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Pompeian, Inc., with headquarters in Baltimore, MD, is the first olive oil manufacturer to attain the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service Quality Monitoring Product logo for its extra virgin and extra virgin organic olive oils. The Quality Monitoring Program verifies the purity and quality of olive oil through rigorous USDA product testing and review of production processes, and participating companies agree to allow the USDA to conduct unannounced visits to review and inspect quality assurance records, test product samples and verify labels on an ongoing basis.
Read MoreOfficials in China have arrested more than 100 people in a crackdown on a new type of ‘gutter oil’ made using animal processing waste including rotten animal fat.
We can be grateful our oil fraud issues aren’t this bad, at least – Ed.
Read MoreThey have seen generations pass, the world change, and survived droughts and cold spells for a thousand years. Yet, just as they did in the Middle Ages, Spain‘s millennium-old olive trees continue giving humans their green gold – a highly prized olive oil variety, which is now becoming popular as far away as Asia and the Americas. Spain is rediscovering its ancient olive trees, which had been endangered by the advance of urbanization and a search for more productive olive tree varieties. The country‘s largest concentration of the ancient trees can be found in the north-eastern community of Taula del Senia – a grouping of 27 municipalities – where they number more than 4,600 in an area of 1,100 square kilometres.
Read MoreA new olive oil lobby group is urgently preparing a position paper to protect its members from threatended subsidy cuts by the European Commission. At its meeting in Barcelona on last Tuesday, the Forum of European Olive Regions agreed to complete the so-called white paper before the end of June in order to “defend itself in Brussels” as negotiations heat up over the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) structure and budget for 2014-2020. Among changes proposed by the EC is paying all olive farmers a flat rate per hectare rather than paying some according to production history – a change which would see France and Spain lose the most.
Read MoreThe AGOA (Australian Golden Olive Awards), run by the Olive Producers (NE Vic), will be held for the 13th time this year. The Invitation to Participate must be returned by Friday, 21 July. Standard bottles and/or jars, code labels and entry forms will then be returned by the Steward and must be returned with payment by 9 August. The celebration dinner and award presentation will be held on 15 September, 2012. Organisers say this is a prestigeous award and the best value for money, with testing results provided free. Download the Invitation to Participate here
Read MoreChanges in varieties grown in Australian and New Zealand olive groves mark one of the most interesting movements within the industry over the past 12 months. Statistics gathered for the 2012 Australian and New Zealand Olive Industry Directory show significant decreases in four of the major varietals grown in Australia, and an upward swing in popularity for the Kalamata variety among New Zealand growers. The latter no doubt reflects the strong growth in table olive production experienced over the previous five years, a trend which the figures show has steadied in among New Zealand producers over the past year.
You’ll find this and all the industry information you need to know in the newly-released 2012 edition of the Olive Industry Directory. This vital annual reference book for the olive industry also includes: updated olivegrower and processor listings, supplier listings, Buyers’ Guide – one-stop supply shop, organisations, calendar of 2012 events, 2011 statistics and 2011 industry overview. To order call +618 8369 9555, email [email protected] or visit www.olivegrower.com.au.
Read MoreOlives NZ has commenced compiling data collected through its recent Grove Census, based on more than 115 responses representing over 155 groves. Responses are still welcomed – particularly from the Auckland, Waiheke Island and Marlborough regions, which are currently under-represented – so if you haven’t done so, please complete and forward your form at the earliest convenience. All grower participation is most appreciated, contributing to this very important industry project. Send your completed form to, or request a form from, EO Gayle Sheridan at: [email protected].
Read MoreA recent study under the title Greece 10 years ahead aspires to set the foundations for the economic recovery of the teetering country. The study, produced by McKinsey management consulting firm in Athens, proposes a ‘National Growth Model’ that prioritizes what has to be done and in which sectors of the economy. Tourism and energy are considered key sectors. Equally, agriculture is not a small cog in a large wheel but rather a big player that will yield substantial income and create job positions. When the term ‘agriculture’ is used in Greece, one thing certainly comes in mind: olives and olive oil.
Read MoreAn Olive Field Day is being held on Friday, 4 May at Murrindindi Olive Grove, Yea. Presented by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Murrindindi Olive Grove and Kingsford Machinery Sales & Service, the event is supported by AOA Victoria and will feature exhibitors and guest speakers on a range of relevant topics. The Murrindindi Olive Grove processing facility will be in full operation and accessible for viewing throughout the day. For more information contact Umberto Frattali on 0418 333 586 or [email protected], or Tom Tigani on 0429 377 886.
Read MoreThe Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Adelaide is organising an Olive Study Tour of Italy and Spain for late 2012. Departing on November 4, the tour will encompass marketing, table olives, bottling and buyers. For more information call the Chamber on (08) 8232 4022 or email [email protected].
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