Survey of food waste generated by Western Australian fruit and vegetable producers: Options for minimization and utilization

Food waste in Australia is estimated to cost around AUS$8 billion annually. This large unacceptable amount of wastage results in significant economic losses, inefficient use of resources and the adverse impact on the environmental. The present study collects primary data via a specifically designed questionnaire that was circulated around the 19 major farmers (fruits and vegetables) markets located around Western Australia. A total of 88 growers’ participated in the survey. The survey consisted of 12 targeted questions that collected participant demography and farming practices. The questionnaire also focused on reasons for not harvesting or selling produce, how waste is currently handled, options for reducing waste and approaches to better utilize fruit and vegetable wastes. An important issue identified by the survey was the need for consumer education that is specifically aimed at promoting the consumption of produce with cosmetic defects. The rejection of produce on purely visual appearance was found to be a major cause for food wastage