The Heritage Food Crops Research Trust (HFCRT) is a New Zealand organisation dedicated to researching and promoting the health benefits of plant-based foods. It investigates natural compounds in heritage fruit and vegetable varieties, commissioning research organisations, including Plant and Food Research, to assess selected crops. Its work highlights Monty’s Surprise apple and golden or orange heritage tomatoes, whose naturally occurring compounds have attracted research interest.

HFCRT also collects, cultivates and conserves rare plant varieties that may offer health benefits. Its collection includes apples, tomatoes, beans, carrots, wheat, kumara, kale, plums, prunes, pears, peaches and feijoas. At its Whanganui base, the Trust operates greenhouses, a nursery, an orchard and a seed bank, using organic gardening techniques.

The Trust supplies seeds, seedlings and other propagating material to the public, growers, nurseries, orchards and seed-saving organisations in New Zealand and overseas. It also supports community and educational distributions, with a particular commitment to the Whanganui region. People can contact HFCRT about seeds, trees, grafting material, contributing heritage varieties, volunteering or donating.