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Implementing better growing and manufacturing processes along with increasing the use of modern analytical techniques and greater international regulation would ‘undoubtedly’ reduce the issues surrounding the quality of herbal extracts, say researchers.
Sweden may follow countries such as Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Austria, and implement legislation to limit the use of trans fats in foods, according to local media.
Let’s hope the movement continues across the globe, and reflects in increased sales of healthful olive oil to replace all the banned trans fats – Ed.
When Nepal’s first olive farm opened to produce extra-virgin oil from trees planted on the slopes of the Himalayas, the sceptics said it couldn’t be done. But 17 years later Himalaya Plantations – the country’s only producer – expects to turn its first profit, marking an unlikely success the company hopes may one day help boost agriculture in one of the world’s poorest nations. “All the experts told us we were mad, that it would never work because we didn’t have the Mediterranean conditions,” said Hartmut Bauder, the company’s German founder.
American olive oil producers are drafting a federal marketing order that would set higher quality standards, redefine grades and require new testing of all olive oil produced there. If they can get the order adopted by the USDA, industry sources say, domestic producers will push for the rules to apply to imports too. The effort is the latest in a series of initiatives intended to level the playing field with olive oil importers who have long enjoyed an absence of quality enforcement in the world’s biggest market. The result has been an extra virgin grade with no real meaning, and a public so accustomed to rancid olive oil, they actually prefer it in taste tests.
Changes 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.
The 2012 Olives New Zealand Conference was a resounding success, with good attendance and a positive motivation for the way forward. ONZ executive officer Gayle Sheridan said the response from attendees was rewarding, showing ‘excitement and real commitment to the industry and the role of Olives NZ’. The Olives to Oil course held the next day was equally as successful, attracting 50 attendees for a full day of information sharing and learning on this important topic.
Attendee feedback to the FOE team has been equally as enthusiastic, with participants praising both the organisation and content of the weekend’s events. So hats off to the Olives NZ executive for all their efforts and a job incredibly well done – Ed.
If you could not make it to the Olives NZ Conference 2012 and/or the Olives to Oil Course you can still purchase the respective booklets. These contain presentations, handouts, and a list of all attendees, presenters and exhibitors. The Conference booklet also contains sample graphs from the Olive Grove Census. The Conference Booklet is $30 and the Olives to Oil is $20, both prices include GST and postage. To order contact [email protected].
To view photographs from the 2012 Conference and Olives to Oil workshop visit: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.422722444411445.118138.231440906872934&type=1&l=d864990ea8#!/photo.php?fbid=422722561078100&set=a.422722444411445.118138.231440906872934&type=3&l=d864990ea8&theater. To place orders contact Gerry le Roux, Sciencelens Ltd on 027 510 5177, 06 3566 377 or [email protected].
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.