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2022 National Olive Industry Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors
NATIONAL OLIVE INDUSTRY
conference & exhibition
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2022 National Olive Industry Conference Sponsors & Exhibitors
Deltagen Australia – Tea Break Sponsor, also Exhibitor
Deltagen Australia is proud to offer Biogras L, a high-performance, cost competitive enzyme preparation for olive oil extraction. This is produced in Spain by our sister company Biocon Espanol, an independent leader in the production and marketing of enzymes.
Biogras L has been widely used in Europe, South America and Australia for many years. It is formulated to optimise pectinase activity and has residual cellulose and protease activities which are also of importance during oil extraction. Biogras L offers: improved extraction, improved separation, reduced residual oil and faster decantation. Biogras L complies with FSANZ regulations and is GM-free.
Deltagen Australia is also the agent for the Megazyme range of test kits for the food industry. For further information please contact Adrian at Deltagen Australia.
P: 03 9728 3038
E: info@deltagen.com.au
W: www.deltagen.com.au
Tasmanian Government
The AOA acknowledges the Tasmanian Government as a major supporter of the Australian National Olive Conference.
The AOA National Olive Industry Conference is the industry’s foremost calendar event, providing invaluable information and learning opportunities across all sectors of industry involvement.
The AOA is committed to ensuring that the annual national gathering is accessible and affordable for all, with low registration fees made possible by the generous support of our industry sponsors and exhibitors.
We thank them for their support and urge you all to find out more about their industryspecific products and services. Even better, acknowledge their support and make them your preferred suppliers!
2022 AOA National Olive Industry Trade Exhibition
The annual trade exhibition is an important element of the National Conference event, providing an opportunity to showcase the latest advancements in products and services. With the COVID pandemic necessitating a move to online Conferences for the past two years, this year’s long-awaited trade exhibition will be an outstanding opportunity to get back up to speed with the latest technology, equipment and services on offer.
Face-to-face expert advice and information
The exhibition space will be directly adjacent to the conference plenary space, and morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be served within the area to facilitate maximum delegate interaction with exhibitors throughout the two days.
Their participation in the event provides an unequalled opportunity to discuss your individual business needs face-toface and one-on-one with experts in their respective fields, all in the one place. Along with information on the latest industry-specific products and services, its’s a great chance to discover new ways to improve and enhance your grove and business practices.
Modern Olives - Lunch Sponsor, also Exhibitor
Modern Olives is a leading independent analytical laboratory experienced in the olive industry since 2006. Everything we do is focused on providing outstanding service to our customers as well as being a contributor and leader in the modern olive industry. Our laboratory is available to all growers, oil traders, marketers and researchers who require their olive oils, table olives or olive derivative products tested. Throughout the entire process, from planning groves to testing oil quality, our team provides professional, olivespecific technical advice.
Ph: 03 5272 9500
E: info@modernolives.com.au
W: www.modernolives.com
Australian Frost Fans – Exhibitor
Australian Frost Fans offer comprehensive frost and cold injury protection solutions with the FrostBoss® range of equipment, for virtually any crop, any location, any topography and any soil type.
The FrostBoss® C49 (4-blade machine) is the best-selling frost fan in Australasia, developed with help from a former Team New Zealand aerodynamics research engineer to optimize noise reduction by using a greater blade working area. Along with the FrostBoss® C59 (5-blade machine), the FrostBoss® C49 is the quietest machine on the market.
The FrostBoss® range of frost fans is currently protecting a diverse range of crops on six continents and its monitoring software FrostSmart® enables growers to access real-time monitoring of fans around the world.
Locally, Australian Frost Fans remains the only company in Australia that is 100% committed to frost fan sales, installation, servicing, upgrades & repairs.
Ph: 1800 797 629
E: info@aussiefrostfans.com.au
W: www.aussiefrostfans.com.au
The Australian Olive Association (AOA) is the prescribed industry body representing the olive industry in Australia since 1995.
The AOA provides an extensive range of services to stakeholders, including the operation and management of workshops, field days and other extension services. It also runs the annual National Olive Conference & Exhibition, and the Australian International Olive Awards.
The AOA has an experienced Board of Directors consisting of small, medium and large growers, along with other Directors co-opted for their relevant experience and expertise.
