Industry News

The National Table Olives Committee’s discussion paper is available for comment and feedback, with input providing the basis for the development of draft Australian Standards for Table Olives during 2012. All olive industry participants are invited to make comment on the issues raised in this discussion paper, which can be downloaded at https://www.olivessouthaustralia.com.au/index.php/home/1-general-info/35-discussion-paper-on-table-olives or from the AOA website. Please forward comments before the end of January 2012 to Peter McFarlane, by post to 33 Phillips St, SOMERTON PARK SA 5044; by fax on 08 8376 7048 or via email to [email protected].

Some consumers remain unaware of the importance to look for a trusted organic logo on organic products to guarantee they are getting what they are paying for, warns Dr Andrew Monk, director of the Biological Farmers of Australia. He warns that brands which choose to use an ‘organic’ claim without respecting recognised Australian standards, could face ACCC prosecution.

The ONZ OliveMark has been reviewed and some important changes are being made. The red sticker has been redesigned so that Olives New Zealand features more clearly. ONZ was considered not previously recognisable, and the change reinforces that it is a standard set by the national body. Sticker sales funds surplus to costs will also now go into a separate fund which, when sufficient, will be used for marketing – another great reason for growers and producers to support and utilize the OliveMark. In the meantime, ONZ members are invited to share their ideas on promoting the OliveMark by directing them to David Walshaw at [email protected].

Consumer perception of fats is undergoing a transformation, opening myriad opportunities for new product development, according to a new trend report from the Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and market research organization Packaged Facts.

Back in January when Australia and New Zealand proposed new olive oil standards that departed from those established by the International Olive Council, the IOC issued a statement calling the measure a possible “barrier to trade” while recommending a reconsideration of the move. The statement, titled “IOC Comments on the Draft Australian/New Zealand Standard Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils,” laid out about 20 “discrepancies” that included definitions, olive oil categories and testing methods in the proposed guidelines that differed with, or did not exist in the IOC standards. “It would be expedient,” the IOC said, “for the Australian/New Zealand draft standard to be re-examined.”

French organisation Odyssée Agri is looking for work experience placement positions on agricultural properties in Australia and New Zealand. The young French farmers come from farming backgrounds and are skilled and experienced in agriculture. Applicants are available throughout the year and most stay for several months. They have their own insurance and international drivers licences, and many have experience driving tractors, harvesters and other farm machinery. For more information, or to organise a placement, go to www.odyssee-agri.com (click on the British flag for English pages) or contact Odyssée Agri at [email protected].

Have you booked your place at the 2011 National Olive Conference and Trade Exhibition? There’s still time, and the Wangaratta community are gearing up for a warm country welcome for their olive industry visitors! You’ll find all the details, including speaker profiles and exhibitor details, site plan, conference schedule and registration form, in the official program, proudly provided by Olivegrower & Processor and the AOA inside the new September-October edition. Don’t miss out – register now for this important industry event.