The long road to olive production – Victorian co-op prepares to launch

Image: Olive harvest in action. (Ceilidh Meo)

It’s no secret the olive growing and production process is as meticulous as it is rewarding.

The process – right through from harvesting to pressing and packaging – is detailed and time consuming.

Unfortunately for many small-scale producers, the upfront investment in equipment and significant ongoing input costs required can also make it economically unviable.

Thankfully, the establishment of co-operative business operations have provided the opportunity for small olive producing enterprises to thrive.

Through pooled resources, business support and a sense of community, many small-scale producers have been able to get their oil and olive products to market and turn a profit.

This is the driving principle of the dedicated team behind Victoria’s Long Road Olive Co-op. (Read on below to find out where they are at and how local producers can get involved).

The olive co-op concept has been explored by the Australian Olive Association in recent years, due to its potential to increase opportunity for small producers and boost supplies of quality Australian EVOO.

Click the link for more information and to view the AOA’s olive co-operative webinar and additional resources.

The Long Road Olive Co-op – Victoria

In central Victoria, the Long Road Olive Co-op is preparing to launch, bringing together growers from across the region.

Its dedicated steering committee has been working together since 2023, with a goal of building productivity and profitability for small, local producers.

The “Long Road Olive Co-op” name reflects the journey to establishment, as well as the location of small-scale growers – hiding in urban backyard pockets and or down country dirt roads.

It brings together growers with between 1 and 3,000 trees under management for collective processing and marketing of olive related products, discounted bulk purchasing of equipment and growing inputs. Grower education and social events are also on the agenda.

With assistance from the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals’ Bunya Fund grant, Ceilidh Meo and her husband Charles have transformed their olive processing business into a “co-operative for the greater good”.

“We champion the concept of ‘a single sale supports many’ from the customers’ perspective, helping them to spread the impact of their consumer dollars further to support food security,” Ms Meo said.

“Having worked with both urban and rural growers over their time in the industry and seen many small groves change hands, we knew the time was right for a co-operative business venture to reinvigorate the small-scale olive grower sector.”

The Long Road Olive Co-op is now seeking expressions of interest from potential members and sharing an invitation to its official launch in Bendigo later this month.

The launch will take the form of an art exhibition to be held at Dudley House, from 18-29 September.

“The exhibition works explore the theme of ‘Ancient Roots in the New World: Olives as Food for the Body and Soul’,” Ms Meo said.

For more information about the co-op launch and exhibition, or to enquire about becoming involved, visit www.ancientroots.art

More information:

More information on the concept of olive co-operatives can be found within the AOA’s webinar archive.

Looking for more? AOA membership unlocks a further wealth of exclusive information and resources.

It definitely pays to be a member of the nation’s peak industry body representing Australian olive growers. Click here to find out more.