Research partnership to expand Pick of the Crop across Queensland 

Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Pick of the Crop program will expand into new regions and communities through a new 2-year research partnership with Hort Innovation, the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australia’s horticulture industry. 

Established in 2020, Pick of the Crop is Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s whole-of-school healthy eating initiative, helping primary school students build positive relationships with vegetables through hands-on learning, school gardens and connections with local growers. The program has already reached more than 250 schools and 54,000 students across Queensland. 

The Pick of the Crop Plus One (POTC+1) project is supported by a $1.2 million investment from Hort Innovation, alongside a $1.7 million co-investment from Health and Wellbeing Queensland. The research project adds a strong evaluation component to the existing program, supporting expansion while generating evidence to inform future vegetable consumption initiatives. 

The project aligns with Hort Innovation’s ‘Plus One Serve by 2030’ initiative, funded by Hort Innovation and delivered nationally by AUSVEG, which aims to increase vegetable consumption across Australia. 

Health and Wellbeing Queensland Chief Executive Dr Robyn Littlewood said the project builds directly on the program’s success. 

‘Pick of the Crop Plus One allows us to expand into new communities while strengthening the evidence base behind approaches that help children grow, prepare and enjoy vegetables,” Dr Littlewood said. 

‘Since launching Pick of the Crop, we’ve seen students embrace school gardens, connect with growers and develop positive food habits. If this helps increase vegetable consumption by even 1 extra serve a day, we are making a meaningful difference to long-term health outcomes.’ 

Schools are recognised as one of the most powerful environments to influence lifelong behaviours, reaching children, families and communities at scale. POTC+1 will build on the continued success of the Pick of the Crop program and allow for its expansion in Queensland in coming months.