The recent heat weather conditions in the beginning of 2026 and the recent flooding in parts of the Western Cape has significantly impacted some of our producers, highlighting the considerable challenges they face and the urgent need for practical support during these difficult times. Many groves have been affected to varying degrees, and it is disheartening to witness the consequences for our agricultural community.
The SA Olive Technical team is committed to supporting our producers and actively represents their interests across various platforms. Numerous farm visits to have an idea of olive growers as they navigate these challenging and circumstances.
The Technical Field Day is designed to provide producers with practical, on-the-ground technical support that can be applied directly in the orchard. We are honoured to welcome internationally renowned olive expert Professor Robert Spooner from Australia, who will deliver the keynote address and share his extensive knowledge and experience. His presentation will be complemented by leading local industry experts, who will provide practical insights and region-specific expertise, ensuring delegates benefit from a well-rounded programme focused on improving orchard management, productivity, and sustainability.
The SA Olive team is currently confirming the local presenters and the topics. This will be communicated by the 5th August 2026.
Ticket Prices are as follows:
R 350,00 for SA Olive members and producers (VAT Inclusive)
R 450,00 Non-members (VAT Inclusive)
R 300,00 per person for groups more than 5 individuals attending from same organization (SA Olive members) (VAT Inclusive)
R 400,00 per person for groups more than 5 individuals attending from the same organization (Non-members) (VAT Inclusive)
Kindly ensure that you book your tickets, as there are limited space to this field day.
Programme for the day
7h30 – 9h00 Exhibitors showcase and introduction
8h30 – 9h00 Registration & Light breakfast
9h00 – 9h10 Welcome & Opening Remarks (Gert van Dyk & Wendy Petersen)
9h10 – 9h30 Welcome to Morgenster (Federica Bertrand – Morgenster Owner)
9h30 – 10h00 The Orchard Recovery Roadmap (Nico Uys – GoBiofarming)
10h00 – 11h00 The Australian Olive Industry and an Introduction to Integrated Pest and Disease Management (Robert Spooner – Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and School of Science, Western Sydney University)
11h00 – 11h15 Break
11h15 – 12h00 Developing and implementing olive IPDM programs – the Australian Experience – without olive fly, olive moth or Xylella, but with olive lace bug (Robert Spooner – Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and School of Science, Western Sydney University)
12h00 – 12h30 Insects associated with wild and cultivated olives in South Africa (Barbara van Ash – Senior Lecturer in the Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University)
12h30 – 12h40 Q & A
12h40 – 13h00 Panel discussion – Climate & the Olive Orchard: Understanding the Influence and Adapting Management Practices (Gert van Dyk – Panel Discussion Facilitator, Roy Fraser – Greenleaf Olive Estate, Christie Henn – Terrain, Carlo Costa – Industry Consultant)
13h30 – 14h30 Lunch & Exhibitors Showcase and Introduction
14h30 – 15h30 Walk through the Morgenster orchard
15h30 – 16h30 Networking
