Agriculture & Horticulture News: Oct 5 - Australia (5 stories)

Here is your Weekly summary for Agriculture & Horticulture across Australia for Mon 29th September - Sun 5th October 2025

A 73-year-old Victorian grower has been compelled to seek full-time off-farm work due to rising costs and regulatory burdens, highlighting the financial strain on the agricultural sector. In a positive development, Hort Innovation has announced its first venture fund investment in BioScout, a disease detection tool that could enhance crop management and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Bygen is set to launch a pilot in Vietnam to explore carbon-negative innovations using crop by-products for activated carbon production. This initiative could pave the way for sustainable practices in agriculture. Additionally, Lam Phan, a Women in Horticulture award winner, exemplifies resilience in the face of industry challenges, while Tina Funder's work on plant-based alternatives from agricultural waste showcases innovation in sustainable materials.