Tough times put squeeze on olives

A vineyard, macadamia farm or olive grove – city investors, hobby farmers and retirees have had varying degrees of success venturing into such businesses. Drought, cheap imports, fickle consumers and the end of helpful tax breaks have sent many a small operator to the wall. Others have persevered, diversified and managed to stay afloat. Because their maintenance is not as demanding as other rural pursuits, growing olives has attracted Australians looking for a way to hop on the gourmet food train or supplement their income.

A different perspective than the increased interest in olive groves reported to Olivegrower and covered in the September edition.