General News
7 May, 2026
Water the vital ingredient in food production: McGavin
UNITED States fertiliser prices had been locked in at 2025 rates by Cobram Estate Olives but its Australian operations faced challenges in Australia for fuel, fertiliser and water security.
UNITED States fertiliser prices had been locked in at 2025 rates by Cobram Estate Olives but its Australian operations faced challenges in Australia for fuel, fertiliser and water security.
Co-founder Rob McGavin said Cobram Estate produced extra virgin olive oil in the top two per cent for quality and the bottom two per cent for production cost.
But he said water - essential for food and fibre production - was an issue in Australia.
Mr McGavin said there was now 40 per cent less water available for agriculture because of federal and state environmental holdings.
“Security in farming has not been increased,” he said.
“People can use water for production of food and fibre but (temporary water rights) can now be bought by anyone including any hedge funds.”
Mr McGavin said changes were needed for Australian food security and the future of communities in the Murray Darling Basin.
Meanwhile, Cobram Estate Olives has locked in its United States supplies of fertiliser at 2025 prices but had been unable to secure a similar deal in Australia.
Mr McGavin said that while there were no issues with fuel supplies in Australia, the price for a litre of diesel had risen from $1.63 to more than $3.
The company would use 1.5 million litres during harvest , he said.
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