The product is becoming increasingly valued by large-scale vegetable producers like Vic Grow Garden for the soil health benefits generated from the rich organic matter in its feedstock. Valoriza processes garden and food organic waste from its local council customers, food manufacturers and other commercial food generation sources, to produce the in-demand soil conditioner that promotes a more circular approach to food production.
Large volumes of reliable, low contaminated feedstock are central to the operation. Household FOGO waste collections provide a reliable baseline, but growth to meet market demand depends on expanding commercial food waste intake. These streams offer greater control over quality and lower contamination, making them particularly valuable for producing certified soil products suited to end markets, such as intensive horticulture.
Vic Grow Garden, operating market gardens across Lang Lang and Somerville in Victoria, values soil health to underpin every aspect of food production. The business grows spring onions, herbs and Asian greens across approximately 500 acres, supplying wholesale food markets nationwide. Maintaining consistent output requires careful management of soil condition, particularly under variable weather and demanding production schedules.
Over the past eight months, Vic Grow Garden has incorporated Valoriza’s soil conditioner into its growing program, applying it almost weekly across both sites. The product was selected for its accreditation, availability and clean feedstock, providing confidence in its consistency and suitability for high-volume vegetable production.
This shift reflects a broader move away from traditional inputs such as manure, towards more controlled and reliable materials. Improved soil structure, increased organic matter, and better moisture retention have contributed to more stable crop performance and better resilience under increasingly unpredictable growing conditions.
“We had a contractor who spreads our manures and composts, and he put us in touch with Valoriza. Keen to work together, we started with smaller volumes but quickly increased our supply intake as our soil health began to lift immediately,” said Chris Dyker, operations manager at Vic Grow Garden.
“We spread the soil conditioner across the crops and work it into the ground. It blends into the soil and helps regenerate it by putting organic matter back in. We don’t apply it on top of vegetables; it’s incorporated before planting. If we didn’t use it, we’d be looking at going back to chicken manure or similar, which now comes with greater food safety compliance and cost.”
The benefits extend beyond productivity. Processed and treated soil conditioners offer a lower contamination risk compared to traditional organic inputs, an important consideration for a business supplying major markets. The consistency of the product also supports planning, allowing the farm to maintain reliable output across varying seasonal conditions.
“Valoriza’s soil conditioner is better for the soil and the environment,” Dyker said. “It’s also safer for people to handle. With manure, you are exposed to health risks like salmonella. This is a cleaner product and we’re getting good results from its use.”
