Olive industry applauds decision to continue oil testing service

Olive oil testing will remain available via NSW DPIRD’s commercial edible oil and oilseed laboratory for the foreseeable future, in a change of heart being applauded industry-wide.

Recently, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advised its Wagga Wagga testing facility would cease operations by the end of 2025.

The lab is home to its commercial edible oil and oilseed testing facility, a service relied on heavily by producers of quality Australian olive oil.

The testing service has played a crucial role in supporting and enhancing Australia’s olive industry standards, consumer confidence and global reputation for quality, by providing accessible, affordable and reliable oil analysis for producers.

News of the shock closure came as a blow to the Australian olive and wider oilseed industries, with leaders urging decision-makers to reconsider.

And in an eleventh-hour reprieve last week, official word was received the service would continue, with samples accepted for analysis for the foreseeable future.

The decision is a big win for quality, according to Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan.

He met with DPIRD representatives on Monday to talk about the lab’s importance to the Australian olive industry and said the information was well-received and a follow-up meeting would be held before the end of the year.

“Our industry is underpinned by the highest of industry standards, backed by science,” Mr Southan said.

“Olive oil testing is fundamental to quality assurance, consumer confidence and maintaining our reputation for quality.”

He said the Australian Olive Association had been a big supporter of the development of olive oil testing technology and its roll-out to producers, over the last 20 years.

“Lab analysis provides accurate information about an oil’s quality and shelf life, allowing producers to manage their sales planning, storage and delivery of a higher quality and more consistent product,” Mr Southan said.

“Testing services available through NSW DPIRD and Modern Olives play such an important role in helping uphold the standard of Australian olive products and the global reputation of our industry.”