Ph: 0478 606 145
E: secretariat@australianolives.com.au
W: www.australianolives.com.au Choice Energy - Exhibitor
Australian owned and operated, Choice Energy is an award-winning energy firm with more than 5,300 clients across Australia and New Zealand.
Choice Energy’s mission is to help businesses gain independence by using less power from the grid and paying less for the energy they use.
Choice Energy believes in a predictable, fair and low-cost energy future and takes a holistic approach to energy management by providing a number of core solutions to help businesses better manage demand for energy, improve operational efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Solutions include: Commercial solar; Energy procurement (electricity and gas); Power factor correction; Metering and monitoring; Network tariff and demand assessment.
Choice Energy is a proud Associate Member of the Australian Olive Association and has helped a range of members to lower their operating costs.
Start saving, and access your free and exclusive energy health check now by contacting Senior Energy Consultant, Mason Prower:
Ph: 0409 309 948
E: mason.prower@choiceenergy.com.au
W: www.choiceenergy.com.au
Olivebiz - Sponsor
Olivebiz.com.au is the industry-owned website dedicated to olive industry related news, events and products. Together with current news, it also houses the digital version of the Olivegrower & Processor industry journal, the Friday Olive Extracts e-newsletter, and the Olive Levy R&D communications, R&D Insights (quarterly) and Grove Innovation (monthly).
W: www.olivebiz.com.au NSW Department of Primary Industries AgEnviro Labs - Exhibitor
Discover the production outputs of your grove through the chemical analysis of olive oil and olive fruit or organoleptic (sensory) analysis of olive oil.
In our industry leading laboratory, DPI’s world-class scientists employ accredited testing techniques, systems and technologies to deliver independent, quality assured data.
Accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), International Olive Council (IOC) and American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS), DPI’s AgEnviro Labs Oil Testing Service provides Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and virgin olive oil classification (against the IOC standard and the Australian Standard AS5264-2011), near infrared (NIR) testing, oil quality and adulteration testing, nutritional information and shelf-life prediction.
Remove the guesswork. Unearth the value. Cultivate quality.
Ph: (02) 6938 1957
E: wagga.labs@dpi.nsw.gov.au
W: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/labs
Hort Innovation – Sponsor
Hort Innovation is a not-for-profit, grower-owned company that delivers more than $120 million in research, development and marketing activities on behalf of Australian horticulture each year. Hort Innovation’s primary function is creating value for horticulture growers and those across the horticulture supply chain. Through investment in R&D and marketing, Hort Innovation works to improve productivity, farm gate profitability and global competitiveness of Australian horticultural industries. Hort Innovation is the link between the needs of industry, the capabilities of science, and the potential of marketing.
W: www.horticulture.com.au Olive Wellness Institute - Exhibitor
The Olive Wellness Institute is a science repository on the nutrition, health and wellness benefits of olives and olive products, which is all subject to extensive peer review. The institute is guided by scientific experts that specialise in the nutrition, health and wellness benefits related to olive products.
This website is intended to be the go-to source of credible information relating to the nutrition, health and wellness benefits of olives and olive products, such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil and other products derived from the olive tree.
Ph: 0488 260 303
E: info@olivewellnessinstitute.org
W: www.olivewellnessinstitute.org
Olivegrower & Processor - Sponsor
Australian & New Zealand Olivegrower & Processor is the region’s only specialist olive publication and one of the key sources of industry information. It covers every aspect of the olive industry, from grove management and processing to packaging and marketing, with content targeted at current topical issues.
Industry-owned and produced, the emphasis is on best practice management to increase quality and business viability, along with news, events and opportunities. Each edition also includes R&D Insights, the quarterly update on Olive Levy-funded projects and initiatives.
Published four times per year, the magazine is mailed to subscribers across the globe and is also available online for login access 24/7.
Ph: 0408 525 798
E: editor@olivegrower.com.au
W: www.olivebiz.com.au
See the updated list of exhibitors and sponsors, along with information about the products and services they offer, on the Conference website: www.nationaloliveconference.com.au. SWAN Systems - Exhibitor
All plants need water and nutrients to thrive. How much they need, and when they need it is often difficult to precisely determine. You need a lot of data to help you make these decisions, including information about the weather, your soil and your type of plant.
