Image credit: John Leonard, Spotlight Productions
By Laura Thomas
The Australian Olive Association has continued the roll out of its educational field day program in 2025, providing a fresh crop of industry newcomers with the foundation for success.
Delivered as part of the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Roadshow, the Back to Basics Field Day has been designed to provide key information to new olive growers and those thinking about joining the industry.
The event’s focus is to provide advice to grape growers on how they can leverage their existing enterprise to grow olives and make the most of olive trees they may already have in their vineyards.
However, the information delivered is suitable for anyone looking to enter the olive industry or as a refresher exercise for existing growers.
Field days are being held across Australia, with successful events so far held in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, the New South Wales Hunter Valley and most recently, on Monday, in the rural Victorian town of Inverleigh, just west of Geelong.
As with previous events, the day began with an Australian olive industry overview and insight into how olive growing can be a good addition to an existing vineyard, and the type of olive varieties and products that might work best.
Tree density, irrigation, fertilisation, pests and disease monitoring and control were also discussed, before venturing out for a grove walk-through onsite thanks to event host, Clydebank Farm.
Insight into harvest and processing option, best practice and the Australian olive industry’s code of excellence, OliveCare®, rounded out the day’s program.
And as always, there was plenty of opportunity for attendees to network with growers and industry leaders and make important industry contacts.
Australian Olive Association Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan said the event had once again proven popular, with people travelling from far and wide to attend to find out more about Australian olive production at a grassroots level.
“While Australian-grown olives make up just 1% of total global supply, the quality of our olive products is right on par with some of the best in the world,” Southan said.
“As Australia’s peak olive industry body, the AOA’s mission is to foster the development of our olive industry.
“Sharing what we know and supporting industry newcomers as they navigate their road to success is a great way to do that.”
The next Back to Basics Field Day will be held in Western Australia on 15 April, at Olio Bello, Cowaramup.
The National Horticulture Roadshow is being delivered by the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council with funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), through the Showcasing Australian Horticulture grant.
