Perspectives of the Australian olive industry

Abstract

This paper includes information on the historical aspects of commercial olive growing in Australia and personal experiences encountered in working for over 40 years in the Australian olive industry. Suitable land is available in southern Australia for olive growing. Early olive plantings were established at a number of sites in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and to a lesser extent in other Australian states. Early commercial olive groves had limited impact and success. A resurgence of interest in olive growing occurred with post Second World War migration to Australia where new Australians came from southern European countries. These new settlers were familiar with olives and olive oil. Most olive products consumed by Australians are imported from southern Europe. With the recognition of the Mediterranean diet by Australians, olive oil has become more popular and substantial olive groves have been planted. Both olive oil and table olive production in Australia is increasing, with an emphasis on quality products. Research and development at the commercial level has focussed on efficient harvesting for quality fruit.