SWAN Systems has been designed to ingest data from an irrigation operation, analyse it, and then provide daily management insights. SWAN has the power to schedule irrigation seven days out, manage nutrient applications, monitor crop health, and create water and nutrient budgets. The data and outputs of SWAN Systems are accessible through a range of customised reports and data extracts that can be used to fine tune future seasons and continue to improve irrigation operations.
Using this approach will help you to optimise input costs and desired outputs, while minimising environmental impacts. You will save time, money, water and nutrients.
Ph: 1300 121 250; +61 8 6323 2206
E: info@swansystems.com
W: www.swansystems.com.au
Tornado Pumps & Sprayers - Exhibitor
Tornado Pumps & Sprayers specialise in supplying equipment and machinery for olive growers, from growing through to processing. We manufacture a full range of spray equipment from linkage to trailed models. We have a vast range of mulchers suitable for grass and prunings, a complete range of fertilizer spreaders in single and double spinner models and electric pruning shears of various cutting sizes.
We have been appointed as agents for the full range of Sicma (Italy) olive harvesters. We are Pieralisi (Italy) trained in sales, installation and service of olive processing equipment for QLD, NSW, ACT and VIC. Pieralisi is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high technology olive processing equipment. Our workshop is fully equipped for your servicing needs and spare parts are readily available.
Ph: 02 9824 8444
E: tornado@tornadosprayers.com.au
W: www.tornadosprayers.com.au
THE LATEST UPDATES ON R&D WITHIN THE OLIVE INDUSTRY | SEPTEMBER 2022
R&D Insights contains the latest levy-funded R&D project updates, research findings and related industry resources, which all happen under the Hort Innovation Olive Fund. Hort Innovation partners with leading service providers to complete a range of R&D projects to ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of the olive industry.
Central NSW Olive Workshop address local grower issues
Late July saw an extra event added to the AOA’s calendar for 2022, with a comprehensive two-day olive workshop addressing ssues being experienced by growers in central NSW and the Hunter Valley.
They’ve endured quite a bit over the past few years: first drought and fires, then torrential rain and flooding, and through it all an increasing level of olive lace bug infestation. A number of groves have also changed hands and it was recognised that the new growers needed industry information and support made readily available, to ensure both the viability of their olive businesses and the continuing high quality of EVOO and/or table olives produced across the region.
Information one-stop-shop Held at Rylstone Olive Press, AOA CEO Michael Southan described the workshop as “a one-stop-shop for growers keen to get more information”. “It covered pretty much everything, from the Australian Standard, OliveCare® and keeping records to grove management, table olive production, and pests and diseases. We also looked at testing, what’s important in olive and EVOO judging, and marketing issues like how to get into food service and what’s happening with supermarkets,” he said. “Plus we had a number of industry sponsors there, so people were able to talk to experts about the best equipment for their own set up. “We had an enthusiast gathering of around 50 all up, and attendees ranged from very experienced ‘old timers’ to people with very small groves and ‘weekend farmers’. “Not surprisingly, the stand-out areas of interest centred around grove management: pruning, soil health, nutrition - compost vs other fertilisers - and diagnosis and control of pests and diseases.
“There was a lot of interest in sustainability too, and people were keen to hear from the organic growers there about how their management systems work. “Feedback overall was really positive and we’ve heard that many started pruning as soon as they got back from the workshop, some even sharing photos on WhatsApp. That’s a great outcome!”
Help needed Attendee Ben Wilmot has 700 olive trees, planted 20 years ago by his parents on their property at Putty. Unfortunately they weren’t successful and the grove is now in need of some serious TLC, so Ben went to the workshop for help on what to do. “I don’t live there full-time, and they’re mature trees which need a lot of attention, so they’re in a state of disrepair,” he said. “But I’ve got a second wind of trying to make something of the grove, and
Attendee Ben Wilmot went straight home and “started in hard with the pruning”
I found the information from the workshop extremely useful.” Ben said the main problem they’ve had is lace bug, with previous sporadic spraying not successful. Earlier machine pruning had also created a dense canopy of regrowth in which the lace bug flourished. So it’s not surprising that his main take-away topics were “spraying and how to treat lace bug, and the type of pruning”, along with organic vs non-organic, the importance of soil, and discussion around ground cover vs mowing. “There were some excellent presenters and it was interesting to hear what people had to say - including some varying advice from a range of different perspectives. Everyone’s situation is different, so it gives you the chance to find out which may work on your own property. “The most valuable element for me was Andrew Taylor on pruning. That was very interesting and helpful. “It’s my number one focus, because all my trees need severe pruning now due to the lace bug damage. I also didn’t realise that ongoing pruning was such a crucial thing for good production.”
