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By Laura Thomas Card surcharges will be banned and payment fees reduced later this year, as part of changes expected to simplify card payments for businesses and consumers. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) introduced reforms this week that will put an end to surcharges on debit, prepaid and credit cards on card networks including eftpos,…
By Laura Thomas Australian olive oil exports will soon enter the European Union duty-free, under a landmark trade agreement reached this week. The new Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement – under negotiation since 2018 – is set to “open doors into the EU for premium, sustainable Australian agricultural products”, according to Federal Government information released…
Olive industry members are being urged to report dodgy conduct within Australia’s water-handling market, as new compliance monitoring efforts begin. The country’s water markets have grown significantly in recent decades as users – such as agricultural irrigators – buy and sell water rights. A growing population and ongoing climate volatility are intensifying pressure on the…
By Laura Thomas Australian olive growers are being urged to plan ahead this harvest, as soaring farm production costs continue to hit the bottom line. Farmers across the country are facing production challenges, driven by an ever-changing climate and ballooning input costs. Climatic factors including drought, flood and extreme heat are impacting agriculture and food…
Whether you’re looking to start a grove from scratch or want to refresh your knowledge on olive growing, attending the AOA’s Back to Basics Field Day is a must for your ‘to-do’ list. Providing key information for both new and existing growers, the comprehensive program starts with an overview of the industry and olive products,…
Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about best-practice olive oil processing … and much, much more. That’s the program for the AOA’s annual Olive Oil Processing Workshop, being held this year in South Australia’s Riverland region. Presented by renowned international olive oil consultant and EVOO judge Pablo Canamasas, the comprehensive two-day course covers every aspect…
In the February edition we shared details of the new opportunity around tax offsets for some levy-funded projects, following Hort Innovation’s registration as a Research Service Provider for that financial year. In practical terms, this means that eligible olive businesses can claim a percentage of their olive levy payment made during the 2024-25 financial year…
The recording of the recent AOA webinar Pressing Ahead: Clean Energy Strategies for Australia’s Olive Producers is now available on the industry website, providing 24/7 access to the latest information on clean energy solutions for regional businesses. Presented by Smart Commercial Energy experts Lauren Hamilton, Head of Marketing & Partnerships, and Kealy Day, Chief Technology…
The 2024/25 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook has been released, revealing the sector’s highest production value to date – $18.4 billion, up 6% on the previous year. Produced annually by Hort innovation, the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook draws on data from supply chain sources including international trade statistics and industry peak bodies to provide national statistics…
By Laura Thomas It’s no secret Australian agriculture is booming, as demand for the nation’s world-class food and fibre continues to grow. According to the ABARES March 2026 forecast, Australia’s farm gate production will reach a gross value of $101 billion this financial year, eclipsing national industry targets well ahead of time. But production is…