Farm Gate
Programs

The Farm Gate program is available fully funded, for a limited time, through Hort Innovation as a Research Project, piloting an immersive, excursion-based initiative designed to foster understanding, awareness, and emotional connections to vegetables—key drivers of increased consumption. As part of this program, there is no cost for schools to participate, and the project will cover bus travel expenses up to $1000 per school.

To help us evaluate and refine the program for a potential national roll-out, participating schools agree to support pre- and post-excursion surveys for students (administered anonymously), as well as follow-up surveys within 3 months after the experience to track lasting changes in vegetable-related behaviours and consumption. Teachers will also be surveyed to review program content and impact.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the Vegetable Industry research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture. The project 'Foundational Data for Farm Gate and Mobile Farm Projects' (VG24011) is a strategic levy investment under the Hort Innovation Vegetable Industry Fund.

If the 3-month survey is not returned, the school agrees to pay the excursion cost of $2000.

The maximum number of students per session is 25.

Travel arrangements are to be conducted by the school and will not be made by VEG Education.

Bus travel costs up to $1000 per school will be covered; either the bus company or the school may invoice VEG Education for reimbursement within 28 days of the excursion. Any additional cost beyond the allocated $1000 is the responsibility of the school.

Media, photography, and videography will take place during the excursion. Schools are asked to collect signed media release forms from all participating students to allow the sharing of program activities with the broader community.

There are no on-site facilities for students to eat lunch or snacks.

All participants are advised to wear warm clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activities; shoes may become muddy when walking around the farm and facilities.

Students will be encouraged to taste a variety of fresh vegetables during the excursion. It is the school’s responsibility to notify VEG Education in advance of any student allergies or dietary concerns.

Participating schools must ensure all attending students complete anonymous pre- and post-excursion surveys, as well as follow-up surveys within 3 months of the visit.