Information into action
Having learned that now, Ben said he’s already turned information into action in his grove. “I’ve started in hard with the pruning,” he said.
“I’d done a bit before but the knowledge from the weekend was very valuable and encouraging, and has given me confidence to get on with it.
“The next thing will be the chemical spray regime, and then potentially working on the soil and ground covers. I think for now that’ll be enough to keep me busy.”
Big step up the learning curve Fellow attendees Carrie and Tony Nakad have 200 Frantoio trees in their Bathurst grove, now up to six years old. Having originally planted 100 trees ‘for fun’, they now have an end goal of 700-800 trees and an olive business. They’re still on a big learning curve, Carrie said, and they’ve had plenty to deal with already - frost, drought and damaging rains. The AOA workshop was a chance to learn more about how to deal with it all.
“We’re still finding out way, so we went to meet more people in the industry, to reiterate the knowledge we do have and to learn new things,” she said.
“Also to draw on the knowledge of not only the presenters but also the attendees. It was a wealth of information, with everyone happy to have a chat and share.”
They came away from the workshop with “A lot of information, a lot of enthusiasm and a refresher course - it looked at a lot of information and elaborated on it,” Carrie said.
“There was also the opportunity to ask questions. You can read all the books you want but that firsthands experience and knowledge from someone who’s done the hard yards is invaluable. And it was in our general region, so a lot of it was very specific for us.”
Stand-out sessions
Carrie said there were a number of stand-out sessions across the two days. “Because we’re starting, Westerly Isbaih’s presentation on marketing was right on target. She got you to think about the different factors involved if you want to get into food service, and how you would go about it,” she said.
“Robert Spooner-Hart and Len Tesoriero’s IPDM information is always great, and I know Tony really enjoyed Andrew Taylor’s pruning session. He took a lot of information from that presentation, especially about technique: we’re getting to that stage so that was really valuable. “And I loved John Barton’s compost session. His knowledge is prolific and his passion is so obvious – you could listen to him all day. It was very inspiring - I went home and got my pitchfork out straightaway. “Also Mike Thomsett on grove health and nutrition. Again, he knows so much and understands how to make it work in a practical way.”
Attendance invaluable
To anyone contemplating attending an AOA workshop or field day in the future, Carrie said ‘do it’.
“Regardless of where you sit in the industry – new, five years in or 30 years’ experience – it’s invaluable,” she said.
“The amount of information on the AOA website is fantastic, and a lot that people presented on is on there, but it was a chance to get more in-depth explanations on that information and ask questions that relate to your situation. “It’s also about the people you meet. All the presenters are just so passionate about their particular field, and it’s a nice opportunity to catch up with everyone again.” Ben seconded the sentiment:
“If there’s an AOA workshop or field day you can attend, definitely do it. Having just done this one, I’d love to go to the Tassie (Conference) too!”
This project is part of the Olive levy project Australian olive industry communications and extension program (OL18000), funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation olive research and development levy, co-investment from the Australian Olive Association and contributions from the Australian Government.
Image: Warren Umoh on Unsplash.
Hort genome project to produce more resilient tree crops
In a $13.3 million joint research project currently underway, Australian researchers are using plant genetics to help solve DNA mysteries and create the horticultural tree crops of the future.
Delivered through Hort Innovation under the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative, the five-year project is developing a genomic toolkit for tree breeders and researchers so they can better understand how genes control traits that are valuable to Australian growers - such as tree size, yield, disease resistance and tree maturity. Harnessing cutting-edge genetic technologies, the knowledge is then being used to develop new tools to enable plant breeders to deliver new varieties with key productivity and profitability traits. Additional tools are being developed for growers to enhance farm productivity.
