The Australian Olive Association got back to the very basics of olive growing and production in SA’s Barossa Valley wine region last month.
Delivered by the AOA as part of the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Roadshow, the SA Back to Basics Field was held on 12 December at the historic Two Sister’s Wine Company vineyard at Stone Well, which is also home to a small olive grove.
The day began with an Australian olive industry overview by AOA Chief Executive Officer Michael Southan and a detailed planting and grove health and maintenance how-to by AOA Board President Michael Thomsett.
The second part of the day featured an olive grove walk-through with owner David Braunack and a tree inspection and grove maintenance overview. This was followed by a harvesting equipment showcase from Eclipse Enterprises, Mount Torrens Holdings and Sicma Harvesters SA, and insight into best practice and OliveCare.
Southan said the event provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to network with growers and industry leaders and make important industry contacts, over a Barossa produce lunch and glass of Two Sisters’ wine.
Following overwhelming positive feedback received from attendees, plans are now afoot for similar events at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove in the New South Wales Hunter Valley, Western Australia and Victoria. Dates and more information will be released soon.
“It really reinforces the importance of providing basic information to our members and growers, as we continue to work to boost production of Australian olives and grow our industry right here on home-soil,” Southan said.
“Currently, Australia produces less than 1% of the world’s total olive supply. It’s events like this that will help educate growers and support newcomers entering the industry.”
Southan said the almost 30 field day attendees represented a unique industry cross-section.
“Some were AOA members, existing olive growers, oil and table olive producers, others were primary producers looking to diversify into olive-growing and others were industry newcomers and prospective growers,” he said.
“We had people travel from across South Australia, Sydney and all the way from New Zealand to take part, which really highlights the quality learning experience we’re providing.
“It’s just so valuable to revisit the basics of olive growing.”
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.
