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Eliminate Food Waste in
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Reducing Waste - Supporting Farmers
Feeding Communities
Supporting Victoria’s Farmers and Reducing Food Waste.
At Matta Australia Pty Ltd, we believe that every farmer, every crop, and every meal counts. Our mission is to reduce food waste from Victorian agricultural farms and retail stores by providing innovative solutions for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike. By fostering stronger connections, sharing resources, and leveraging technology, we aim to create a zero-waste future for Victoria.
Together, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous food ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Mission & Vision
Zero Waste from Farm to Table
Our vision is simple—Zero Agricultural Food Waste in Victoria. We aim to connect farmers, buyers, consumers, and communities through a data-driven platform that helps prevent food wastage while supporting local farmers and boosting the economy.
Our goals include:
Australian agriculture Outlook - 2024-25
Australia's agricultural sector is projected to experience a robust year in 2025, with significant growth in production and export values across various commodities.
Farming in Australia: A Brief Overview
Farming in Australia is a critical part of the nation's economy, with a variety of agricultural activities taking place across the vast landscape. The country’s agriculture is known for producing High-quality crops, Livestock and Food products often for export to international markets. The climate varies from tropical and arid to temperate, which influences what crops and livestock can be raised in different regions.
Major Crops in Australia:

Wheat

Australia is one of the world’s largest wheat producers. Most wheat is grown in the grain belt, which spans southern Australia.

Barley

Grown mainly in Western Australia and South Australia, barley is used for food products and as animal feed.

Sugar Cane

Grown in the tropical climates of Queensland and New South Wales.

Cotton

Australia is a significant producer of cotton, especially in New South Wales and Queensland.

Canola

Grown mainly in Western Australia, South Australia, and Victoria.

Fruit (Citrus, Apples, Grapes)

Grown in various parts of the country with major fruit-growing regions like the Riverina, Swan Hill, and the Adelaide Hills.

Vegetables

A range of vegetables are grown in Australia including potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, and onions.

Wine Grapes

Australia's wine regions, such as the Barossa Valley, produce some of the best wines in the world.

Chickpeas and Lentils

These pulse crops are a growing export commodity, particularly from regions like New South Wales and South Australia.

Livestock

While not a crop, livestock farming is equally important, with cattle, sheep, and poultry being raised for both domestic consumption and export.

Farm-to-Consumer Direct Sales

By cutting out middlemen, farmers can sell directly to buyers and reduce food waste.

Food Donation Networks

Surplus food is donated to food banks and charities, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste.

Food Production and Logistics in Australia
Australia's food production and logistics system is a complex network involving several key components:

Production

Farmers cultivate a wide range of crops across various regions, utilizing advanced agricultural practices to maximize yield and quality.

Processing

After harvest, crops are transported to processing facilities where they are cleaned, packaged, and prepared for distribution.

Food Waste Reduction Target

Victoria aims to halve food waste by 2030, reducing it from 2.4 million tonnes to 1.2 million tonnes through strategies like food rescue and shelf-life extension.

Economic Impact of Food Waste

The state currently loses $6 billion annually due to food waste, contributing to 3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions and wasting 29 billion litres of water.

Resilience in Agriculture

Despite production challenges, Victoria’s crop yields remain 9% above the 10-year average, showing resilience in its agricultural sector.
How Farmers Meet Food Demand for the Population
Farmers play a crucial role in meeting the food demand of the population. As the global population continues to grow, farmers must adapt to the changing needs of consumers while ensuring sustainable practices for future generations. Through various strategies and technologies, they strive to keep food supply consistent and reliable.

Increasing Crop Yields:

Farmers use modern agricultural practices like genetically modified seeds, advanced irrigation, and fertilization techniques to increase crop yields. Improved technology ensures that the same amount of land can produce more food, which helps feed more people.

Diversifying Crop Production

Farmers plant a variety of crops to meet diverse nutritional needs and reduce dependency on a single type of food. This includes growing grains, vegetables, fruits, and pulses like wheat, barley, chickpeas, and lentils alongside livestock.

Sustainable Farming Practices:

Farmers focus on sustainable practices, such as crop rotation and organic farming, to maintain soil health and reduce the environmental impact of food production. These practices help preserve the land for future generations while maintaining high food production levels.

Adoption of Technology

Drones, AI, and sensors are used to monitor crop health, manage resources efficiently, and forecast weather patterns. This helps farmers make informed decisions that boost crop productivity. Automated machinery and robotics in the field also reduce the labor needed and improve efficiency.

Managing Supply Chain & Logistics

Farmers use advanced storage and transportation systems to ensure that food is distributed efficiently, minimizing waste and ensuring fresh produce reaches consumers. Cold storage facilities and transport networks are key in reducing spoilage, especially for perishable items like fruits and vegetables.

