David Matthews
Founding Director
David farms in Victoria’s Wimmera region and was an early adopter of pulses such as chickpeas, lentils, and faba beans in crop rotations. He later founded The Wimmera Grain Company, which now exports more than 100,000 tonnes of pulses annually to markets across the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and North and South Asia. His career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening regional economies and creating fair, resilient markets for growers.
What David brings to FTA
Decades of farming, processing, and export market experience
Proven governance and leadership through community banking and industry development
Practical understanding of how value can be returned to growers and regional communities
Why David is passionate about FTA
David is passionate about building a farmer-owned agribusiness that ensures more of the value created on farm stays with farmers and their communities. FTA represents a model of commercial fairness that aligns with his long-standing regional advocacy.
Beyond Work
David enjoys travelling overseas and snow skiing - keeping a sense of adventure alive well beyond the farm gate.