National Rural News Wednesday February 25

In today's National Rural News: Trade minister to meet with his EU counterpart, Victorian farmers prepare to block access to their farms, concerns around the health star rating label -- plus the latest from the markets and more.

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The Olive industry is concerned changes to health star ratings on all food packaging, could damage its reputation.

The five star health rating labels on all Australian packaged food could become mandatory.

But the Australian Olive Association says under the current model, processed oils like Canola and Sunflower could be rated higher than olive oil.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Chief Executive Michael Southan about the industry's concerns.

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Farmland sales have fallen to a record low in the past 12 months, but value has reached a new peak.

Data from Ray White shows there just 5 408 transactions last year but farms are sitting at a national median price of around $10 000 per hectare.

Experts say drought affected farmers are hesitant to put their farms on the market while producers experiencing better seasonal conditions are wanting to hold on to their operations.

Rural Editor spoke with Elders General Manager of Farmland Agency and Agribusiness investment Mark Barber about the trends.

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