Income tax: Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 - Applicant Group 1

This Product Ruling sets out the Commissioner's opinion on the way in which the relevant provision(s) identified in the Ruling section (below) apply to the defined class of entities, who take part in the scheme to which this Ruling relates. All legislative references in this Ruling are to the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) unless otherwise indicated. In this Product Ruling this scheme is referred to as the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 or simply as 'the Project'.

This part of the Product Ruling specifies which entities can rely on the tax benefits set out in the Ruling section of this Product Ruling and which entities cannot rely on those tax benefits.

The class of entities who can rely on those tax benefits are referred to as Growers. Growers will be those entities that are accepted to participate in the scheme specified below on or after 11 April 2007, the date this Product Ruling is made and who have executed the relevant Project Agreements set out in paragraph 37 of this Ruling on or before 1 June 2007. They must have a purpose of staying in the scheme until it is completed (that is being a party to the relevant agreements until their term expires), and deriving assessable income from this involvement.

The class of entities who can rely on the tax benefits set out in the Ruling section of this Product Ruling does not include entities who: • intend to terminate their involvement in the scheme prior to its completion, or who otherwise do not intend to derive assessable income from it; • are accepted into this Project before 11 April 2007, the date of this Ruling or after 1 June 2007; • participate in the scheme through offers made other than through the Prospectus & Product Disclosure Statement (PDS); • who enter into finance arrangements with entities associated with this Project, other than those specified in paragraphs 94 to 109 of this Ruling; or • have their application conditionally accepted by the Responsible Entity subject to finance from: - MI Professional Funding Pty Ltd; or - The Responsible Entity under the Loan Agreement for Terms Payment Option, for the payment of the initial fee, where the funds have not been made available to the Responsible Entity by 15 June 2007.

This Product Ruling does not address the provisions of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA 1993). The Tax Office gives no assurance that the product is an appropriate investment for a superannuation fund. The trustees of superannuation funds are advised that no consideration has been given in this Product ruling as to whether investment in this product may contravene the provisions of SISA 1993.

The class of entities defined in this Product Ruling may rely on its contents provided the scheme actually carried out is carried out in accordance with the scheme described in paragraphs 37 to 109 of this Ruling.

If the scheme actually carried out is materially different from the scheme that is described in this Product Ruling, then: • this Product Ruling has no binding effect on the Commissioner because the scheme entered into is not the scheme on which the Commissioner has ruled; and • this Product Ruling may be withdrawn or modified.

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 , no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to: Commonwealth Copyright Administration Attorney General's Department Robert Garran Offices National Circuit Barton ACT 2600 or posted at: http://www.ag.gov.au/cca

This Product Ruling applies prospectively from 11 April 2007, the date this Product Ruling is made. It therefore applies only to the specified class of entities that enter into the scheme from 11 April 2007 until 1 June 2007, being the closing date for entry into the scheme. This Product Ruling provides advice on the availability of tax benefits to the specified class of entities for the income years up to 30 June 2009.

However the Product Ruling only applies to the extent that: • there is no change in the scheme or in the entity's involvement in the scheme; • it is not later withdrawn by notice in the Gazette ; or • the relevant provisions are not amended.

If this Product Ruling is inconsistent with a later public or private ruling, the relevant class of entities may rely on either ruling which applies to them (item 1 of subsection 357-75(1) of Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (TAA)).

If this Product Ruling is inconsistent with an earlier private ruling, the private ruling is taken not to have been made if, when the Product Ruling is made, the following two conditions are met: • the income year or other period to which the rulings relate has not begun; and • the scheme to which the rulings relate has not begun to be carried out.

If the above two conditions do not apply, the relevant class of entities may rely on either ruling which applies to them (item 3 of subsection 357-75(1) of Schedule 1 to the TAA).

Although this Product Ruling deals with the laws enacted at the time it was issued, later amendments to the law may impact on this Product Ruling. Any such changes will take precedence over the application of this Product Ruling and, to the extent of those amendments this Product Ruling will be superseded.

Entities who are considering participating in the scheme are advised to confirm with their taxation adviser that changes in the law have not affected this Product Ruling since it was issued.

Product Rulings were introduced for the purpose of providing certainty about tax consequences for entities in schemes such as this. In keeping with that intention the Tax Office suggests that promoters and advisers ensure that participants are fully informed of any legislative changes after the Product Ruling is issued.

All fees and expenditure referred to in this Product Ruling include the Goods and Services Tax (GST) where applicable. In order for an entity (referred to in this Ruling as a Grower) to be entitled to claim input tax credits for the GST included in its expenditure, it must be registered or required to be registered for GST and hold a valid tax invoice.

Subject to the stated qualifications, this part of the Product Ruling sets out in detail the taxation obligations and benefits for a Grower in the defined class of entities who enters into the scheme described at paragraphs 37 to 109 of this Ruling.

The Grower's participation in the Project must constitute the carrying on of business of primary production. Provided the Project is carried out as described below, the Grower's business of primary production will commence at the time of execution of their Licence Agreements and Management Agreement.

A Grower is not eligible to claim any tax deductions until the Grower's application to enter the Project is accepted and the Project has commenced. Under the terms of the PDS, a Grower's application will not be accepted and the Project will not proceed until the minimum subscription of 100 interests is achieved.

To be an 'STS taxpayer' a Grower must be eligible to be an STS taxpayer and must have elected to be an STS taxpayer (Division 328 of the ITAA 1997). For a Grower participating in the Project, the recognition of income and the timing of tax deductions is different depending on whether the Grower was an STS taxpayer prior to 1 July 2005 and continues to use the cash accounting method (called the 'STS accounting method') - see sections 328-120 and 328-125 of the Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997 .

For such Growers, a reference in this Ruling to an amount being deductible when 'incurred' will mean that amount is deductible when paid and a reference to an amount being included in assessable income when 'derived' will mean that amount is included in assessable income when received.