DNA mapping The project aims to build a complete DNA map that will visualise the genetic make-up and variability of five of the nation’s leading tree crops - avocados, mango, macadamia, almond and citrus fruit. These five crops represent 80% of Australia’s horticultural tree crop production and account for more than 50% of horticultural tree crop revenue. Program components The research is being conducted by the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), embedded within the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The program involves separate components working together to deliver a deeper understanding of the relationship between tree crop traits (phenotypes) and their underlying genetics (genotypes) and genetic mechanisms. This will then feed into the development of tools and opportunities for rapidly and more efficiently addressing current and future plant breeding needs identified by industries. There are four components within the program: the Genomics Toolbox, Genotype Prediction Toolbox, Phenotype Prediction Toolbox, and a new Molecular Physiology component which complements research in the Genotype Prediction Toolbox.
Meeting plant industry challenges via genomic approaches The project recognises that it is increasingly essential for Australia to be at the forefront of horticultural biotechnology, to ensure the industry remains profitable, productive and protected. We’ve all seen recently - and many of you have been affected by - the significant challenges faced by the horticultural tree industry from plant diseases, production issues and climatic change. Breeding more resilient and suitable varieties is undoubtedly the way to tackle many of these challenges, however plant production is a slow and timely process. QAAFI Professor Robert Henry said the long generation time of tree crop production made it difficult to proactively or “rapidly” develop new plant varieties in response to factors like pest and disease outbreaks, changing climate and evolving consumer preference. “Advances in genomic sciences have benefitted many agricultural industries, but they haven’t fully extended into horticulture in the same way they have impacted on field crops,” he said. “However, earlier genomic studies in apples demonstrated that elite seedlings could be bred and planted as commercial varieties after just 24 months using genomic prediction approaches - seven years earlier than through conventional breeding methods.
“Genomic approaches offer opportunities to progress the efficiency of genetic variation on individual plant performance.
Research Recap PROJECT NAME: National tree genomics program (AS17000) PROJECT AIM: To harness genetic technologies for the benefit of Australian tree crop industries through development and use in breeding (to deliver cultivars with key productivity and profitability traits) and improved management techniques. PROJECT PARTNERS: University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology & ors FUNDING: Hort Frontiers Advanced Production Systems Fund PROJECT TIMEFRAME: Ongoing KEY INFORMATION: • Genetic technologies can be developed and used in breeding to deliver cultivars with key productivity and profitability traits, and to improve management techniques • The program involves separate components working together to deliver a deeper understanding of the relationship between tree crop traits (phenotypes) and their underlying genetics (genotypes) and genetic mechanisms • Each program component is developing a genetic 'toolbox' - a genomics toolbox • These will used for the ultimate development of tools and opportunities for rapidly and more efficiently addressing current and future needs of industry • Case study crops include almond, avocado, citrus, mango and macadamia
Horticulturalist Michael Thomsett said the program’s results could assist olive growers with adaptation to growing conditions or climate variation, by creating mechanisms to produce beneficial and/or more suitable physiological traits such as: • flowering time and duration • ripening time and speed • fruit abscission
• tree size and shape
• growth habit • drought resistance • frost resistance
• pest and disease resistance
Image: Laura Adai on Unsplash.
The program’s results could create mechanisms to produce beneficial physiological traits in olives, such as frost resistance.
Outputs delivered through this project will have a major impact on Australian horticulture through improved management systems and more efficiently developed varieties.”
Sector-wide impacts While not one of the case study tree crops, Australian Olive Association President and horticultural consultant Michael Thomsett said the project is also promising for our industry. “Successful research in the tree crops selected will inevitably have wider impacts across the horticulture sector as a whole,” he said.
“Olive genomics would need to be studied specifically to fine tune any benefit to olive production in Australia, however this work will ensure that the science and pathways to adapt beneficial traits into tree crop production systems will be clearer, and future processes therefore more efficient.”
Project update In June the research team published an update focussed on the Molecular Physiology component of the project, which aims to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating productivity traits. Study crops are avocado, mango and macadamia.
