In the coming months, Australians will be told a lot about the importance of freshness, varying tastes and the health, dietary benefits and enjoyment of genuine Australian extra virgin olive oils.

While consumers are becoming aware of the local olive product, not everyone who planted olives in the past 10 years would be aware of the extensive initiatives taken by the Australian Olive Association (AOA) and its state branch ? Olives NSW ? to assist growers reap the benefits.

Olives NSW, in association with olive grower groups throughout NSW, has organised information days and workshops across the state in August and September this year.

These events have and will demonstrate the latest marketing and consumer initiatives and provide information on how growers will benefit from the campaign.

They will explain the new national Code of Practice for the industry and how to become involved. Speakers include Peter O'Clery from Olives NSW and John Forrest and Jayne Bentivoglio from the Australian Olive Association.

The main aims of the workshop are to find out the specific needs of growers in different regions and to improve State-wide communications and collaboration across the olive industry.

Olive production in Australia will increase dramatically as more groves mature, and these workshops will explore new opportunities for marketing for all growers.

All olive growers from across the region are welcome to attend the workshop to be held at Romano's Hotel, Wagga from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, contact Warwick Grant, president of the Riverina Olive Growers Association on 0412 427 480 or warwick@sugarwood.biz. The workshops will be preceded by the inaugural annual general meeting of Olives NSW, the NSW branch of the AOA, at 11.30am.