For the first income year starting on or after 1 July 2005, Subdivision 61-J provides for a tax offset of up to 25% of income tax liability related to the business income of a business in the STS with annual group turnover of less than $75,000. Entitlement to the offset varies depending on the type of entity and is therefore outside the scope of this Ruling.

That part of the gross sales proceeds from the Project attributable to the Grower's produce, less any GST payable on those proceeds (section 17-5), will be assessable income of the Grower under section 6-5.

A Grower may claim tax deductions for the following fees and expenses on a per Lot basis, as set out in the Table below. Fee Type Year ending 30 June 2007 Year ending 30 June 2008 Year ending 30 June 2009 Management Fees $1,322 See Note (i) Nil Nil Olive Orchard Operating Costs Nil $627 See Note (i) $440 See Note (i) Licence Fees See Notes (i) & (ii) $137.50 See Notes (i) & (iii) $137.50 See Notes (i) & (iii) Interest on loans with the Preferred Financier As incurred See Notes (iii) & (iv) As incurred See Notes (iii) & (iv) As incurred See Notes (iii) & (iv) Notes: (i) If the Grower is registered or required to be registered for GST, amounts of outgoing would need to be adjusted as relevant for GST (for example, input tax credits): Division 27. (ii) For the year ended 30 June 2007, the Licence Fee is deductible to the extent of $11.45 per month or part thereof, for the period from the date the Grower is accepted into the Project (Commencement Date) to 30 June 2007. (iii) This Ruling does not apply to Growers who choose to prepay fees or who choose, or who are required to prepay interest under a loan agreement (see paragraphs 121 to 125 of this Ruling). Subject to certain exclusions, amounts that are prepaid for a period that extends beyond the income year in which the expenditure is incurred may be subject to the prepayment provisions in sections 82KZME and 82KZMF of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936). Any Grower who prepays such amounts may request a private ruling on the taxation consequences of their participation in the Project. (iv) The deductibility or otherwise of interest arising from agreements entered into with financiers other than the Preferred Financier, is outside the scope of this Ruling. Prepayments of interest to any lender, including the Preferred Financier, are not covered by this Product Ruling. Growers who enter into agreements with other financiers and/or prepay interest may request a private ruling on the deductibility of the interest incurred.

A Grower may claim tax deductions for the following capital expenses on a per Lot basis: Fee Type Year ending 30 June 2007 Year ending 30 June 2008 Year ending 30 June 2009 Posts and stakes Must be calculated See Notes (i) & (v) STS taxpayers $35 See Notes (i) & (vi) Must be calculated See Notes (i) & (v) STS taxpayers Nil See Notes (i) & (vi) Must be calculated See Notes (i) & (v) STS taxpayers Nil See Notes (i) & (vi) Irrigation $46 See Notes (i) & (vii) STS taxpayers $137 See Notes (i) & (viii) $46 See Notes (i) & (vii) STS taxpayers Nil See Notes (i) & (viii) $45 See Notes (i) & (vii) STS taxpayers Nil See Notes (i) & (viii) Establishment of Olive Trees Nil Nil Must be calculated See Notes (i) & (ix) Notes: (v) For non-STS taxpayers each Grower's interest in the posts and stakes is a 'depreciating asset'. The 'cost' of the asset is the amount paid by the Grower. The decline in value of the asset is calculated using the formula in either subsection 40-70(1) ('diminishing value method') or subsection 40-75(1) ('prime cost method'). Both formulas rely on the 'effective life' of the trellising. There has not been any determination of the 'effective life' of posts and stakes by the Commissioner. Therefore, Growers must self-assess the 'effective life' of posts and stakes (section 40-105). For Growers who are accepted into the Project on or before 1 June 2007, the posts and stakes will be installed and first used during the year ended 30 June 2007. If the combined cost of the posts and stakes for a Grower is less than $1,000, their interest in the trellising will be a 'low cost asset'. A low-cost asset can be allocated to a 'low-value pool'. Once any low-cost asset of a Grower is allocated to a low-value pool, all other low-cost assets the Grower starts to hold in that year or a later year must be allocated to that pool. If the Grower has already allocated an asset to a low-value pool, the posts and stakes would also have to be allocated to that pool. Otherwise, the Grower must decide whether to create a low-value pool. If the asset is allocated to a low-value pool, the capital expenditure on the posts and stakes will be deducted under the diminishing value methodology of the pool based on a rate of 18.75% in the year the posts and stakes is first used and a rate of 37.5% in subsequent years (section 40-440). If the posts and stakes are not allocated to a low-value pool, it can be written off based on the effective life of the asset. (vi) For STS taxpayers a deduction equal to the amount of the Grower's expenditure for the posts and stakes is available in the income year in which they are used or 'installed ready for use'. This is provided the Grower is an STS taxpayer for the income year in which it starts to hold the asset and the income year in which it first uses the asset or has it installed ready for use to produce assessable income and the asset is a 'low cost asset'. Where a Grower acquires multiple interests, the Grower's interest in the stakes and posts may not be a low cost asset as the cost may be $1,000 or greater. For these Growers, their interest in the posts and stakes is a depreciating asset that can be allocated to a 'general STS pool'. The cost of the asset is the amount paid by each Grower. For posts and stakes allocated to a general STS pool the tax deduction allowable is determined in the year ended 30 June 2007 by multiplying the cost of the interest by half the 'general STS pool rate', that is, by 15%. Each Grower's interest in the posts and stakes is allocated to their general STS pool at the end of the financial year ending 30 June 2007 and that part of the cost not deducted in the first year is added to the pool balance. In subsequent years, the full pool rate of 30% will apply. (vii) For non-STS taxpayers an irrigation system, dam or bore is a 'water facility' as defined in subsection 40-520(1), being used primarily and principally for the purpose of conserving or conveying water. A deduction for water facilities is available under Subdivision 40-F, paragraph 40-515(1)(a). This deduction is equal to one-third of the capital expenditure of $137 per Lot incurred by each Grower on the installation of the water facility in the year in which it is incurred and one-third in each of the next 2 years of income (section 40-540). (viii) For STS taxpayers, if the expenditure is on a 'depreciating asset' and the cost apportionable to that depreciating asset is less than $1,000, the asset is treated as a 'low-cost asset' and that amount is deductible in full when the asset is first used or held ready for use. This is provided the Grower is an STS taxpayer for the income year in which it starts to hold the asset and the income year in which it first uses the asset or has it 'installed ready for use' to produce assessable income. If the asset is not treated as a low-cost asset, the tax deduction allowable in the year ending 30 June 2007 is determined by multiplying its cost by half the relevant STS pool rate, that is, by 15%. At the end of the year, it is allocated to the relevant STS pool and in subsequent years the full pool rate of 30% will apply. If the expenditure is not on a depreciating asset, or if the Grower chooses to use Subdivision 40-F, the deductions are claimed under Subdivision 40-F, paragraph 40-515(1)(a). The deduction is equal to one third of the capital expenditure incurred by the Grower on the installation of the water facility, in the year in which it is incurred and one third in each of the next 2 years of income (section 40-540). (ix) The Olive Trees meet the definition of 'horticultural plant' in subsection 40-525(2). As Growers hold the land under a licence, the condition in item 3 of subsection 40-525(2) is met and a deduction for the decline in value of horticultural plants is available under paragraph 40-515(1)(b). The deduction for the Olive Trees is determined using the formula in section 40-545 and is based on the capital expenditure of $299 per Lot incurred by the Grower that is attributable to their establishment. As the Olive Trees have an 'effective life' of 30 years or more, for the purposes of section 40-545, this results in a straight-line write-off at a rate of 7% per annum. The deduction is allowable when the Olive Trees enter their first commercial season (section 40-530, item 2). The Responsible Entity will inform Growers of when the Olive Trees enter their first commercial season.