The molecular physiology research team has been tasked to identify: the molecular signals associated with determinate
and indeterminate growth and flowering in tree crops; the molecular signals associated with precocity in tree crops; the molecular signals which alter tree architecture; and
the molecular changes in the plant which lead to early fruit loss. With their work now well underway, during the most recent milestone period they have: identified methods to reliably produce determinate flowers in the field and collected samples from determinate and indeterminate flowers for molecular analysis (in avocado); using model species identified signals which travel from the rootstock to the scion to potentially regulate flowering and branching, and started applying this knowledge (macadamia); identified differences in levels of phytohormones between fruit that drop early from the tree and are retained (avocado); undertaken a field trial looking at the effects of Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) application on fruit retention (mango). With change and adaptation now clearly identified as a crucial element of a successful horticulture industry into the future, this is exciting work. We’ll keep you posted in R&D Insights as future project updates are released.
Latest AOA webinar recordings now available
The AOA’s ongoing program of productivity and profitability webinars continues to be both popular and successful, providing industry members with information, learning and discussion about a wide range of timely and relevant topics. Four more webinars have been run over the past three months:
Reducing Nitrogen costs with Soil Carbon
Responding to the rapid increase in fertiliser prices, this webinar was presented by well-known soil guru John Barton and took an in-depth look at sustainable alternatives to commercial Nitrogen fertilisers. The webinar covered:
why fertiliser costs are currently so high alternative sources of Nitrogen the Nitrogen cycle increasing nutrient storage soil microbes and Nitrogen how much Nitrogen can be saved. As always, this presentation left attendees inspired to get out in the grove and work with their soil.
EVOO shelf life prediction Presented by Modern Olives Laboratory Manager Claudia Guillaume, this webinar was timed to coincide with the end of the olive harvesting and processing season and focussed on the considerations around EVOO bottling and storage to ensure ongoing quality. Discussion included:
factors affecting the shelf life of
EVOO
determining EVOO best before dates
labelling requirements around best before dates.
Claudia’s depth of knowledge around EVOO chemistry, and her ability to ‘translate’ into grower-speak, made this another must-attend webinar for all producers.
The Mediterranean Blessing, Olive Leaf as a Herbal Medicine
This webinar looked at one of the increasingly-popular ‘value-adding’ elements for our industry, olive leaf extract (OLE), used for hundreds of years as a medicine and more recently for improving immune function.
Naturopathic clinician Ian Breakspear discussed the medicinal value of olive leaf extract, and presented research on the differing efficacy rates of OLE made from fresh versus dried leaves.
His discussion around this interesting topic may also open the door to a new product for some producers. Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer in WA The final webinar for the quarter explored a new and emerging plant pest threat, Polyphagous ShotHole Borer (PSHB). The beetle attacks a wide range of plants and has a symbiotic relationship with a Fusarium fungus, which kills vascular tissue causing dieback and tree death.
PSHB has been detected in the Perth metropolitan area and, while no specific risk has yet been recognised for olives, the information and learnings presented are relevant to our industry given the very real risk of a local Xylella fastidiosa incursion. Presenter Dr Kylie Ireland, Plant Pathologist on the DPIRD Plant Biosecurity Pest Risk and Analytics Team, looked at response activities and the role we can all play in detecting and managing PSHB to reduce the risk of a wider incursion.
Recording links For those who couldn’t make it on the day, and/or want a refresher of the information, recordings of all of the webinars are now available for viewing on the OliveBiz website: go to www.olivebiz.com.au – Events – Calendar – 2022 AOA webinars.
The AOA webinar series is part of the Olive levy project Australian olive industry communications and extension program (OL18000), funded by Hort Innovation, using the Hort Innovation olive research and development levy, co-investment from the Australian Olive Association and contributions from the Australian Government.
Xylella a focus at 2022 Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative Symposium
The second Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) Symposium was held in May in Adelaide, bringing together pest and disease experts from around the country and overseas for a jampacked program of cross-sectoral plant biosecurity RD&E (Research Development & Extension).
Looking at biosecurity from a ‘big picture’ perspective, the two-day event included a Trans-Tasman session on collaborative research between Australia and New Zealand and a Partnership Panel session discussing enhanced international and national collaboration.
Focussed program The program ran over two full days and was divided into eight sessions, each covering a specific focus area. Presentations incorporated work around a wide range of plant species, pests and diseases, and many had specific or generic relevance for olive growers. We’ve highlighted a few of the most relevant below.
