Industry support for fire-affected olive growers
By Laura Thomas
Bushfire-affected olive growers are being urged to seek industry support, following a bleak start to the 2026 season.
It’s been a harrowing week for many growers thanks to severe heatwave conditions sweeping the country and in Victoria, devastating bushfires.
A number of olive groves located within the deadly Longwood Bushfire area are believed to have been impacted, with industry groups swiftly rallying to support affected growers and their communities.
According to authorities, 11 fires remain active in Victoria and more than 900 structures – including 260 homes – and 404,000 hectares of land have been claimed by the fires.
“Olive Growers Victoria has been leading from the front, checking in on local olive growers and coordinating on-ground support and offers of assistance for those affected,” Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan said.
As the long, slow road to recovery begins, Mr Southan urged fire-affected growers to tap into the wealth of knowledge available on the AOA website and encouraged those in other parts of Australia to support their Victorian counterparts wherever possible.
“While the immediate threat may have begun to ease, regional communities, farmers and businesses are now left counting heavy losses and they will take a very long time to recover,” he said.
“It’s important our industry bands together to help those in need.”
For Australian olive growers, sound bushfire management – and reliable irrigation – remain top priorities as warm weather conditions continue throughout summer.
“The heat has hit us all with a bang, so having irrigation systems organised and in good order is especially important,” Mr Southan said.
“Bushfire presents a very real threat at this time of year and fire preparedness and risk management is a very important part of a farmer’s overall business planning.
“With plenty more warm weather on the way, we need to be prepared to put that planning into action.”
Bushfire recovery support
Help is now available for people and communities affected by the Victorian bushfires. Visit the website or call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has also opened an Emergency Fodder Support Program. Farmers needing fodder support and those wishing to donate are encouraged to register via the VFF Emergency Fodder Program webpage or call 1300 882 833. Farmers can also request and offer agistment.
Bushfire and recovery: Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor magazine
Bushfire and recovery has been extensively covered in OG&P magazine over the years and it’s all available to view on the AOA website. Check out the articles below:
Olives and bushfire: User-friendly information, including practical peer experience, providing a heads-up on what to do and how to do it should you experience a bushfire in your grove.
Recovery of olive groves after fire: Practical management information on post-fire care of olive groves.
Bushfire recovery, six months on: Observations and advice on grove bushfire recovery and general grove management practices.
Recovery of Australia’s soils following bushfire: A CSIRO report on the impact of fire on soils and options for recovery and mitigation.
Other resources
Bushfires in orchards: a guide to preparedness, response and recovery was published as part of the Hort Frontiers AS19002 project Developing management strategies to enhance the recovery of horticulture from bushfires.
As always, preparation is your best defence against bushfire. Take a look back at our top tips for fire preparedness and make sure your grove is ready this bushfire season.