The shares in Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd are CGT assets (section 108-5) and the amounts paid by a Grower to acquire the shares are an outgoing of capital and not allowable as a deduction.

The amounts paid for each share will represent the first element of the cost base of the share (subsection 110-25(2)). Any disposal of the shares by a Grower will be a CGT event and may give rise to a capital gain or loss.

A Grower who is not an STS taxpayer will, in some years, hold Olives and Olive Oil that will constitute trading stock on hand. Where, in an income year, the value of trading stock on hand at the end of an income year exceeds the value of trading stock on hand at the start of an income year a Grower must include the amount of that excess in assessable income.

Alternatively, where the value of trading stock on hand at the start of an income year exceeds the value of trading stock on hand at the end of an income year, a Grower may claim the amount of that excess as an allowable deduction.

The Responsible Entity will advise the Grower of the value of trading stock on hand at the end of the year.

A Grower who is an STS taxpayer may, in some years, hold Olives and Olive Oil that will constitute trading stock on hand. Where, for such a Grower, for an income year, the difference between the value of all their trading stock at the start and a reasonable estimate of it at the end, is less than $5,000, they do not have to account for that difference under the ordinary trading stock rules in Division 70 (subsection 328-285(1)).

Alternatively, a Grower who is an STS taxpayer may choose to account for trading stock in an income year under the provisions of Division 70 (subsection 328-285(2)).

The Responsible Entity will advise the Grower of the value of the trading stock on hand at the end of the year.

A Grower who is an individual accepted into the Project in the year ended 30 June 2007 may have losses arising from their participation in the Project that would be deferred to a later income year under section 35-10. Subject to the Project being carried out in the manner described above, the Commissioner will exercise the discretion in paragraph 35-55(1)(b) for Growers for the income years ended 30 June 2007 to 30 June 2011 . This conditional exercise of the discretion will allow those losses to be offset against the Grower's other assessable income in the income year in which the losses arise.

For a Grower who commences participation in the Project and incurs expenditure as required by the Licence Agreements and Management Agreement, the following provisions of the ITAA 1936 have application as indicated: • expenditure by a Grower does not fall within the scope of sections 82KZME and 82KZMF (but see paragraphs 121 to 125 of this Ruling); • section 82KL does not apply to deny the deductions otherwise allowable; and • the relevant provisions in Part IVA will not be applied to cancel a tax benefit obtained under a tax law dealt with in this Ruling.

The scheme that is the subject of this Ruling is specified below. This scheme incorporates the following documents: • Application for a Product Ruling received on 26 September 2006 as constituted by the following documents and additional correspondence, including emails, received on 27 September 2006, 29 September 2006, 22 December 2006, 20 February 2007; 28 February 2007, 13 March 2007, 16 March 2007, 23 March 2007 and 30 March 2007. • Prospectus and Product Disclosure Statement of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 dated 24 January 2007; • Constitution of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 received 30 March 2007; • Licence Agreement No. 1 (Commencement Date to 30 June 2012) of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007, between Olive Growers Australia Ltd ('Licensor') and the Grower received 30 March 2007; • Licence Agreement No. 2 (1 July 2012 to 30 June 2017) of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007, between Olive Growers Australia Ltd and the Grower received 30 March 2007; • Licence Agreement No. 3 (1 July 2017 to 30 June 2022) of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007, between Olive Growers Australia Ltd and the Grower received 30 March 2007; • Licence Agreement No. 4 (1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027) of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007, between Olive Growers Australia Ltd and the Grower received 30 March 2007; • Draft Memorandum Of lease between Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd (Landholder) and Olive Growers Australia Ltd (Lessee) received 26 September 2006; • Deed of Variation of Contract between the Vendor and Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd (Purchaser) received 26 September 2006; • Management Agreement of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 between Olive growers Australia Ltd (Responsible Entity) and the Grower received 30 March 2007; • Compliance Plan for the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 received 26 September 2006; • Loan Agreement For Terms Payment Option - 12 Mths Only received 26 September 2006; • Horticultural Report for the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 received 26 September 2006; • Draft Olive Orchard Management Agreement of the Olive Growers Australia Project 2007, between the Responsible Entity and Olive Grove Management Pty Ltd (Olive Orchard Manager) received 26 September 2006; • Assignment of Management Agreement Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 received 26 September 2006; • Assignment of Licence Agreements Olive Growers Australia Project 2007 received 26 September 2006; • Australian Financial Services Licence No. 288838 received 20 February 2007; and • Draft Application for Term Finance for the Preferred Financier, received 29 September 2006. Note: certain information has been provided on a commercial-in-confidence basis and will not be disclosed or released under Freedom of Information legislation.

