This innovative approach to olive cultivation is rapidly gaining traction across Australia’s wine regions—and for good reason.
In regions like McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, vineyard operators are facing rising labour costs, unpredictable yields, and market saturation. SHD olive production offers a compelling solution. These systems utilise the same trellising layouts, machinery, and agronomic know-how familiar to vineyard managers, creating an efficient pathway for crop diversification without the need to overhaul existing infrastructure.
Super high-density systems have revolutionised olive farming with impressive benefits:
Higher Yields, Faster Returns: SHD groves yield 12.4–24.7 tonnes/hectare—double or more than traditional systems—with full production reached in just 3–4 years.
Complete Mechanisation: Using modified grape harvesters, entire orchards can be picked in hours, slashing harvest labour costs by up to 90%.
Efficient Land Use: With up to 2,075 trees per hectare, SHD groves maximise productive land use—ideal for blocks struggling to return profit.
Premium Oil Quality: Uniform ripening and early harvest windows allow for consistent, high-grade olive oil suited to both domestic and export markets.
Originally developed in Spain, SHD systems are perfectly suited to South Australia’s mediterranean climate. They thrive under familiar fertigation regimes, align with existing IPM strategies, and require significantly less water per tonne of fruit than many grape varieties.
From an operational perspective, SHD olives offer faster capital recovery (5–7 years to profitability), improved risk management, and scalability—making them attractive not only to growers but also to investors seeking resilient agricultural assets.
The transition from vines to olives doesn’t signal defeat—it represents adaptation. As landholders look for more reliable returns and long-term sustainability, SHD olive groves present a smart, strategic next step. At Pridham Viticulture, we’re seeing firsthand the opportunities this model creates—and we’re ready to help growers navigate the path from grape to grove.
Contact us to discuss site suitability, project planning, and long-term management strategies.