Olive Oil News

South Australian olive industry identity Peter Maroudas died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, February 21, aged 76. Peter and his wife Niki owned the Maroudas Organic Olive Oil Brand and processed for many growers at their Thebarton facility using the state’s first centrifugal press. Passionate and vocal about the industry, Peter will be remembered for his contribution to the development of organic olive growing in Australia, and as an inaugural member of the Olives SA committee. Peter’s commitment to the industry will be sadly missed by all who knew him, who will no doubt join us in extending our sympathies to his family. Peter’s funeral was held on Monday, February 27.

Site bookings are now open for the Olives South Australia industry field day, being held on Thursday, 22 March 2012 at the Penfield Gardens premises of the Bovalina Olive Oil Group. The program will run from 9am-4pm, featuring specialist guest speakers on various topics, along with harvesting and in-grove equipment and product demonstrations and displays. The event is open to all olive growers, producers and interested parties and entry is free. Exhibitor bookings close on 9 March and spaces are limited – enquiries and registrations to George Atsalis on 08 8351 8611 or [email protected].

Registration is also now open for the AOA’s two-day Olive Oil Processing Workshop, being held at the same location on 20-21 March, prior to the field day. Olive oil production expert Pablo Canamasas will run the hands-on workshop and sharing his skills on production techniques and oil quality. For registration forms or more information contact Leana Head on 08 8573 6545 or [email protected].

New Rural Industries Australia (NRIA) is holding its 2012 national conference on 19-20 April at the Mercure Hotel and Conference Centre, Ballarat, Victoria. Entitled Rural enterprise, innovation and change, the two-day conference will feature keynote speakers, forums, workshops, gala dinner and a fashion show. Delegate, exhibitor and sponsorship registration is now open through the NRIA website www.nria.org.au/conference, with early bird discounts available.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aiming to publish a proposed rule to reform the Nutrition Facts panel and related rules by the end of this year, somewhat later than originally expected.
This ruling, which had been expected in 2011, will no doubt affect labels on imported products, so it’s an important planning consideration for anyone involved in exporting to the US – Ed.

Places are now open for the Olives WA’s EVOO sensory training workshops on 24-25 March. Run by Richard Gawel, the workshops will cover the fundamentals of EVOO, and the effects of olive growing and processing methods on character and style. The courses will be presented in layman’s terms, and help participants to understand the key practical chemical indices of extra virgin olive oil – what they mean in terms of style, quality, shelf life and use. Level 1 – Saturday, 24 March; Level 2 – Sunday, 25 March 2012, with both open to members and other interested participants. For more information contact Pauline North on [email protected] or phone WAOC on (08) 9381 7162.

Order the ebook Evaluating Australian Table Olives for only $4.99 inc GST (normal retail $19.95). Published by Olive Skills & Olive Care Australia, this is a great guide for table olive producers and those looking to transition from oil to olive production. Limited stocks – no rainchecks. Phone (08) 8369 9555 to order. Offer available strictly until 24 February only.

The Executive of Olives New Zealand (ONZ) has conducted a comprehensive review of its Certification program, with the outcome recommendating that Olives New Zealand moves to using the Australian Department of Primary Industries for future certification from and including 2012. The cost to the grower would be maintained at the current cost and the system would continue to be administered by ONZ’s Executive Officer. Members are invited to comment on the proposal. The full paper is available on the ONZ website https://www.olivesnz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Certification-Future-Direction.pdf. All feedback or questions are welcome: please address these to the Executive Officer, [email protected] by the end of February.