Session 1 - Preparedness included several presentations on the topic of Australia’s #1 biosecurity risk, Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). The cause of devastating mass die-back of olive groves across Puglia, Italy, and with no cure for infection identified to date, Xylella is undoubtedly the olive industry’s greatest disease risk. Presentations of note in this session included: Native insect vectors of Xylella Xylella fastidiosa and its vectors - potential control and management options for a prepared Australia Post-entry quarantine (PEQ) screening at the border Session 2 - Diagnostics was also highly relevant to our industry, with the focus on Xylella continuing via presentations including: Development of rapid infield diagnostics for Xylella New diagnostics for exotic and endemic threats
DNA-based gut contents analysis for investigating insect herbivory and movement
Session 3 - Surveillance also had a number of presentations of particular interest to olive growers: Use of hyperspectral analysis to detect plant pathogens Citrus biosecurity surveillance ImapPESTS case studies of sentinels
Grapevine trunk disease management
Session 4 - Sustainable pest,
disease and weed management has increasing relevance to all agricultural industries, with most notable topics for olive growers being: New biocontrol solution for sustainable solution for sustainable management of weed impacts to agricultural profitability Weed vision and management Biocontrol of fruit flies and Spotted
Wing Drosophila
Session 5 - Biosecurity Partnerships
commenced with one of the keynote addresses, Advances in technology for biosecurity risk detection by Joel Willis, Principal Director of Detection Capability and Emerging Technology, Biosecurity Operations Division, DAWE, before the Partnerships Panel session explored Future collaboration and co-investment opportunities.
Session 6 - Trans-Tasman Research
followed with a look at some of the ground-breaking research happening further afield around surveillance, monitoring and incursion response, including: Remote sensing methods for biosecurity surveillance, response and eradication: NZ maize crop as a case study Novel volatile sensors for biosecurity Sentinel plants from concept to application: the value in the context of biosecurity for
Aotearoa-New Zealand
Session 7 - Biosecurity and industry
resilience moved the focus to the greater industry and supply chain, with presentations including: Biosecurity response and social licence
Incentivising biosecurity for growers Valuing biosecurity along the supply chain Session 8 - Capability Building then wrapped up the event with varied range of topics, finishing with a look at several of the more technical projects around diagnostics and treatment:
Financial threat posed by BMSB to the Australian wine industry Biosecurity Warrior schools’ program Linked machine learning classifiers for species and strain identification using fungal ribosomal DNA datasets
Exogenous RNAi inhibits infection physiology of rust fungi to reduce symptoms in planta
Key messages The symposium provided a wealth of information, and identified biosecurity strengths, challenges and directions for the future.
Among the stand-out messages shared by the presenters, particularly when reflecting on our own industry focus on prevention and/or control of Xylella fastidiosa, was that the best way forward for biosecurity is to leverage the latest R&D, innovation and technology for proactive change, while also applying the key learnings from the past. It’s also clear that biosecurity is not just about scientists and industry, and that it’s vital to have a broad set of community members who understand the research and can be part of the solution.
About the PBRI The Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative contributes to a nationally co-ordinated sciencebased system to protect the biosecurity all of Australia’s plant industries and the environment. The initiative is a partnership between the nation’s plant Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), working collaboratively with Plant Health Australia (PHA), industry, state and federal biosecurity stakeholders. Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited is one of the core RDC partners.
More information
A wide range of resource from the event are available to download from the PBRI website, including slides of the presentations referenced above and the 2022 Symposium Report.
Go to www.pbri.com.au – Events – Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium 2022 and take a look at the ones most relevant to you and your role in ensuring Australia’s plant crop biosecurity.
Virtual kit makes exploring EVOO
sensory characteristics easy Images: **Olive Wellness Institute logo
The Olive Wellness Institute team has added a new key resource to its online offering, rolling out a userfriendly extra virgin olive oil virtual sensory kit.
The team recognised that there was a sensory gap in the conversation around extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), so they decided to fill it. “While the health benefits of our amazing products are increasingly well known, there’s a lot less discussion happening around the sensory characteristics of EVOO,” OWI Healthcare Professional Education Manager Sian Armstrong said.