The documents highlighted are those that a Grower may enter into. For the purposes of describing the scheme to which this Ruling applies, there are no other agreements, whether formal or informal, and whether or not legally enforceable, which a Grower, or any associate of a Grower, will be a party to, which are a part of the scheme. The effect of these agreements is summarised as follows.

All Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) requirements are, or will be, complied with for the term of the agreements. The effect of these agreements is summarised as follows.

The main features of the Project are as follows: Location Coonalpyn, South East of South Australia Type of business to be carried on by each Grower Establish and maintain an olive grove to produce olive oil for sale Term of the Project 20 years Number of hectares offered for cultivation 245 hectares Size of each Lot 0.05 hectares Minimum allocation per Grower Two Lots Minimum subscription 100 Lots Initial cost $3,586 (Management Fee for minimum of two lots) Subscription for one 'C' class share in Landholder $1 of the cost of $1,000 for one share in Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd paid on Application, the balance of $999 payable 1 July 2012 (a minimum of two shares must be acquired) Ongoing costs Annual Management Fees, annual Licence fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs, insurance costs, Harvesting Costs and Processing Costs

The Project will be a registered managed investment scheme under the Corporations Act 2001 . Olive Growers Australia Ltd has been issued with an Australian Financial Service Licence No. 288838 and will be the Responsible Entity for the Project.

The Project will involve the 'Growers', establishing and maintaining an olive grove, for the purpose of producing Olive Oil from the Olives harvested from the Grower's Olive Groves for sale.

An offer to participate in the Project will be made through a combined Prospectus & PDS. The offer under the PDS is for approximately 245 hectares, which corresponds to 4,894 Lots in the Project. In addition, the offer is for shares in the 'Landholder', Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd.

A Grower that participates in the Project will do so by acquiring an interest in the Project, which will consist of a minimum of two Lots, each of 0.05 hectares in size. The Grower must also subscribe for one 'C' class share in the Landholder, for each Lot they acquire.

Applicants execute a Power of Attorney contained in the PDS. The Power of Attorney irrevocably appoints Responsible Entity to enter into, on behalf of the Grower, the Licence Agreements, the Management Agreement and the application for shares in the Landholder.

For the purposes of this Ruling, Applicants who are accepted to participate in the Project and who execute the relevant agreements on or before 1 June 2007 will become 'Applicant Group 1' Growers.

Under terms of the PDS, the interests in the Growers' Lots will be issued after a minimum subscription of 100 Lots has been achieved.

The Responsible Entity is currently leasing Land for the Project that is located about 12 km north of Coonalpyn in South Australia. Specifically, it is described as, Certificate of Title Register Book, Volume 5915, Folio 281, being Allotment 52, Deposited plan 62735, in the area named Coonalpyn Hundred of Lewis.

Water for the Project will come from underground aquifers and the relevant water licences have been obtained to access a sufficient volume of water for the purposes of the Project.

The Constitution establishes the Project and operates as a deed binding on the Growers and the Responsible Entity. The Constitution sets out the terms and conditions under which Olive Growers Australia Ltd agrees to act as the Responsible Entity and thereby manage the Project. Upon acceptance into the Project, Growers are bound by the Constitution by virtue of their participation in the Project.

In order to acquire an interest in the Project, the Grower must make an Application for Lots in accordance with clause 7. Among other things, the Application must be completed in a form approved by the Responsible Entity, signed by or on behalf of the Applicant, lodged at the registered office, or such other place as the Responsible Entity will from time to time determine and accompanied by payment of the Application Fee in a form acceptable to the Responsible Entity.

Under clause 7.11 of the Constitution, the Responsible Entity holds the Application Fee on trust. The Responsible Entity will deposit all Application Fees received from applicants in a Project bank account.

Once the Responsible Entity has accepted the Application and all of the Project documents have been executed and remain in force (clause 7.14) the Application Fee may be transferred and applied against the fees due to the Responsible Entity (clause 7.15).

In summary, the Constitution also sets out provisions relating to: • Fees and expenses (clause 4); • Gross Proceeds (clause 13); • Register of Growers (clause 14); and • Insurance (clause 17).

The Responsible Entity has prepared a Compliance Plan in accordance with the Corporations Law. Under the Compliance Plan, a Compliance Committee will monitor to what extent the Responsible Entity meets its obligations as the Responsible Entity of the Project and if the rights of the Growers are protected.

Under the Memorandum of Lease, Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd (the 'Lessor') leases the Project Land to the Responsible Entity. The Lessor agrees that the Responsible Entity may licence the land or portions of the land without the consent of the Lessor.

In addition, the Lessor agrees to provide, at the Lessor's cost, an adequate water supply to enable the Responsible Entity to irrigate the Growers Olive Groves on the leased land (clause 21.2 of the Memorandum of Lease).

The Responsible Entity, as Licensor, grants a licence to the Grower to a portion of the Project Land (the Grower's Lots) to the Grower for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an olive grove for the production of Olive Oil for sale.

Each Grower will enter into four consecutive Licence Agreements with the Licensor. The first Licence Agreement takes effect from the Commencement Date until 30 June 2012, the second Licence Agreement will be in effect from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2017, the third Licence Agreement will be in effect from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2022 and the fourth Licence Agreement will be in effect from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2027. The Commencement Date being the date the Grower is accepted into the Project.

Each Grower enters into a Management Agreement with the Responsible Entity, contracting the Responsible Entity to establish, manage and maintain the Grower's Lots in accordance with good horticultural practices.

