Catherine Velisha is helping the next generation to appreciate farming, and discusses having a leader’s mindset

Send us Fan MailRural Women Leading #1: Catherine Velisha - Managing Director of $30mil horticulture business talks about what gets her out of bed each day and how even the most successful people have to manage their mental health.Catherine Velisha is a third-generation owner of Velisha Farms, a horticulture business located in Werribee South Victoria – the Velisha family has been involved in the fresh produce for almost a century. Having worked in the farming industry for over 20 years, Catherine has grown and developed her expertise alongside an ever changing industry landscape. Catherine’s passion and advocacy for agriculture and the people who work in it, inspired the formation of VEG Education in 2020 - an RTO created specifically to facilitate horticulture/agriculture industry with training. VEG Education allows young people to gain practical insight, access, and experience in the Australian food sector, equipping them with the skills to make valuable contributions to farming as a business. The RTO also allows Catherine - and the broader industry - to create long-term sustainability by engaging with the public directly, whilst championing fresh produce and future-focused agricultural practices.