Improved Water Management

Efficient water management systems like drip irrigation help farmers use water more effectively, especially in areas where water resources are limited. Conservation efforts ensure a consistent water supply for irrigation, vital for crop production.

Local Farming and Urban Agriculture

Urban farming and local agriculture have gained popularity, reducing the distance between farms and cities and ensuring fresh food availability. Farmers in urban areas are cultivating vegetables, herbs, and even fish to meet local demand.

Food Waste Reduction

Farmers work on improving food preservation methods and reducing food waste. This ensures that the food produced is used efficiently and not wasted. Partnerships with food banks and charities help in distributing excess food to those in need.

Government Support and Policies

Government policies and subsidies often support farmers in scaling production and adopting new technologies. These policies ensure that farmers remain economically viable and can continue producing enough food for the population.

Farmers Supporting Food Production in Victoria
Victoria is one of Australia's key agricultural regions, with a variety of farmers working tirelessly to produce food for both domestic consumption and export. These farmers grow a wide range of crops and raise livestock across the state's diverse climates, landscapes, and soil types.
In Victoria, the number of farmers varies by region, but there are approximately 20,000 farms across the state. These farms are spread across rural and regional areas, and they produce everything from grains, vegetables, and fruits to dairy and livestock.
Major Crops by Region in Victoria
Yarra Valley

Crops: Wine grapes, apples, berries, and vegetables.
Description: The Yarra Valley is a renowned wine-producing region. It’s also known for high-quality apples and berries. The region's cool climate is ideal for these crops.

Shepparton

Crops: Fruit (particularly stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines), vegetables (including onions and carrots), and dairy.
Description: Shepparton is one of Australia's largest food-producing areas. It is often referred to as the "Food Bowl" of Victoria due to its fertile soils and irrigation systems.

Phillip Island

Crops: Potatoes, vegetables, and dairy.
Description: Known for potato farming, this region also produces vegetables and dairy products. The coastal climate supports crops like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.

Lakes Entrance

Crops: Seafood (fishing) and vegetables. (including onions and carrots), and dairy.
Description: Located on the coast, this region is famous for seafood production, especially prawns, and also produces some local vegetables.

Gippsland

Crops: Dairy, vegetables, and beef cattle.
Description: Gippsland is a major dairy-producing region in Victoria. It also grows vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, and cauliflower, and has large-scale beef and lamb production.

Warburton

Crops:Fruit trees (apples, pears), and some vegetables.
Description: Warburton is located in the Yarra Ranges and is known for its apple and pear orchards. The cool climate is perfect for these fruit crops.

Coolart (near the 12 Apostles)

Crops:Dairy and beef cattle.
Description: The region near the Twelve Apostles is home to grazing land used for beef and dairy production. The natural environment supports large herds of cattle.

Grampians

Crops:Wine grapes, olives, and grazing land for sheep and cattle.
Description: The Grampians region has a unique climate that supports vineyards and olive groves. Sheep and cattle grazing also occurs throughout the area.

Alpine National Park

Crops:Limited due to the mountainous terrain, but small-scale orchards and livestock (sheep, alpacas).
Description: The Alpine region is known for its rugged terrain and harsh winters, which limits crop production. However, small-scale farming operations include orchards and livestock grazing.

Mount Buller & Mount Hotham

Crops:Limited crop production; mainly livestock grazing (sheep and cattle).
Description: These high-altitude regions are primarily known for grazing sheep and cattle due to their mountainous landscapes.

Healesville

Crops:Wine grapes, apples, and berries..
Description: Located in the Yarra Valley, Healesville is known for its wine production, as well as its apple and berry farming.

Dandenong Ranges

Crops: Orchards (apples, berries), vegetables, and flowers.
Description: The Dandenong Ranges is home to fruit and vegetable farming, as well as flower growing. The climate supports the cultivation of apples, berries, and a variety of ornamental plants.

Dairy: 63%
Grains: 20% (estimated based on wheat production contribution)
Horticulture: 10% (estimated from the $3.5 billion value)
Livestock: 5% (estimated contribution from beef, sheep, poultry)
Wine: 2% (estimated from wine production contribution)
Victoria's Agricultural Landscape - 2024 Statistics
Get Involved
Be Part of the Solution
Whether you’re a farmer, a consumer, a business, or someone passionate about reducing food waste,
there’s a way for you to make a difference. Here are some ways you can help:
Farmers

Post your available crops, hire workers, and reduce waste.

Consumers

Pre-order crops, support local farmers, and donate to food banks.

Businesses

Join our network to buy crops directly from farmers and reduce waste in your supply chain.

Volunteers

Help distribute surplus food to those in need.

Join the Mission:
Stop Food Waste in Victoria!
Victoria faces rising food waste and costs, impacting farmers, retailers, and the environment. Join our mission to reduce waste, improve food distribution, and create a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference! ♻️🍽️
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