During the Establishment Period, the Responsible Entity will carry out the following activities to establish the olive groves on behalf of the Grower: • preparing that part of the Lot, which can be used to satisfactorily grow Olive Trees, obtaining healthy Olive Trees for planting and planting them on the Grower's Lot (the PDS states that the Responsible Entity will plant approximately 21 trees per Lot, that is, 420 per hectare); • spacing, posting and protecting each olive tree on the Grower's Lot in accordance with good horticultural practices so that Olives can be harvested commercially; and • installing the appropriate irrigation equipment (clause 2).

The Responsible Entity will also provide initial management services during the Establishment Period. These services include: • eradicating vermin; • protecting the Olive Trees from insect infestation; • ridding the Lots of any vegetation re-growth, which might compete for growth with the Olive Trees; • fertilising; and • providing any other services incidental to conduct of the Grower's Business (clause 3 of the Management Agreement and clause 1.1 of the Olive Orchard Management Agreement).

The Establishment Period, for Growers in Applicant Group 1, is defined in the Management Agreement (clause 30) as from the Commencement Date to 30 June 2007.

After the Establishment period, the Responsible Entity will provide ongoing olive orchard maintenance and management services for the Term of the Project. These services include: • pruning the olive trees by such methods as the Responsible Entity reasonably determines; • as permitted by Law, eradicate vermin which have or may cause damage to the Olive Trees or the Grower's Olive Grove and put in place measures to control such vermin; • operating the irrigation system in order to irrigate the Grower's Olive Grove; • fertilising the Grower's Olive Grove as required to maintain satisfactory rates of growth and productivity of the Olive Trees; • destroy any of the Olive Trees, or the Olives, that have contracted an exotic, noxious or incurable disease; • protecting the Olive Trees from insect infestation and competition from competing growth using good horticultural practices, including but not limited to applying herbicides to the Grower's Olive Trees and spraying under the Olive Trees; • monitor the condition of and if necessary repair the tree support, tree protection and irrigation equipment on the Grower's Olive Grove; • regularly inspect the Olive trees; • replace and replant any of the Olive Trees which dies at any time during the first 12 months following planting (clause 2.5); and • any other service or thing, which, in the reasonable opinion of the Responsible Entity, is incidental and/or ancillary to the conduct of the Grower's business.

The Responsible Entity will send a report to the Grower within 90 days of the end of each financial year containing information on matters considered material to the Grower's Business, including harvest and sales results, the Proceeds of Sale and the condition of the Grower's Lots.

In addition, the Responsible Entity must ensure that insurance policies are taken out to cover the destruction or loss of Olive Trees and the Olives and Olive Oil as well as a public liability insurance policy. This is provided cost of insuring the risk is reasonable. Each Grower will pay the Grower's Proportion of the insurance premiums or the premiums will be reimbursed to the Responsible Entity from the Gross Proceeds of the Project (clause 11 of the Management Agreement and clauses 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

Under the Management Agreement, the Responsible Entity must harvest all of the mature Olives grown on the Grower's Lots (clause 5). The Responsible Entity will determine when the harvest will commence by assessing the maturity of the Olives in accordance with good viticultural practices.

Harvesting may be done mechanically or by hand or a combination of both. Until sold, the Responsible Entity will use reasonable endeavours to store the Olives so as to maintain their quality.

The costs of providing the harvesting services will be met from the Grower's payment of Harvesting Costs (clauses 9 and 12), which will be deducted from the Gross Proceeds.

Under the Management Agreement, the Responsible Entity will crush and process the Olives that have been harvested to extract Olive Oil (clause 5).

The Responsible Entity may process the Olives itself or engage a contractor or other person to do so on its behalf.

Until sold, the Responsible Entity will use reasonable endeavours to store the Olive Oil extracted from the Olives during processing in such a manner that its quality is maintained.

The Grower unconditionally appoints the Responsible Entity as its sole and exclusive agent to market and sell the Olive Oil, for the term of the Project (clause 6). The Olives from each Lot in the Project will be pooled and sold, by the Responsible Entity on behalf of the Growers. The Responsible Entity will use all reasonable endeavours to sell the Olive Oil at a price equivalent to the price likely to be paid for Olive Oil of the same type and quality at time of sale.

Under the Olive Orchard Management Agreement, the Responsible Entity will engage the Olive Orchard Manager, Olive Grove Management Pty Ltd, to establish the Growers' Lots and to manage and maintain the Lots on the terms and conditions contained in the Agreement. The Olive Orchard Manager will be subject to the direction of the Responsible Entity in all matters relating to the Olive Orchard Management Agreement.

The Olive Grove Manager will perform services including planting and the installation of irrigation during the Establishment Period. After the Establishment Period the Olive Grove Manager will provide Ongoing Services and Harvesting Services in relation to the Grower's Lots.

The Constitution sets out the circumstances relating to the pooling of Growers' produce and the distribution of proceeds from the sale of the produce. This Product Ruling only applies where the following principles apply to those pooling and distribution arrangements: • only Growers who have contributed produce from a harvest to a pool are entitled to benefit from distributions from the proceeds of sale; and • produce can only be pooled with the produce of Growers who are accepted to participate in the Project.

The Grower's share of the pool or Gross Proceeds is based on the proportion of the Lots they licence in relation to total number of the Lots licensed under the Project.

However, before distribution, the proceeds will be reduced by any of the Grower's fees or costs payable under the Licence Agreements, Management Agreement or amounts payable by the Grower under the Constitution (clause 13.3 of the Constitution).

In the event that a Grower's Lots are destroyed or partially destroyed, the Grower's sale proceeds will be reduced in accordance with the terms of clause 13.3.6 of the Constitution.

Under the Management Agreement and the Licence Agreements the Grower is required to pay the following: • initial fees on application; • Olive Orchard Operating Costs; • annual Management Fees; • annual Licence Fees; • reimbursement of insurance costs; • Harvesting Costs; and • Processing Costs.

