A Positive Climate
Our approach to tackling climate change involves reducing avoidable emissions, sequestering carbon via sustainable farming methods and investing in efficient technologies and renewable energy solutions.
The role of the olive crop in sequestering CO2 emissions
For the olive crop, there is enough scientific research showing that the olive tree is capable of sustainably fixing CO2 from the atmosphere into the soil and its own structures. These research papers highlight the important role of olive orchards in fixing atmospheric CO2, particularly during the formation of the permanent structures of the plant.
The International Olive Council (IOC) conducted research in 2017 and estimates that producing 1 litre of extra virgin olive oil captures on average 10.65kg of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Efficient use of water
Olives have one of the lowest water requirements, using 30%-40% less water than standard grass needs. Because of the adoption of highly efficient practices, and our higher yields per hectare than the industry average, it is estimated that our production consumes 37% less water per ton of oil produced than the industry best practice average.
Protecting biodiversity
A biodiverse planet is essential to human wellbeing and as landowners we are responsible for not only maintaining but encouraging biodiversity and healthy terrestrial ecosystems.
Cobram Estate Olives is focused on land management and minimising any biodiversity loss in our sites. Some examples of key actions and practices include:
- Mapped and fenced over 1,300 hectares of remnant native vegetation within our properties to protect its biodiversity values
- Received a grant from the Healthy Soils Program (California Department of Food and Agriculture) to plant cover crops and hedgerows
- Established 40-metre buffer zones between native vegetation and irrigation areas, 25 metres of which has been revegetated through direct seeding of native flora
- Developed a wetland that is an amazing habitat for wildlife and prevents saline water from entering the Murray River
- Transitioned the properties we acquired from annual cropping to perennial horticulture; this maintains rich sandy soils utilising native grasses and stabilises the soil preventing erosion
- In California, we support local beekeepers by providing essential habitat for bees
Malleefowl conservation project
The Malleefowl is an iconic Australian bird, renowned as the only species that constructs nests by creating mounds on the ground in arid environments. It is famous for its complex and meticulous management of these mounds to incubate its eggs. This threatened species has known habitats near our Australian groves.
In 2022, we initiated a partnership with the Victorian Malleefowl Recovery Group (VMRG) to enhance efforts in protecting biodiversity. In 2023, we provided funding for a live web camera project with the National Malleefowl Recovery Group (NMRG), aimed at increasing Malleefowl awareness with the Australian public.
In 2024, we launched an ambitious new vision to develop a conservation project aimed at improving Malleefowl populations by enhancing their habitat on land at our Boundary Bend grove.
Towards Zero Waste
We recognise the role that we play in the value chain and the need to take proactive steps to minimise our waste footprint wherever possible.
Currently less than 0.5% of operational outputs end up in landfill. The adoption of circular economy principles is most recognisable in our olive farming and production processes.
We convert olive by-products (e.g. leaves, pomace, pit) into new value-add products such as renewable biofuel, olive leaf teas and health extracts. We use olive pits as a renewable energy source for our boilers with surplus stock sold to other companies. By-products from the tree that we can’t use are returned to the soil as natural mulch and fertiliser.
These practices are helping us to avoid and minimise environmental impacts, but importantly they enable us to diversify our revenues and create additional value for the company.
More information can be found in our 2030 Sustainability Strategy and annual sustainability reports.
