The decision for the Wagga Wagga Edible Oils Laboratory to remain operational has been welcomed by Australia’s olive and edible oil industry, following earlier concerns that the facility would cease operations in late 2025. Located at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI), the laboratory has long been a cornerstone of Australia’s oil testing infrastructure, supporting olive growers, processors, exporters, and oilseed producers with accredited analytical services. The confirmation that testing services will continue provides much-needed certainty for the sector, particularly for regional producers who rely on timely, independent, and affordable laboratory access.

Confirmation of Ongoing Services

Located within the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, the DPI’s edible oils laboratory has been one of Australia’s few facilities accredited to NATA, AOCS, and International Olive Council (IOC) standards. It has played a critical role in verifying olive oil quality, authenticity, and export compliance, as well as providing trusted testing for canola and other oilseeds. 

In a recent communication from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the Oil Testing Service confirmed that oil testing operations at Wagga Wagga will continue, including:

• Nutritional analysis
• Shelf-life prediction testing
  
• Labelling compliance services
  
• Edible oil testing, including olive oil
  
• Oilseed testing, such as canola
  

The laboratory is continuing to accept samples for analysis, and the Feed Quality Service laboratory at Wagga Wagga will also continue to operate as normal, ensuring continuity across multiple agricultural testing services.

This clarification reverses earlier expectations of closure and addresses industry concern about the potential loss of a critical regional facility.

Industry Reaction

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, recognising the importance of maintaining a government-backed testing laboratory that supports quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and market confidence.

The Wagga Wagga laboratory’s proximity and accessibility have made it an essential service for small to mid-sized producers, particularly those in New South Wales and surrounding regions. Continued operation reduces the need to send samples interstate, helping manage costs, turnaround times, and logistical complexity.

The laboratory also plays an important role in supporting research and development activities linked to olive oil quality, oilseed performance, and broader agricultural science programs.

As Australia continues to be reputable for high-quality extra virgin olive oil, access to reliable and independent testing remains critical. The decision to maintain services at Wagga Wagga helps safeguard industry standards, consumer trust, and export readiness.

The continuation of the laboratory is seen as a positive signal for regional agricultural services and a reminder of the value these facilities provide to Australia’s food and farming sectors.

Looking Ahead

While broader challenges remain across agricultural research and testing infrastructure, the confirmation that the Wagga Wagga Edible Oils Laboratory will remain open offers reassurance to producers and processors alike.

Industry participants are encouraged to continue engaging with DPIRD services and to make use of the laboratory’s testing capabilities as part of their ongoing quality assurance and compliance programs.

For further information:

• wagga.labs@dpird.nsw.gov.au
• dpi.nsw.gov.au/labs