For each Grower, an initial fee of $1,793 per Lot, is payable on application (each Grower must subscribe for two Lots). The fee for each Lot consists of: • $299 for initial planting and preparation to be provided by 30 June 2007; • $35 for spacing, posting and protection to be provided by 30 June 2007; • $137 for installing irrigation to be provided by 30 June 2007; and • $1,322 for all other maintenance and management services to be provided by 30 June 2007.

In addition, on application a Licence Fee is payable of $11.45 for each month, or part thereof, for the period from the Commencement Date to 30 June 2007 (item 6 of Schedule 1 to the Licence Agreement No. 1).

The Olive Orchard Operating Costs for the financial year ending 30 June 2008 is $627 payable on 1 July 2007 (clause 12.3 of the Management Agreement).

The Olive Orchard Operating Costs for the financial years ending 30 June 2009 and 30 June 2010 are $440 per year. These amounts are payable by the Grower on 1 July in each financial year.

From 1 July 2010, Olive Orchard Operating Costs will be the actual direct costs incurred by the Olive Orchard Manager (on behalf of the Responsible Entity) in maintaining and managing the Grower's Lot. These costs will be payable from the Grower's Gross Proceeds derived from the Project (item 6 of Schedule 1 to the Management Agreement and clauses 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

From 1 July 2010 until the end of the Project, the Management Fee will be an amount equal to 8.25% of the Grower's Proportion of the Gross Proceeds and will be deducted from these proceeds (item 5 of Schedule 1 to the Management Agreement and clauses 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

For the financial year beginning 1 July 2007 and the following four financial years, a Licence Fee of $137.50 is payable in advance on 1 July of each financial year (item 6 of Schedule 1 to the Licence Agreement No. 1 and clauses 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution). For the financial year beginning 1 July 2012 and each succeeding financial year, the Licence Fee payable by all Growers will be an amount equal to 4.95% of the Grower's Proportion of the Gross Proceeds for the period commencing on 1 July of each financial year (item 6 of Schedule 1 to the Licence Agreements No. 2, No. 3, No. 4 and clauses 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

The Grower's Proportion of the cost of insurance taken out by the Responsible Entity on behalf of the Growers will be reimbursable to the Responsible Entity from the Grower's Gross Proceeds (clause 11 of the Management Agreement and clauses 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

Harvesting Costs will be deducted from the Grower's Proportion of the Gross Proceeds commencing on 1 July immediately following the first harvest and thereafter on 1 July immediately following each succeeding harvest (item 7 of Schedule 1 to the Management Agreement and clause 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

Processing Costs will be deducted from the Grower's Proportion of the Gross Proceeds commencing on 1 July immediately following the first harvest and thereafter on 1 July immediately following each succeeding harvest (item 7 of Schedule 1 to the Management Agreement and clause 9.7 and 13.3 of the Constitution).

The Gross Proceeds from the sale of the Olive Oil will be paid into a Gross Proceeds Account to be established by the Responsible Entity. From 1 July 2010 Olive Orchard Operating Costs, annual Management Fees, insurance costs, Harvesting Costs and Processing Costs will be deducted from the Gross Proceeds before the proceeds are distributed to the Grower. From 1 July 2012, Licence Fees will also be deducted from these proceeds.

If Gross Proceeds are insufficient to pay any fees in any financial year, the Grower will either be required to pay the amount of the excess, or if the Responsible Entity chooses, the amount will be carried forward to be deducted in a later financial year. The maximum period that such amounts will be carried over is two years, after which Growers will be required to pay any amounts outstanding. No amount may be carried forward beyond the final year of the Project (clause 13.3 of the Constitution).

Each Grower must also subscribe for a share in the Landholder, Carcuma Land Holdings Ltd, for each Lot. The cost of each share is $1,000 of which $1 is payable on application and $999 on 1 July 2012.

A Grower who does not pay the initial fee in full upon application can enter into a Terms Payment Option with the Responsible Entity; borrow from MI Professional Funding Pty Ltd as the Preferred Financier, or from an independent lender external to the Project.

Only the finance arrangements set out below are covered by this Product Ruling. A Grower cannot rely on this Product Ruling if they enter into a finance arrangement with the Preferred Financier that materially differs from that set out in the documentation provided to the Tax Office with the application for this Product Ruling. A Grower who enters into a finance arrangement with an independent lender external to the Project other than the Preferred Financier may request a private ruling on the deductibility or otherwise of interest incurred under finance arrangements not covered by this Product Ruling.

Growers cannot rely on any part of this Ruling if the initial fee is not paid in full on or before 1 June 2007 by the Grower or, on the Grower's behalf, by: • MI Professional Funding Pty Ltd; or • The Responsible Entity under the Loan Agreement for Terms Payment Option.

Where an application is accepted subject to finance approval by any lending institution other than MI Professional Funding Pty Ltd or the responsible Entity under the Loan Agreement for Terms Payment Option, Growers cannot rely on this ruling if written evidence of that approval has not been given to the Responsible Entity by the lending institution by 1 June 2007.

Where the Responsible Entity accepts an application from a Grower to pay the initial fee under the 'Loan Agreement for Terms Payment Option - 12 Mths Only', the amount is payable by: • 11 monthly instalments of $201.66; and • 1 final monthly payment of $201.74.

The monthly instalments are paid by direct debit commencing on 30 June 2007. The full amount of the initial fees must be paid no later than 12 months from the date the Grower is accepted to participate in the Project.

If a Grower does not pay the required instalments under the terms payment option, the Responsible Entity will undertake action to recover the debt. The Responsible Entity may take legal proceedings to recover the amount due, including, resuming all rights and interest, which the Grower has in their Lots.

The Grower is liable for the stamp duty payable under this option.

The Responsible Entity will offer loans on a full-recourse commercial basis only to the extent it has funds available to lend to the Growers.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Application for Term Finance a Grower can finance the cost of their initial fee by borrowing that amount from the Preferred Financier.

Subject to the Preferred Financier accepting the Grower's application, the Grower will be bound by the terms and conditions of the Term of Loan Deed.

