Primary School Program

The VEG Education Farm Gate Program is a hands-on, 2-hour excursion designed specifically for primary school learners. The program brings the food system to life through interactive farm tours and sensory experiences, that allow students to discover how vegetables are grown, harvested, and prepared for consumers. Through guided activities led by experienced educators, students explore the complete journey of fresh produce from paddock to plate, building essential understandings of sustainability, healthy eating, and Australia’s food and fibre industries.

Primary School Program

Topics Covered

1. Introduction to Farming and Food Systems

What farms produce and why vegetables are important
Roles of farmers and farm workers
Basic farm safety and hygiene practices

2. Plant Biology and Growth Requirements

Parts of a vegetable plant and their functions
What plants need to grow (soil, water, nutrients, light, temperature)
Seasonal growing cycles

3. Sustainable Farming Practices

Water conservation
Soil health and composting
Biodiversity and beneficial insects
Responsible pest management

4. Vegetable Production and Harvesting

How vegetables are planted, cared for, and picked
Farm machinery and tools
Post-harvest handling and storage

5. Food Processing, Packaging, and Transport

The supply chain from farm to kitchen
Minimising waste
Understanding food safety

6. Sensory Learning and Tasting Activities

Exploring flavour, texture, and aroma of fresh vegetables
Introducing students to new vegetables in a positive and fun environment
  • Describe the key stages of vegetable production from planting to consumption
  • Identify basic plant structures and explain what plants need to grow
  • Recognise sustainable farming methods and why they matter
  • Explain how food travels through the supply chain to reach homes and schools
  • Observe, question, and record information about real-world food environments
  • Participate safely and responsibly in farm-based learning activities
  • Use simple design thinking processes to plan, create, and evaluate solutions
  • Develop sensory evaluation skills through guided tastings
  • Build appreciation for farmers and local food producers
  • Develop curiosity about where food comes from
  • Foster positive attitudes toward trying new vegetables and making healthy choices
  • Understand the importance of sustainability and caring for natural resources

The Farm Gate Program aligns with key areas of the Australian Curriculum for Years F–6, particularly:

Design and Technologies

  • Food and Fibre Production (ACTDEK003, ACTDEK004, ACTDEK010, ACTDEK019)
    • Understanding how plants are grown for food
    • Exploring sustainable production and design solutions
  • Processes and Production Skills (ACTDEP005–ACTDEP017)
    • Investigating, designing, and evaluating simple products or systems

Science

  • Biological Sciences (ACSSU002, ACSSU017, ACSSU032, ACSSU043)
    • Living things, plant needs, growth, and life cycles
  • Scientific Inquiry Skills
    • Predicting, observing, recording and reflecting during farm-based investigations

Health and Physical Education

  • Healthy Eating (ACPPS018, ACPPS036)
    • Understanding food sources and making nutritious food choices

Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)

  • Geography (ACHASSK031, ACHASSK032)
    • Natural resources and how people use and manage environments
  • Economics and Business (Years 5–6)
    • Concepts of production, consumption, and supply chains

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

  • Sustainability (systems thinking, ecological awareness, resource responsibility)