Part of the NFF National Horticulture Roadshow

When: Monday April 7, 2025

Where: Clydebank Farm, 120 Peel Rd, Inverleigh VIC

Presenters: Michael Southan, Michael Thomsett

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. Several equipment suppliers and service providers will also be on hand to show you what is available to make your grove as efficient as possible.

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: Clydebank Farm, Orchard Mate, Table Olives Victoria and Australian Olive Services.

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 31 March unless tickets sold out earlier.

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.