The loans offered are: Principal and interest loans • 2 years of monthly principal and interest payments, with an interest rate of 10.5% per annum - variable; • 3 years of monthly principal and interest payments, with an interest rate of 10.95% per annum - variable; • 4 years of monthly principal and interest payments, with an interest rate of 10.95% per annum - variable; • 5 years of monthly principal and interest payments, with an interest rate of 10.95% per annum - variable; • 7 years of monthly principal and interest payments, with an interest rate of 11% per annum - variable; or • 10 years of monthly principal and interest payments, with an interest rate of 11.5% per annum - variable. Principal and interest loans that include an interest only period • 1 year of monthly interest only payments, followed by 2 years of monthly principal and interest repayments with an interest rate of 10.95% per annum - variable; • 2 years of monthly interest only payments, followed by 2 years of monthly principal and interest repayments with an interest rate of 10.95% per annum - variable; • 2 years of monthly interest only payments, followed by 3 years of monthly principal and interest repayments with an interest rate of 10.95% per annum - variable; • 3 years of monthly interest only payments, followed by 4 years of monthly principal and interest repayments with an interest rate of 11% per annum - variable; or • 3 years of monthly interest only payments, followed by 7 years of monthly principal and interest repayments with an interest rate of 11.5% per annum - variable.

The repayments are due monthly in arrears over the term of the loan commencing on 31 July 2007.

There is no loan application fee.

The loan will be secured by a fixed charge over the Grower's right, title and interest in the Lots and the Project documents. The loan is on a full recourse basis and recovery action will be taken in respect of any default.

This Ruling does not apply if the finance arrangement entered into by the Grower includes or has any of the following features: • there are split loan features of a type referred to in Taxation Ruling TR 98/22; • there are indemnity arrangements or other collateral agreements in relation to the loan designed to limit the borrower's risk; • 'additional benefits' are or will be granted to the borrowers for the purpose of section 82KL of the ITAA 1936 or the funding arrangements transform the Project into a 'scheme' to which Part IVA of the ITAA 1936 may apply; • the loan or rate of interest is non-arm's length; • repayments of the principal and payments of interest are linked to the derivation of income from the Project; • the funds borrowed, or any part of them, will not be available for the conduct of the Project but will be transferred (by any mechanism, directly or indirectly) back to the lender or any associate of the lender; • lenders do not have the capacity under the loan agreement, or a genuine intention, to take legal action against defaulting borrowers; or • entities associated with the Project, other than Olive Growers Australia Ltd or the Preferred Financier, are involved or become involved in the provision of finance to Growers for the Project.

For the amounts set out in paragraphs 25 and 26 of this Ruling to constitute allowable deductions the Grower's horticultural activities as a participant in the Project must amount to the carrying on of a business of primary production.

Two Taxation Rulings are relevant in determining whether a Grower will be carrying on of a business of primary production.

The general indicators used by the Courts are set out in Taxation Ruling TR 97/11 Income tax: am I carrying on a business of primary production?

Taxation Ruling TR 2000/8 Income tax: investment schemes, particularly paragraph 89, is more specific to arrangements such as the Project. As Taxation Ruling TR 2000/8 sets out, the relevant principles have been established in court decisions such as Commissioner of Taxation v. Lau (1984) 6 FCR 202; 84 ATC 4929; (1984) 16 ATR 55.

Having applied these principles to the arrangement set out above, a Grower in the Project is accepted to be carrying on a business of cultivating Olive Trees and processing the Olives for sale.

Subdivision 328-F sets out the eligibility requirements that a Grower must satisfy in order to enter the STS and Subdivision 328-G sets out the rules for entering and leaving the STS.

Changes to the STS rules apply from 1 July 2005. The question of whether a Grower is eligible to be an STS taxpayer is outside the scope of this Product Ruling (but refer to Taxation Ruling TR 2002/6 and Taxation Ruling TR 2002/11). Therefore, any Grower who relies on those parts of this Ruling that refer to the STS will be assumed to have correctly determined whether or not they are eligible to be an STS taxpayer.

The Management Fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs and Licence Fees are deductible under section 8-1 (see paragraphs 43 and 44 of TR 2000/8). A 'non-income producing' purpose (see paragraphs 47 and 48 of TR 2000/8) is not identifiable in the arrangement and there is no capital component evident in the Management Fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs and Licence Fees (see paragraphs 49 to 51 of TR 2000/8).

The tests of deductibility under the first limb of section 8-1 are met. The exclusions do not apply. Provided that the prepayment provisions do not apply (see paragraphs 121 to 125 of this Ruling) a deduction for these amounts can be claimed in the year in which they are incurred (Note: The meaning of incurred is explained in Taxation Ruling TR 97/7).

Some Growers may finance their participation in the Project through a loan agreement with the Preferred Financier. Applying the same principles as that used for the Management Fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs and Licence Fees, interest incurred under such a loan has sufficient connection with the gaining of assessable income to be deductible under section 8-1.

Other than where the prepayment provisions apply (see paragraphs 121 to 125 of this Ruling), a Grower can claim a deduction for such interest in the year in which it is incurred.

The prepayment provisions contained in Subdivision H of Division 3 of Part III of the ITAA 1936 affect the timing of deductions for certain prepaid expenditure. These provisions apply to certain expenditure incurred under an agreement in return for the doing of a thing under the agreement (for example, the performance of management services or the leasing of land) that will not be wholly done within the same year of income as the year in which the expenditure is incurred. If expenditure is incurred to cover the provision of services to be provided within the same year, then it is not expenditure to which the prepayment rules apply.

For this Project, the only prepayment provisions that are relevant are section 82KZL of the ITAA 1936 (an interpretive provision) and sections 82KZME and 82KZMF of the ITAA 1936 (operative provisions).

Under the scheme to which this Product Ruling applies Management Fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs and Licence Fees are incurred annually and the interest payable to the Preferred Financier is incurred monthly in arrears. Accordingly, the prepayment provisions in sections 82KZME and 82KZMF of the ITAA 1936 have no application to this scheme.

