Growers and processors are invited to attend the 2017 National Olive Industry Conference and Trade Exhibition, to be held in Adelaide across 10-11 October.
Key sessions will span a range of topics important to the future of the olive sector, including trends in food and nutrition, economics, robotics in horticulture, grower expertise, new innovations and biological controls. Another highlight will be the chance to learn about ‘Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability’ – the biggest market you’ve never heard of.
Precision farming will also be a focus with sessions including ‘Remote Sensing for Managing Australian Tree Crops’ and ‘Intelligent Information Systems for Tree Crops’.
The event is a chance to hear about and discuss the latest levy-funded research with Hort Innovation and R&D delivery partners, plus a great chance to network, share ideas and connect with exhibitors through the trade show component.
Delegates will have the opportunity to attend the following presentations on levy-funded projects at the conference:
PopEye II market research project (Tuesday 10 October, 11:30am)
Rigas Harbilas will discuss the results of market research into consumers’ usage and attitudes to Australian EVOO.
Communication Survey Results and Project Overview (Wednesday 11 October, 9:00am)
Cox Inall Communications will share the preliminary findings of the first round of a survey designed for growers and processors which aims to determine how to best disseminate R&D project information.
Growers and processors will be encouraged to participate in the more extensive second round of the survey, which will be unveiled at the conference.
EVOO Food Service Project – Nutrition Australia (Wednesday 11 October, 9:15am)
Beth Sholes will provide an update on how new chefs and students are being educated on Australian EVOO as part of the project Olive Oil Food Service (OL16004).
Exporting to China – China Project Update (Wednesday 11 October, 11:50am)
Chris Mercer will share the latest update on the project Essential work to facilitate increased exports to China, removing roadblocks and enhancing competitive advantage (OL14003), which focuses on increasing exports of high-quality Australian olive oil into China.
For one-on-one discussions, Hort Innovation staff will be available at the booth in the trade exhibition area on both days of the conference.
Growers can also sign up to participate in the Australian olive industry benchmarking program (OL16001), which aims to give growers access to clear, relevant industry benchmarking information around productivity, quality and profitability. Interested growers can sign up on the spot at the RCMG Benchmarking project stand in the trade exhibition area.
The conference is facilitated through the project National olive industry conference and trade exhibition (OL16010), funded by Hort Innovation using the olive research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government, with in-kind support from the Australian Olive Association.
For more information and to register please visit http://www.nationaloliveconference.com.au
