After years spent working in the hospitality industry, David Sivyer left Sydney to return to work on his family’s farm. It was there that he had the idea for Feedback Organic, to use the food waste that he knew was so abundant in restaurants and cafes as a resource. Scraps and spoilage could be turned into compost and used to condition the farm’s soil. Plus, composting reduces the production of greenhouse gases that occurs when organic matter is sent to landfill. Not only could this food waste yield more food, but it would be better for the planet too.

David started a collection service around Maitland, talking about the potential of food waste with chefs and business owners who agreed that there must be a better way. Soon he discovered that Feedback Organic wasn’t just making compost. It was building a community and spreading awareness of the importance of sustainable food systems.

Today, Feedback Organic has grown into a not for profit that converts food waste into produce and runs behaviour change programs that champion circular urban agriculture. Our accessible, collaborative and engaging programs reconnect people with the value of food. On urban farms David and our team of young farmers and volunteers create community-based solutions to the social issues of food waste and unsustainable food production. Food waste becomes nutrient-rich compost which grows produce that is sold back to the community whose soil we share.

Feedback Organic have partnered with OzHarvest, the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, BioPak, BioBag, Remondis, the NSW Environmental Protection, local councils, cafes and restaurants to make this happen. We’re doing it because a third of food in Australia, and the world, is wasted and contributes to just under 10% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.

But we can be a part of the solution. Together we can change behaviours and build a better food system by supporting local approaches to global issues. Together we can grow food’s future.