S2E11. From Waste to Paste

What happens when a date lover and a doctor meet and find a shared passion for reducing food waste? 

After the deterioration of water quality and the onset of the millennium drought in the early '90s, Dave Reilly pivoted from growing vegetables to wine grapes and eventually to date palms due to their high salt tolerance - a decision that would significantly shape their future endeavours. Dave recounts how they began in 1998 when he used offshoots from historic trees and recognised cultivars for better market possibilities. Listen in to this fascinating conversation as Jo and Dave talk about how he is turning their not-so-perfect dates into sustainable products. Within Dave’s story, you can hear about: 

• How he undertook rigorous training and incorporated worldwide knowledge in tissue culture propagation, even setting up their own micropropagation facility. 

• The importance of Dave securing an Australian Nuffield Farming Scholarship, allowing him to travel and explore processing methods for dates. This exposure led to their investment in date-paste production equipment. Date paste, commonly used as an ingredient in snack bars and baked goods, became a lucrative avenue for these "second-grade" dates. 

• Challenges such as fruit fly restrictions impacting market access, especially to Adelaide and Perth. 

Gurra Down Dates is not just about growing a niche crop but fundamentally transforming how we perceive and utilise food waste. As Dave concluded by expressing a keen outlook for future prospects, it’s evident that this innovative approach will inspire many into the future of the fight against food waste. 

For more information on Gurra Down Dates, visit their website at www.gurradowns.com.au. To keep the conversation on food waste going, or if you have inspiring stories to share, subscribe and reach out to Food Waste Matters at [email protected]. Every bit counts in the fight against food waste. Let's be part of the solution. 

A big thank you to Dave Reilly for his time and a big thank you for joining us for this episode. 

This podcast is brought to you by Honey & Fox, whose passion is food and the people who produce it. Honey & Fox works with fishers, farmers and small food businesses to help them find and sell to their perfect customers – people who will buy without questioning the price.  Find out more at www.honeyandfox.com.au. 

This podcast is supported by End Food Waste Australia, which is leading impactful and research-informed food waste actions. To learn more about how they are working toward a more sustainable future, please visit ⁠www.endfoodwaste.com.au⁠.