Good record keeping the key to accurate levies and returns
By Laura Thomas
Australia is home to an estimated 10 million olive trees, located within 450 commercial groves across 33,000 hectares.
An estimated 85,000 tonnes of fruit was produced in 2024.
A portion of this volume was subject to the Federal Government’s Olive Levy, payable by olive producers to help support the Australian olive industry.
Levy funds are used to support a wide range of research and development initiatives and projects for the benefit of the sector and growers alike, through Hort Innovation and Plant Health Australia.
And as harvest and processing continues across Australia’s olive-growing regions, producers are being reminded of the importance of good record-keeping to ensure accurate olive levies and processor returns.
How does the levy work?
Olive producers are liable for payment of the Olives Levy, which is calculated at a rate of $3.10 per tonne.
Olive producers who process their own olives are exempt from paying the first $100 worth of levies accrued from 1 October to 30 September annually, a period known as the levy year.
This $100 exemption threshold equates to about 32.25 tonnes of olives.
A producer claiming an exemption will need to keep records to show how they qualify for the exemption.
For those not processing their own olives, the Olives Levy will be paid by the processor, with the total paid clearly outlined on the processing invoice.
To ensure accurate levy returns, producers must keep accurate records throughout harvest and beyond.
What records do I need to keep?
As an olive producer, you must keep five levy years-worth of records showing the:
- Quantity of leviable olives sold or used by the producer
- Amount of levy payable for the olives, and
- Amounts of levy paid by the producer for the olives.
How do I lodge my Olives Levy return?
For full levy details or to lodge your return online, visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Olive levy information is also available on the AOA website.
Visit the AOA website for all things olives!
As the national peak industry body representing Australian olive growers, the Australian Olive Association is your go-to for all things olives!
A wealth of information is available on the brand new Australian Olive Association website, while AOA members can also refer to the resources available from the Members Lounge.
Not a member? Find out more about the benefits of joining the industry’s national representative body at https://australianolives.com.au/member-benefits/
Sources: www.horticulture.com.au/growers/olive-fund/ , Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2023-24, www.australianolives.com.au/, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry