About Us

Food Plants International (FPI) was formally established in 1999, but its origins go back to the 1970s. At that time, Bruce French, founder of FPI, was living in Papua New Guinea and observed that many villagers suffered from disease and malnutrition, often while surrounded by nutritious food plants.

It was not that people lacked knowledge of their local plants, but rather that there were many more edible plants than were commonly recognised. In addition, very little nutritional information was available about these plants. Bruce also observed that most agricultural training focused on temperate crops commonly grown in Western agricultural systems, while the rich diversity of tropical food plants remained largely undocumented.

From these humble beginnings, Bruce began documenting the food plants of Papua New Guinea. Over time, this work expanded to encompass edible food plants from around the world, resulting in one of the most extensive food plant databases ever assembled.

Today, Food Plants International continues this mission under new leadership. The organisation is led by Mrs Anthea Maynard, Executive Director, who has been involved in FPI’s work for 26 years, including conducting much of the nutritional research that underpins the FPI database. Anthea is the daughter of Bruce and the late Helen French, and stepdaughter of Deb French. She now leads the organisation in its mission to help the hungry feed themselves through growing the right plants, in the right places, using agroecological approaches that respect local knowledge, biodiversity, and community resilience.

FPI is governed by a volunteer Board based in Tasmania, Australia. The Board is chaired by Andrew French, who succeeded Bruce French as President following Bruce and Deb’s retirement from governance responsibilities. Together, the Board provides strategic oversight and supports the ongoing development of FPI’s resources, partnerships, and programs around the world.

Our team and supporters are united by a shared desire to make a difference for the billions of people whose daily concern is having enough nutritious food to eat. Through freely available information, practical resources, partnerships, and local food plant champions, FPI seeks to empower communities to improve food and nutrition security using the plants that grow best in their own environments.

The support of churches, volunteers, donors, and partner organisations has been vital throughout FPI’s journey. In particular, Romaine Park Christian Centre and Penguin Baptist Church in Tasmania have supported this work as part of their ministry. The contributions of the late Helen French and Deb French have also been invaluable in sustaining and nurturing the vision of Food Plants International over many decades.

As we build on the foundation laid by Bruce French AO and countless contributors worldwide, Food Plants International remains committed to making information freely available and helping communities discover, grow, and use the remarkable diversity of food plants that God has provided.