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Experts who advise the International Olive Council on the chemical analysis of olive oil met in its Madrid headquarters last week to discuss issues including the results of recent trials of testing methods. Asked for details of the agenda and who would attend, an IOC spokeswoman said the meeting was strictly reserved for experts designated by IOC member countries. About 40 were expected to attend and no observers were permitted. The results of ongoing collaborative trials organized by the IOC – to check the reliability of, and to validate, tests – were discussed and the group reviewed new and existing methods of analysis designed to improve the quality and authenticity of olive oils and olive pomace oils.
The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and Pakistan Italian Debt-for-Development Swap Agreement (PIDSA) have signed an agreement for execution of the project Promotion of olive cultivation for economic development and poverty alleviation, costing Rs382 million. The project aims to increase the local production of edible oil in order to reduce the imports and save foreign exchange. Olive plantation will generate direct and indirect job opportunities contributing to poverty alleviation, making use of waste, marginal and forestlands and sub-mountainous areas.
The olive oil industry is “on its knees” as high production volumes are squeezing commodity prices to record lows. Olive oil has been an anomaly in the edible oils sector over the past two years. At a time when the price of other oils has soared – driven in part by the rising price of crude oil – olive oil prices have nosedived. According to suppliers, Spanish olive oil is currently going for about €2.20/kg, while Italian olive oil is on the market for about €2.50/kg.
And in case we needed more argument for conversion to olive oil consumption…
Older women whose diets include a substantial amount of trans-fats are more likely than their counterparts to suffer an ischemic stroke, a new study suggests.
Olive growers could be in for some good news – prices may increase above cost of production this season. The last few years have been tough for producers, with a…
The Indian domestic olive oil segment is growing by about 50% per annum and the growth rate is expected to increase further. The main reasons for its growth are health awareness and acceptance of olive oil as a cooking medium among people. India’s olive oil space, which was estimated at 2,800 tonnes in 2010, grew to 4,000 tonnes in 2011 and in 2012 is pegged to touch 6,000 tonnes — valued at roughly Rs 350 crore. This includes both massage and edible olive oil segments.
So if you’re thinking about exporting … Ed
South Australian olive industry identity Peter Maroudas died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, February 21, aged 76. Peter and his wife Niki owned the Maroudas Organic Olive Oil Brand and processed for many growers at their Thebarton facility using the state’s first centrifugal press. Passionate and vocal about the industry, Peter will be remembered for his contribution to the development of organic olive growing in Australia, and as an inaugural member of the Olives SA committee. Peter’s commitment to the industry will be sadly missed by all who knew him, who will no doubt join us in extending our sympathies to his family. Peter’s funeral was held on Monday, February 27.
Site bookings are now open for the Olives South Australia industry field day, being held on Thursday, 22 March 2012 at the Penfield Gardens premises of the Bovalina Olive Oil Group. The program will run from 9am-4pm, featuring specialist guest speakers on various topics, along with harvesting and in-grove equipment and product demonstrations and displays. The event is open to all olive growers, producers and interested parties and entry is free. Exhibitor bookings close on 9 March and spaces are limited – enquiries and registrations to George Atsalis on 08 8351 8611 or [email protected].
Registration is also now open for the AOA’s two-day Olive Oil Processing Workshop, being held at the same location on 20-21 March, prior to the field day. Olive oil production expert Pablo Canamasas will run the hands-on workshop and sharing his skills on production techniques and oil quality. For registration forms or more information contact Leana Head on 08 8573 6545 or [email protected].
New Rural Industries Australia (NRIA) is holding its 2012 national conference on 19-20 April at the Mercure Hotel and Conference Centre, Ballarat, Victoria. Entitled Rural enterprise, innovation and change, the two-day conference will feature keynote speakers, forums, workshops, gala dinner and a fashion show. Delegate, exhibitor and sponsorship registration is now open through the NRIA website www.nria.org.au/conference, with early bird discounts available.