2026 VIC AOA Grafting and Think Tank Workshop

Grafting session

How to and how not to graft olive trees.

John Symington will lead a discussion on grafting, presenting results from different techniques, followed by a comparative look at trees grafted in the past versus standard trees planted at the same time.

Think Tank session

Peer-to-peer, problem-solving workshop packed with practical business information.

The best insights often come from fellow growers who have already navigated the exact challenges you are facing. Designed for both seasoned olive growers and newcomers, this workshop turns shared industry challenges into immediate, practical solutions.

Location: Oasis Olives, 431 McKernan Rd, Kialla East, VIC

Date: Sunday 18 October, 9:30am – 5:00pm.

Cost: $55 inc GST for members & levy payers / $66 inc GST for general entry.

Scroll down to register.

Registrations close 9 October.

Event support & catering generously provided by Olive Growers Victoria, with special thanks to Oasis Olives for hosting us at their grove.

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Program

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Registration, tea/coffee

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Grafting session

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Interactive Think Tank

• State of the Industry & Future Mapping: We will kick off with a brief overview from AOA CEO Michael Southan on the current industry landscape, using the future of traditional and alternative fuels as a case study for how we can collectively identify looming problems and build proactive solutions. The overview will also include a short introduction to your state AOA Director.
• Topics for discussion:
  • Bottling, Labelling, and Quality: Best Before Dates (BBD), bottling on demand, and insights drawn from the latest quality testing program results.
  • Olive Levy Roadmap & SIAP: Your opportunity to voice grower needs and pitch direct suggestions for upcoming R&D projects.
  • The Annual Olive Harvest Survey (Benchmarking): Why a simple 10-minute post-harvest survey matters, and the benefit for your business.
  • Additional state-level issues identified in the grower survey (see below)
  • Open Floor Discussion: Raise your specific grower issues and brainstorm collective solutions with the room.
• Sponsor Presentations: The program will also feature valuable sponsor presentations showcasing the latest tools and innovations designed to maximize your grove’s efficiency.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Networking Hour (drinks and nibbles)

Unwind during our dedicated networking hour.

AIOA Winner Photo Opportunity!

Since we won’t be hosting our traditional Australian International Olive Awards (AIOA) dinner this year, we are bringing the celebration to the Think Tanks! If you win a 2026 medal or trophy, bring your award along with you for an official AIOA presentation photo with CEO Michael Southan and the AIOA banner. This is a fantastic chance to secure high-quality promotional images for your website, social media, and local press while celebrating your hard work alongside your industry peers.

Shape Your Local Think Tank: Pre-Event Grower Survey

Your voice drives the agenda.

As highlighted in our interactive schedule, a core focus of the afternoon will be tackling the specific state-level challenges and agronomic barriers impacting your groves right now. Rather than generic talking points, we want to address the real-world environmental, operational, and pest pressures unique to your region.

Please take 5 minutes to complete this pre-event 5 question survey and help guide our open floor discussions.

Click Here to Take the 2026 Grower Survey(opens in new tab)

PLATINUM SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

R&D EVENT SPONSOR

The Think Tank events are part of the Olive levy project Australian olive industry communications and extension program (OL22000), funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation olive research and development levy, co-investment from the Australian Olive Association and contributions from the Australian Government.