Hort Innovation is investing in the future value of Australian horticulture by backing hands-on education programs that connect young Australians directly with where their food comes from - building knowledge, capability and long-term demand for fresh produce.
Through its strategic vegetable research and development levy investment, it is supporting VEG Education's Farm Gate and Mobile Farm programs, which immerse primary and secondary school students in real-world horticulture experiences - right through from paddock to plate.
At a time when Australia faces persistent challenges with low vegetable consumption and declining understanding of food production, the Farm Gate initiative is designed to do more than educate. It aims to shape informed consumers, inspire future careers, and strengthen the connection between communities and the growers who feed them.
The program combines on-farm excursions at Velisha Farms with a Mobile Farm model that reaches regional and remote schools, providing access to postcodes beyond the farm. Students participate in interactive tours, tastings and curriculum-aligned activities that showcase the diversity, innovation and opportunity within the horticulture sector.
Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation explained why the program is essential for the future of the industry: "Building the value of Australian horticulture starts with building understanding and capability - not just on farm, but across the entire community."
"Programs like Farm Gate help young Australians see horticulture as innovative, rewarding and essential, while encouraging a lifelong appreciation for fresh produce. That ultimately supports stronger demand, a more resilient industry and better outcomes for growers."
Early feedback from participants shows the program is already delivering strong results, with students reporting meaningful changes in food awareness and eating habits. Notably, 58.7% of respondents said that since visiting the farm, they had started eating one or more new types of vegetables, suggesting the experience is successfully encouraging young people to broaden their diets and increase their vegetable consumption.
Participant comments reflect this impact in a simple and powerful way, with one student sharing, "I have never tried a brussels sprout before going on the excursion," while another said the experience "has made me like vegetables even more." These early outcomes highlight the value of interactive, hands-on learning experiences in helping young people build lasting, positive connections with fresh produce.
Demand for the program has also been extremely strong, with 51 classes already engaged on farm and 1,362 students reached to date. Available places for schools are now almost fully subscribed, with a waiting list in place and bookings already progressing into Term 4 2026.
As part of this investment, Hort Innovation is also supporting the 'Foundational data for Farm Gate and Mobile Farm' research project, which will evaluate how hands-on learning influences children's attitudes and vegetable consumption. The findings will inform continuous improvement and help determine pathways for broader national rollout.
This project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the vegetable research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.
