Research & Development
Driving National Change Through Research and Development
A bold, transformational six-year R&D program informed by global best practice, national data, and consumer insights. Through the Plus One Serve Research & Development Pillar, we identify opportunities, prioritise national action, and co-design, test, and scale interventions that make it easier for Australians to eat one more serve of vegetables every day. This program brings together leading researchers, behavioural scientists, health promoters, retailers, growers, and innovators to generate evidence that drives measurable, sustained change.
Veg Intervention Projects
Veg Intervention Projects 
Veg4Me Digital Behaviour Change for Rural Communities
A co-designed digital program supporting young adults in rural and regional areas to increase vegetable intake through personalised tools and improved access.
Partners
Deakin University, Hort Innovation, AUSVEG, University of Sydney, The George Institute, Heart Foundation, Box Divvy
Setting
Home (Rural/Regional)
Project Code
HN24006
Status
In Progress
Improving Vegetable Intake in Tertiary Students
A combined food access and literacy intervention supporting tertiary students experiencing food insecurity to increase vegetable consumption.
Partners
Hort Innovation, AUSVEG, Foodbank Victoria, Melbourne Market Authority (MMA)
Setting
Tertiary
Project Code
HN24005
Status
In Progress
Pick of the Crop School-Based Program
Extending Queensland’s successful Pick of the Crop program into new regions to build a national evidence base on how schools can shift vegetable consumption. This phase will evaluate which school-led strategies – from grower engagement to food provision and curriculum integration – deliver measurable increases in vegetable intake, and how these can be adapted across diverse communities, including remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings.
Partners
Queensland Health & Wellbeing, AUSVEG, Hort Innovation
Setting
Primary Schools
Project Code
HN25001
Status
In Progress
Chef in Schools
A school-based intervention testing menu changes, pricing strategies and behavioural nudges to increase vegetable consumption among secondary students.
Partners
Hort Innovation, Deakin University (IPAN), AUSVEG, National Nutrition Foundation (NNF), Coles Group
Setting
Secondary Schools
Project Code
HN24004
Status
In Progress
Farm Gate – Connecting Kids to Growers
Grower-led learning experiences connecting children directly with vegetable production — from paddock to plate — to build positive attitudes, curiosity, and daily consumption habits. Through immersive farm visits, classroom resources, and home engagement via a digital hub, Farm Gate fosters hands-on learning about where food comes from, how it affects mood and health, and why vegetables matter for people and the planet.
Partners
Hort Innovation, VEG Education, Velisha Farms, Monash University
Setting
Primary Schools
Project Code
HN24008
Status
In Progress
Vegetable Prescription Model
A targeted intervention testing how structured vegetable access can be delivered through health and community systems to increase consumption.
Partners
Hort Innovation, AUSVEG, The George Institute for Global Health, Western Sydney Local Health, Sydney University, Box Divvy
Setting
Primary Schools, Home
Project Code
HN24008
Status
In Progress
Community Listening Research
Plus One Serve conducted community listening sessions throughout Australia in both metropolitan and regional settings to gather diverse insight into barriers of vegetable consumption. Through prioritisation of our setting-based approach, community listening allows for the understanding of the lived experiences of these settings. These being retail, home, early childhood, primary school and high school & tertiary education.
Partners
Fifty-five 5, Akcelo
Setting
Home & Community
Status
Completed
Functionally fit: veg Health benefits to educate and inspire
Growing vegetable consumption through a powerful change narrative that educates and inspires consumers on functional health benefits like mood, energy, and vitality – transforming how vegetables are considered.
Partners
Soon to be announced
Setting
All
Status
In Development
Retail Setting Action Plan
Developing a clear, evidence-based roadmap that identifies three priority areas for research and implementation — accessibility and value perception, relevance and inspiration, and trust and connection. The Plan serves as a national guide for stakeholders and a practical brief for future retail projects and engagement with major retailers to help Australians buy and eat more vegetables.
Partners
Hort Innovation, AUSVEG, CVA, research, industry, and retail stakeholders
Setting
Retail