However, sections 82KZME and 82KZMF of the ITAA 1936 may have relevance if a Grower in this Project prepays all or some of the expenditure payable under the Management Agreement and/or Licence Agreements, or prepays interest under a loan agreement (including loan agreements with lenders other than the Preferred Financier). Where such a prepayment is made, these prepayment provisions will also apply to STS taxpayers because there is no specific exclusion contained in section 82KZME that excludes them from the operation of section 82KZMF.

As noted in the Ruling section above, Growers who prepay fees or interest are not covered by this Product Ruling and may instead request a private ruling on the tax consequences of their participation in this Project.

Any part of the expenditure of a Grower that is attributable to acquiring an asset or advantage of an enduring kind is generally capital or capital in nature and will not be an allowable deduction under section 8-1. In this Project, expenditure attributable to posts and stakes, irrigation and the establishment of the Olive Trees is of a capital nature. This expenditure falls for consideration under Division 40 or Division 328. The application and extent to which a Grower claims deductions under Division 40 and Division 328 depends on whether or not the Grower is an STS taxpayer. The tax treatment of capital expenditure has been dealt with in a representative way in paragraphs 26 to 28 of this Ruling.

In deciding to exercise the discretion in paragraph 35-55(1)(b) on a conditional basis for the years ending 30 June 2007 to 30 June 2011, the Commissioner has determined that for those income years: • it is because of its nature the business activity of a Grower will not satisfy one of the four tests in Division 35; and • there is an objective expectation that within a period that is commercially viable for the olive cultivation and processing industry, a Grower's business activity will satisfy one of the four tests set out in Division 35 or produce a taxation profit.

A Grower who would otherwise be required to defer a loss arising from their participation in the Project under subsection 35-10(2) until a later income year is able to offset that loss against their other assessable income.

The exercise of the Commissioner's discretion under paragraph 35-55(1)(b) is conditional on the Project being carried on in the manner described in this Ruling during the income years specified. If the Project is carried out in a materially different way to that described in the Ruling a Grower will need to apply for a private ruling on the application of section 35-55 to those changed circumstances.

The operation of section 82KL of the ITAA 1936 depends, among other things, on the identification of a certain quantum of 'additional benefits(s)'. Insufficient additional benefits will be provided to trigger the application of section 82KL of the ITAA 1936. It will not apply to deny the deduction otherwise allowable under section 8-1 of the ITAA 1997.

For Part IVA of the ITAA 1936 to apply there must be a 'scheme' (section 177A), a 'tax benefit' (section 177C) and a dominant purpose of entering into the scheme to obtain a tax benefit (section 177D).

The Project will be a scheme. A Grower will obtain a tax benefit from entering into the scheme, in the form of tax deductions for the amounts detailed at paragraphs 25 and 26 of this Ruling that would not have been obtained but for the scheme. However, it is not possible to conclude the scheme will be entered into or carried out with the dominant purpose of obtaining this tax benefit.

Growers to whom this Ruling applies intend to stay in the scheme for its full term and derive assessable income from the sale of Olive Oil. There are no facts that would suggest that Growers have the opportunity of obtaining a tax advantage other than the tax advantages identified in this Ruling. There is no non-recourse financing or round robin characteristics, and no indication that the parties are not dealing at arm's length or, if any parties are not dealing at arm's length, that any adverse tax consequences result. Further, having regard to the factors to be considered under paragraph 177D(b) of the ITAA 1936 it cannot be concluded, on the information available, that participants will enter into the scheme for the dominant purpose of obtaining a tax benefit.

The following is a detailed contents list for this Ruling: Paragraph What this Product Ruling is about 1 Class of entities 2 Superannuation Industry (Supervision Act) 1993 5 Qualifications 6 Date of effect 9 Changes in the law 14 Note to promoters and advisers 16 Goods and Services Tax 17 Ruling 18 Application of this Ruling 18 Minimum subscription 20 The Simplified Tax System (STS) 21 Division 328 21 25% entrepreneurs tax offset 23 Subdivision 61-J 23 Assessable income 24 Section 6-5 and section 17-5 24 Deductions for Management Fees, Licence Fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs and interest on loans with the Preferred Financier 25 Section 8-1 and Division 27 25 Deductions for capital expenditure 26 Division 40 and Subdivision 328-D 26 Shares 27 Trading stock 29 Section 70-35 29 Section 328-285 32 Division 35 - deferral of losses from non-commercial business activities 35 Section 35-55 - exercise of Commissioner's discretion 35 Prepayment provisions and anti-avoidance provisions 36 Sections 82KZME, 82KZMF and 82KL and Part IVA 36 Scheme 37 Overview 40 Constitution 50 Compliance Plan 55 Leases 56 Licence Agreements 58 Management Agreement 60 Harvesting 67 Processing 70 Sale of Olive Oil 73 Olive Orchard Management Agreement 74 Pooling of Crops and Grower's entitlement to proceeds 76 Fees 80 Initial Fees on Application 81 Olive Orchard Operating Costs 83 Annual Management Fees 86 Annual Licence Fees 87 Reimbursement of Insurance Costs 88 Harvesting Costs 89 Processing Costs 90 Fees and costs that are deducted from Gross Proceeds 91 Shares 93 Finance 94 Loan Agreement for Terms Payment Option 98 Finance offered by the Preferred Financier 103 Appendix 1 - Explanation 110 Is the Grower carrying on a business? 110 The Simplified Tax System 115 Division 328 115 Deductions for Management Fees, Olive Orchard Operating Costs, Licence Fees and interest on loans with the Preferred Financier 117 Section 8-1 117 Prepayment provisions 121 Sections 82KZL to 82KZMF 121 Application of the prepayments provisions to this Project 123 Expenditure of a capital nature 126 Division 40 and Division 328 126 Deferral of losses from non-commercial business activities and the Commissioner's discretion 127 Sections 35-10 and 35-55 127 Section 82KL - recouped expenditure 130 Part IVA - general tax avoidance provisions 131 Appendix 2 - Detailed contents list 134