Victoria is betting on circular agriculture to drive productivity and sustainability, with two local startups receiving fresh backing from the Allan Labor Government.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced that WoolGrow Australia and CForge have each secured $35,000 in additional funding after emerging as top performers in LaunchVic’s CivVic Labs Circular Agriculture Challenge. The six-week accelerator, supported by Agriculture Victoria, offered 10 early-stage companies $15,000 in seed funding, expert mentorship, and technical guidance aimed at turning prototypes into market-ready solutions.
WoolGrow Australia is developing biodegradable soil-enhancing pellets made from low-value coarse wool, a by-product often treated as waste in Australia’s $3-billion wool industry. By locking in moisture and releasing nutrients, the pellets could reduce chemical fertilizer use while supporting better soil health. CForge targets horticulture’s food-loss problem by installing modular processing units on farms to convert unsellable produce into revenue-generating inputs, such as natural additives or animal feed — a model designed to cut emissions and disposal costs.
Spence said the initiative reflects a broader effort to equip farmers with tools to “make the most of every resource” while meeting environmental obligations. LaunchVic CEO Kate Cornick noted that the number of Victorian AgTech startups has more than doubled since 2020, citing programs like CivVic Labs as catalysts for private investment and technology uptake in regional supply chains.
