a final report by Marie Wong and Allan Woolf on the Maturity Research Project. The workshops will provide a valuable opportunity to pick up handy tips just prior to harvest, when they will be of most use, so keep this upcoming event in mind when planning next year’s calendar. We’ll bring you updates in Friday Olive Extracts as event plans progress.

14/10/2011: OFA chair elected as President of IFOAM
The Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia, Andre Leu, has been elected as the President of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). IFOAM is the world umbrella organisation that currently unites 750 member organisations in 116 countries, and the only organisation that advocates for organic agriculture at the international level. Leu was elected at the General Assembly in Korea during the 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress, attended by representatives from 100 countries.

International Trends

Olive Oil News

14/10/2011: Olive Council deputy director urges producers to improve quality
Spain’s olive oil producers need to adapt production to reflect the reality of worldwide demand – or face further losses, warns International Olive Oil Council deputy director Ammir Assabah. “The situation is not easy, unfortunately not just for Spain but for many other countries too,” Assabah told reporters. “Many countries have stocks and find themselves in a difficult situation. The important thing is to create value-added, particularly to improve product quality, to gain market positioning and to make adjustments so that supply matches demand. These are measures countries can take in the light of the data released by the IOC.”

14/10/2011: But … heart benefits of phenolic compounds not physiologically relevant, says study
Research has called into question the role of plant polyphenols in cardiovascular health, by finding that their supposed anti-platelet activities are only relevant at high, and physiologically unattainable, concentrations. Writing in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, researchers from the UK reported that only high concentrations – more than 50mmol/litre – in blood had anti-platelet effects in vitro and that, because such concentrations are unlikely to be attained in circulation, “It is doubtful whether consumption of dietary phenolics in nutritionally attainable amounts plays a major role in the inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation in humans”.

14/10/2011: Frutarom USA to launch olive leaf extract for booming heart health market
The heart health market is set for a new entrant as Frutarom USA announces the launch of an olive leaf extract with reported blood pressure benefits. The ingredient is described as water-soluble for use in still or carbonated beverages, and is also stable in film-coated tablets, and is backed up by data in the scientific literature. Sales of US heart health ingredients (wholesale) topped $563m in 2008 and are predicted to exceed $1bn by 2012, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 20%.

14/10/2011: Commission moves to help olive oil industry
As demand for olive oil falls and prices follow suit, the European Commission is intervening to ensure beleaguered producers tender for aid so they can store their surplus. Brussels announced recently that it will provide private storage aid enabling up to 100,000 tonnes of Spanish virgin olive oil to be stored for six months.

14/10/2011: Academics slam ‘medicine-based’ EU claims system
A group of 13 academics has slammed the EU nutrition and health claims legislation (NHCR) for its ‘evidence-based medicinal’ approach that rules out what they consider perfectly valid nutritional science. Using examples including antioxidents, they argue that the medicinal approach is failing to acknowledge statistically significant nutritional science and that ‘There is a need to translate the impact of nutrition on health and wellness into a framework of biomarkers and physiologic responses sufficient to quantify and substantiate these relations for the maintenance of a beneficial body function.”

14/10/2011: Matapiro Olives cleans up at Royal Easter Show
Hawke’s Bay producer Matapiro Olives has taken the coveted title of Supreme Champion and the Logan Campbell Trophy at this year’s Royal Easter Show Olive Oil Awards. In a clean sweep, Matapiro also took top awards in all three major oil classes: Delicate, Medium and Intense. We’ll bring you further results and more about their win in the November-December edition of Olivegrower & Processor.

14/10/2011: Olives New Zealand AGM tomorrow
Olives New Zealand Inc members, don’t forget to the 2011 ONZ Annual General Meeting is being held tomorrow, October 15 from 10am -11.30am at Tatum Park, 820-850 State Highway 1 Manakau (between Otaki and Levin). The agenda will include the election of officers and a review of the constitution. Further information http://www.olivesnz.org.nz/agm/notice-of-agm/ . The day will also encompass a field walk at last year’s Best of Show EVOO award winner's grove, Kapiti Olives, followed by the ONZ Awards Dinner. The event is open to all olive growers, and the cost is $65 for the lunch and field walk, and $80 for the dinner. Last minute registrations and enquiries to admin@olivesnz.org.nz

14/10/2011: Online Organic Agriculture Diploma
The Australian Agriculture College Corporation (AACC) is seeking feedback from individuals interested in potentially completing an online Organic Agriculture Diploma. As this is the first course of its kind being developed, ACCC welcomes all feedback and/or suggestions from potential participants in order to tailor the course to individuals’ needs. A brief five minute survey is available here: www.surveymonkey.com/s/D8X3SQW and for further information contact education@bfa.com.au.

14/10/2011: Electrostatic spray demonstration
And don’t forget also the two night-time demonstrations of new-model electrostatic sprayers in action, presented by The Olive Centre and Martignani, where a glow-in-the-dark spray medium will be applied to trees. The demonstrations will be held on 24 October at Sam Miranda Vineyards, Snow Road, Oxley, VIC (vineyard demo) and 26 October at EV Olives, 203 Everton Road, Markwood VIC 3678 (olive demo), commencing at 5.30pm, with a BBQ provided on both nights. To register ph: 07 4696 9845, 0403 498 645 or email amanda@theolivecentre.com.au

14/10/2011: Just two weeks until the 2011 National Olive Conference & Trade Exhibition
Have you booked your place at the 2011 National Olive Conference and Trade Exhibition? There’s still time, and the Wangaratta community are gearing up for a warm country welcome for their olive industry visitors! You’ll find all the details, including speaker profiles and exhibitor details, site plan, conference schedule and registration form, in the official program, proudly provided by Olivegrower & Processor and the AOA inside the new September-October edition. Don’t miss out – register now for this important industry event.

14/10/2011: Placements sought for French agricultural trainees
French organisation Odyssée Agri is looking for work experience placement positions on agricultural properties in Australia and New Zealand. The young French farmers come from farming backgrounds and are skilled and experienced in agriculture. Applicants are available throughout the year and most stay for several months. They have their own insurance and international drivers licences, and many have experience driving tractors, harvesters and other farm machinery. For more information, or to organise a placement, go to www.odyssee-agri.com (click on the British flag for English pages) or contact Odyssée Agri at info@odyssee-agri.com.

14/10/2011: September-October Olivegrower out now!
The latest edition of Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor hit letterboxes this week, bringing readers the latest in olive industry news and information. Along with updates on the new Australian Standard and the Olive Levy Proposal, there’s more local and international news, information on plant sanitation and resistant cultivars, an explanation of current lab tests and what they mean, and a practical guide to DIY grafting. The edition also includes the official 2011 AOA National Olive Conference & Exhibition program, proudly presented by Olivegrower and the AOA. Don’t miss out!

14/10/2011: In Olive Council Memorandum, “unease” over Australian Standards
Back in January when Australia and New Zealand proposed new olive oil standards that departed from those established by the International Olive Council, the IOC issued a statement calling the measure a possible “barrier to trade” while recommending a reconsideration of the move. The statement, titled “IOC Comments on the Draft Australian/New Zealand Standard Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils,” laid out about 20 “discrepancies” that included definitions, olive oil categories and testing methods in the proposed guidelines that differed with, or did not exist in the IOC standards. “It would be expedient,” the IOC said, “for the Australian/New Zealand draft standard to be re-examined.”

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