Bulletin

Issue: April 2004

Cover

A taste of the good oil

Olive growers gained some tips from world-leading specialists in olive production and use, thanks to La Trobe University Bendigo.

In conjunction with the International School of Oil Masters, La Trobe recently ran the first course in Australia offering a high level of international expertise.

Attracting 20 major growers or representatives of large olive grove companies, it was the first of a number of such courses with others planned for November this year and others in 2005.

The participants came from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia as well as New Zealand and Germany.

The manager of the Professional Education and Development (PED) program at La Trobe University Bendigo, Mrs Catherina Wallace, said the initial 'Quality Australian Olive Oil' six-day workshop aimed at enhancing the expertise of local people involved in the industry.

The course brought to Bendigo renowned world specialist, Mr Mauro Martelossi, and a range of other national and international presenters.

Response to the course was enthusiastic. Mrs Wallace said the olive oil industry was a burgeoning industry in Australia, and Bendigo had been identified as having significant potential for olive oil production.

'This course has been developed to assist growers in developing knowledge and expertise to produce olive oil to a level in line with international standards.'

A highlight of the course was an olive oil tasting evening at which Mr Martelossi demonstrated some innovative ways of using Australian olive oils in cooking plus a supervised oil tasting where participants learned the difference between oils. The evening was open to the public.

Mr Martelossi is the Technical Adviser to the International Olive Oil Industry on Quality Improvement and Commercial Development. He also lectures with the International School of Oil Masters and directs the Australian and New Zealand branch of the International School of Oil Masters.

Mr Martelossi is supported by Dr Barbara Alfei, a technical expert in Virgin and Extra Virgin olive oils who is accredited with the Italian Ministry of Agriculture.

Other specialist presenters included NSW Agriculture horticulturists, Clarrie Beckingham and Damien Conlan. Ms Wallace said the program was an opportunity for local growers to access a range of specialists in olive oil production.

Participants examined every facet in the production chain of the olive oil industry - from the horticultural side of preparing the soil, to the olive tree and fruit and finally to the product in its final form, bottled olive oil. They also launched an organisation to cover the interests of Australian olive oil producers.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor, Peter Sullivan, said the program supported La Trobe University Bendigo's commit-ment to helping develop key sectors in the region.

'The olive industry is an important part of the economic growth in central and northern Victoria, and we look forward to helping advance the industry,' Professor Sullivan said.

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