Seed for Schools Celebrates 15 Years

WA Potatoes are proud to celebrate 15 years of running the Seed for Schools program in 2026, delivering seed potatoes to schools across Western Australia, thanks to grower funding, with registrations opening this September.

Agriculture is a critical part of our lifestyle and economy. To appreciate food, you have to know where it comes from. Potatoes are healthy and nutritious, and by giving young people the chance to see how they grow, industry is investing in future potato eaters and maybe even inspiring future agriculture careers.

This year, 675 potato packs were distributed to over 310 schools, reaching more than 20,000 students who are actively learning about growing, eating, and appreciating one of our most versatile and valuable food crops.

Students received Levantina seed potatoes donated by Albany grower, Colin Ayres. Levantina potatoes are an early-maturing, multi-purpose variety known for their waxy texture, yellow flesh, and cream skin. They are considered a good all-rounder for cooking methods, which makes them perfect for incorporating into school kitchen cooking.

Every year we provide a guidebook and posters for teachers to use, which includes valuable information about how potatoes grow, our industry in WA, recipes and how to cook potatoes. We also have online resources so teachers can choose the right level for their class.

Schools that registered are not only in the metro area, but also in some of the most remote and regional communities across WA.

Schools in Broome, Esperance, Karratha, Fitzroy Crossing, Merredin, Gnowangerup, Dongara, and Cadoux are all participating, highlighting the program’s reach from the far north of the Kimberley, down to the southern coast, and throughout the Wheatbelt and Mid West.

Most notably, Djugerari Remote Community School, located in the heart of the Kimberley region.

The program is not only helping students understand where their food comes from but also promoting the health benefits of the potato as a naturally nutritious, energy-rich, good carb.

At this stage, all participating schools have now planted their seed potatoes, we continue to work with teachers as students follow the growing journey through to harvest.

A message came from the Kindy class at Yangebup Primary School (pictured), who shared:
“Your delivery was very timely as we were learning about the letter sound Pp for… potatoes!”