Olive Oil News

Some consumers remain unaware of the importance to look for a trusted organic logo on organic products to guarantee they are getting what they are paying for, warns Dr Andrew Monk, director of the Biological Farmers of Australia. He warns that brands which choose to use an ‘organic’ claim without respecting recognised Australian standards, could face ACCC prosecution.

The ONZ OliveMark has been reviewed and some important changes are being made. The red sticker has been redesigned so that Olives New Zealand features more clearly. ONZ was considered not previously recognisable, and the change reinforces that it is a standard set by the national body. Sticker sales funds surplus to costs will also now go into a separate fund which, when sufficient, will be used for marketing – another great reason for growers and producers to support and utilize the OliveMark. In the meantime, ONZ members are invited to share their ideas on promoting the OliveMark by directing them to David Walshaw at [email protected].

Consumer perception of fats is undergoing a transformation, opening myriad opportunities for new product development, according to a new trend report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and market research organization Packaged Facts.

The OFA has produced a manual on managing climate change in organic systems. It outlines the proven practices for increasing soil carbon, as well as management methods for improving water and energy use efficiency on farms to increase adaptability, reliability, crop yields and reduce expenses. The online version of the book, Improving the Capacity of Organic Producers to Manage Climate Change, is available from the OFA website.

Monitoring imports of olive oil by Customs to ensure they comply with trade standards (whichever is enacted) makes good sense. The testing can be undertaken on every batch by an Australian independent internationally accredited laboratory – and paid for by the importer as part of the clearance process – according to online industry comment on olivebusiness.com.

Advance TAFE in Victoria are offering a Diploma of Agriculture Specialising in Organics. The Diploma is offered part-time at the Farmtec campus, Sale, Eastern Victoria, or off-campus via flexible delivery. There are four intakes per year and the teacher is Alan Broughton. For more information contact Advance TAFE on 03 5142 2541 or view details at the Advance TAFE website.

Olives New Zealand is undertaking a survey of all growers in order to gain a better understanding of the size and nature of the industry. This in turn will provide information on actions needed in providing leadership, education, resources and industry advocacy for members. It will also allow ONZ to achieve greater credibility with government and other organisations in representing the interests of growers and other industry participants. Information on individual businesses will not be revealed; summary data will be produced by the executive officer. The survey form will be e-mailed out this week: please print, update and complete details, and return via post or scan and e-mail. Full co-operation in the survey process will make the project a success, so let’s hope all growers get behind it.