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For the third time in eight months, the European Commission is to subsidise the temporary withdrawal of olive oil from the market in the hope rock bottom farm gate prices improve. An EC committee voted in favor of private storage aid (PSA) to cover 100,000 tons of virgin and extra virgin olive oil for up to 180 days. The aid will be available in all EU producer countries, namely Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. It is allocated via a tender process and the first offers will be accepted starting on May 31.
Read MoreThink of extra virgin olive oil as wine. Like grapes, different varieties of olives have regional characteristics and bring different flavors to the oil. Not all olives are grown, harvested and pressed equally. Compared with Mediterranean populations, Americans caught on late to extra virgin olive oil, but we are trying to catch up. “In the United States, olive oil consumption is increasing each year and [people are] getting a little more sophisticated,” says Bob Profaci of Glen Rock, who is part of the family business that imports Colavita olive oils to the US.
Read MoreWater shortage due to climate change could make parts of one of Catalonia’s top olive oil producing regions – the Siurana DOP – unviable within 20 years, according to researchers. Rising temperatures augur well for optimal development of the olive fruit, but the reduced rainfall and increased irrigation demands in the Siurana river basin will make production much more costly and complicated, they say.
Read MoreA South Australian company has been fined $13,000 for mislabelling its product as extra virgin olive oil, when it wasn’t. The oil was produced by the Big Olive Company, of Tailem Bend, between December 2010 and March 2011. It was sold in 500ml bottles labelled as Oz Olio. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has tested seven extra virgin olive oil labels, including imports, but at this stage has only fined The Big Olive.
Read MoreNominations are now open for the inaugural NSW Organic Pioneers Award, recognising dedicated organic producers, innovators in the organic industry who are passionate about organics. The winner will receive a $6000 professional development travel bursary. The initiative is supported by the NSW Organic Ministerial Advisory Council and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and sponsors include Biological Farmers of Australia, Organic Federation of Australia, National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia and NSW regional food groups. Self-nominations are encouraged; or nominations with approval Applications close 1 June 2012. Entry forms www.organicpioneers.com.au via email to [email protected]
Read MoreNominations are also open for three major awards celebrating innovation in organic and sustainable industries. Organics Tasmania, the state’s organic industry representative body, is celebrating the Year of the Farmer with an Organic Industry Innovation Award. The award aims to give recognition to certified organic businesses, to promote the organic farming, processing and retailing industry and to champion the farming community. Applications close 30 June 2012. More information and nominations to Graeme Stevenson – [email protected] or phone 03 6435 1319.
Read MoreFurther north, applications are open for the 2012 Ivy Inwood Industry Award, sponsored by Safe Food Queensland. This year there are two awards on offer and the criteria has changed.
The Ivy Inwood Industry Award goes to someone with a great idea that will benefit the agricultural industry, is committed to promoting innovative and sustainable approaches to their respective field and is willing to build their network with other industry professionals. The winning recipient will receive $10,000.
The Young Rural Achiever supports students keen to further their careers in the agricultural industry, with the winner receiving financial assistance of $7500. Nominations close 8 June 2012. More information here
Entries are now open for the Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA). Conducted annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, the RMFFA present a unique opportunity for all food producers and manufacturers, from commercial giants to small boutique food growers and specialists, to benchmark their products and use RMFFA medal artwork as a seal of quality. A key event in the Australian culinary calendar, the competition has nine categories including Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Flavoured Oil and Table Olives. Entries close on August 3, with judging on 23-25 August. Download the entry booklet http://www.rasv.com.au/Events/RMFF_Home/RMFF_Entries/RMFF_Publications/ .For further information visit www.rasv.com.au or contact Ross Karavis – (03) 9281 7435; [email protected].
Read MoreTraining organisation Smith & Georg are running a series of Chemical Accreditation courses from May through November 2012. Completion of the course allows the purchase and use of Schedule 7 chemicals. Duration is one day for accreditation and half-day for re-accreditation, with receipt of the Chemical Accreditation Card within two weeks of completion. The course can also be completed online via the Home Study option. For a list of courses and to register, visit www.smithandgeorg.com.au, or call Smith & Georg on (08) 8389 1856.
Read MoreThe olive tree is a symbol of abundance, glory and peace. So it’s appropriate that students at Garden to Table Schools will soon be using a premium New Zealand olive oil to create nutritious vegetable dishes in their kitchen classrooms. The Garden to Table program is a curriculum-integrated initiative that helps children understand what ‘good’ food is and where it comes from. The Village Press olive oil company has come on board as a sponsor for the Garden to Table Trust and will be supplying each school with 20 litres of olive oil every year.
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