Part of the NFF National Horticulture Roadshow

When: Tuesday 15 April, 2025

Where: Olio Bello, 36 Armstrong Rd Cowaramup 6284 Western Australia

Presenters: Michael Southan, Rick De San Miguel

The Australian Olive Association has developed a “Back to Basics” Field Day with support from the National Farmers Federation to provide key information for new olive growers and those thinking about becoming olive growers.  The day’s focus is on how grape growers can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives and make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyard.  However, the information is for anyone looking to enter the olive industry and useful for existing growers as a refresher session. We will talk about site selection, varieties, irrigation, grove management, pruning, pests and diseases and harvest options.

Program:

• 8.30am – 9.00am: Arrival and tea/coffee.
• 9.00am – 9.30am: Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country, housekeeping, introductions.
• 9.30am – 10.30am: Why grow olives? Site selection – fit with grapes; olive varieties – table olives, olive oil, multipurpose.
• 10.30am – 11.00am: Morning Tea
• 11.00am – 12.30pm: Planting considerations – density of trees; irrigation; fertilisation; pests and diseases – monitoring and control.
• 12.30pm – 1.30pm: Lunch.
• 1.30pm – 3.30 pm: In the grove – inspection of trees; identification of pests; diseases and canopy management; pruning.
• 3.30pm– 4.00pm: Harvesting options; processing – invest or contract services; measuring and benchmarking; best practice – OliveCare.
• 4.00pm: Program wrap-up; wine, table olives and olive oil tasting; informal discussion.

Industry support of this event includes: Olio Bello.

Note – industry providers are welcome as registered attendees however business promotion is restricted to official event presenters.

Cost: $66 (includes GST). Price includes arrival tea/coffee, morning tea, lunch and tasting session.

Strictly limited numbers. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served served basis. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Registrations close 8 April unless tickets sold out earlier.

Accommodation: there are many options in the region but book early as it is the school holiday period in WA during this time when demand for accommodation is traditionally high. Some options to consider:

• Caves House Hotel and Apartments, Yallingup
• Tasman Holiday Parks, Yallingup
• Olio Bello Lakeside Glamping, Cowaramup
• Margrets in Town Apartments, Margret River
• Margret River Motel, Margaret River
• Margret River Resort, Margaret River

The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the NFF Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant.

AOA Olive Oil Processing Workshop

This will be held at Olio Bello on the 16-17 April (following the Back to Basics Field Day). Maximise your learning opportunity by attending both events. Click here for more details and to register for this event.