A new research program to help growers unlock value.

One million tonnes of fresh produce never makes it off Australian farms each year (FIAL, 2021), with growers reporting average food loss and waste rates of 20% per farm (ABARES, 2025).

End Food Waste Australia and Hort Innovation are leading a new research project to help growers maximise first-grade produce, unlock new markets for second- and third-grade produce, and develop farm-ready resources to reduce food waste and get more value from every crop. 

Have your say! Cosmetic Specificiations Survey
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About the program
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Maximise every harvest


This new research program puts growers at the centre of national on-farm trials designed to measure where losses occur, test practical ways to lift utilisation from each harvest, review product specifications, identify commercially viable pathways for surplus and out-of-spec produce, and develop farm-ready resources.
Watch the video to learn more about growers saving food and new research for more people to get involved.
About the program

In consultation with growers and industry, this research aims to: 

1. Close the gap between consumer preferences and tolerances and produce specifications.

  • Review of fresh produce specification 
  • Consumer testing and focus groups 
  • Economic modelling 
  • Trials  

2. Demonstrate commercially viable options for value-adding surplus and out-of-spec produce.

  • Alternative fresh markets 
  • Value-added food products 
  • Value-added animal feed and soil amendment products 

3. Develop farm-ready training and resources to unlock value

  • Evidence-informed on-farm food waste measurement techniques. 
  • Development of training materials and piloting with growers 
  • Online grower knowledge hub. 
Supported By

This program Reducing on-farm food waste and unlocking its value for grower profitability and sustainability is funded through Hort Innovations Frontiers with co-investment from End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, who research activities are funded by the Australian Government’s Cooperative Research (CRC) Program, Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the University of Queensland. 

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COSMETIC SPECIFICATIONS SURVEY

What are the top 3 cosmetic specifications that cause the most downgrades for your crop?

We know that cosmetic specifications are an important part of horticulture, helping to maintain consistency for markets, retailers and consumers.  However, these specifications can inadvertently lead to high-quality, edible produce being excluded from markets and losing premium value they could attract.

Growers and industry stakeholders are invited to complete a short survey to share what cosmetic specifications are most impacting you and the crops you produce. Your input will contribute to wider industry engagement and consultation informing this research.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

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Other ways to take action

Discover the Australian Food Pact and how you can become part of the plan to end food waste and create a more sustainable future.

Learn More

Sector Action Plans.

Browse our Sector Action Plans for the breakdown of specific food waste sectors, and how we are targeting them with customised strategies.

Learn More

Our research.

We have a world leading Cooperative Research Centre. As global thought leaders, we are always looking for the next generation of future leaders.

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