“And as EVOO has a wide variety of aromas, tastes, and flavours, one of the best ways to experience the differences is through a contemplative tasting. “So we created the new online sensory kit, which steps through how to conduct an EVOO tasting and provides information on the various sensory characteristics.” Topics covered include:
Influences: factors influencing the sensory characteristics of EVOO - variety, maturity at harvest, climate and weather; Flavour: the combination of sensory factors including aroma, taste and ‘feeling’, fruitiness, bitterness, pungency, complexity and persistence;
Detecting poor quality: common causes of defects in EVOO, negative flavour attributes; Conducting a tasting: step-by step guide, from choosing the right glass to palate cleansing between oils;
Types of EVOO: mild, medium, robust styles.
Common varietal flavours in EVOO
Frantoio Leccino Barnea Picual Coratina Koroneiki Arbequina
Buttery Caramel Banana fruit Tomato fruit Green grass Green grass Red apples Floral Toffee Banana skin Tomato leaf Woody Cut grass Confectionary
Dried herbs Green almonds Vanilla custard Condensed milk Buttery Tomato leaf Cut grass Green tomato Shallots Fig tree Leafy Green banana Tropical fruits
Creamy
Vanilla biscuit Grassy Ripe guava Nutty Timber Berries Cream Woody Over-ripe apple Green almonds Pine Ripe fruits
Use and share This is another great ‘plain-speak’ resource for those who to date may not have been confident to run their own tastings.
Seaweed Caption: The kit provides flavour profiles of the different olive varietals, along with a list of the aromas most commonly found in EVOO. It’s also ideal to share with Header: Virtual kit customers, friends and your social makes exploring EVOO sensory characteristics easy media networks, to increase the The Olive Wellness Institute team has added a conversation around the incredible new key resource to its online offering, rolling out a variety of sensory characteristics user-friendly extra virgin olive oil virtual sensory kit. The team recognised that there was a sensory gap in the conversation around extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), so they decided to fill it. found in EVOO – and why fresh, high“While the health benefits of our amazing products quality Australian EVOO is the best. are increasingly well known, there’s a lot less discussion happening around the sensory characteristics of EVOO,” OWI Healthcare Professional Education Manager Sian Armstrong said. You can access the EVOO virtual “ sensory kit from the OWI website And as EVOO has a wide variety of aromas, tastes, and flavours, one of the best ways to experience - www.olivewellnessinstitute.org – under Resources. the differences is through a contemplative tasting. “So we created the new online sensory kit, which steps through how to conduct an EVOO tasting and provides information on the various sensory characteristics.” Topics covered include: • Influences: factors influencing the sensory characteristics of EVOO - variety, maturity at harvest, climate and weather; The Olive Wellness Institute is partially funded by • Flavour: the Hort Innovation, using the Olive Fund research combination of sensory factors including aroma, taste and ‘feeling’, fruitiness, and development levy and contributions from bitterness, pungency, complexity and persistence; • • the Australian Government, through the strategic Detecting poor quality: common causes of defects in EVOO, negative flavour attributes; Conducting a tasting: step-by step guide, from choosing the right glass to palate cleansing between oils; levy investment project Educating Health • Types of EVOO: mild, medium, robust styles. Professionals about Australian Olive Products
Use and share OL19001.
This is another great ‘plain-speak’ resource for those who to date may not have been confident to run their own tastings. It’s also ideal to share with customers, friends and your social media networks, to increase the conversation around the incredible variety of sensory characteristics found in EVOO – and why fresh, high-quality Australian EVOO is the best. You can access the EVOO virtual sensory kit from the OWI website - www.olivewellnessinstitute.org – under Resources. Join Conference workshop and help set olive levy R&D priorities
Increasing knowledge - both technical and practical - is one of the main aims of the olive levy R&D program, managed by Hort Innovation on behalf of the industry. As growers and producers, you have hands-on, grove-level knowledge of the challenges facing the industry and the knowledge gaps which make them hard to meet. And that’s exactly what Hort Innovation needs to know about, so they can ensure your levy funds are providing the best targeted R&D outcomes and solutions for our industry. To facilitate that knowledge-sharing, the AOA is getting everyone together at this year’s National Olive Conference for a workshop session, where you can provide feedback in person on olive levy R&D priorities for future projects.
NATIONAL OLIVE INDUSTRY
conference & exhibition
Workshop details: Day 1 - Saturday, 15 October @ 2.00pm
Olive Levy R&D Priority Setting Workshop with AOA CEO Michael Southan and Hort Innovation General Manager Stakeholder Experience Anthony Kachenko.
