newy.com.au – Cessnock company Hortifutura will receive $500,000 to help turn waste into renewable energy and expand a high-tech organic nursery, as part of a $105.5 million NSW agriculture investment aimed at lifting productivity and lowering emissions.
The funding for Hortifutura Co Pty Ltd is one of 14 projects supported through the NSW Government’s Agriculture Industries Innovation and Growth Program. The Cessnock project will convert waste into renewable energy, heat, carbon dioxide fertiliser and recycled water to support what the government says will be NSW’s first high-tech, certified organic propagation nursery with commercial grafting capacity.
The NSW Government is contributing $28 million through the program, with recipients adding $77.5 million, taking the combined public and private investment to more than $100 million. The government says the co-investment model is designed to attract private capital into regional economies, support jobs and help agricultural businesses adopt new technology and equipment.
Premier Chris Minns said agriculture was one of the state’s most important industries.
“This funding is about backing innovation and businesses like Hortifutura to help farmers modernise their operations, stay competitive and continue to grow,” Mr Minns said.
“This co-investment model unlocks enormous potential for our state’s primary industries, driving private investment in projects that advance the sector and deliver real benefits for regional communities across New South Wales.”
Hortifutura owner Ben Smider said the funding would help the business build on its existing work.
“This funding is a huge step for us. It means we can take what we’ve already built and lift it to a world-class standard, reducing our reliance on external energy sources and feeding clean power back into the grid,” Mr Smider said.
“It also means we can expand our capacity to grow advanced certified organic grafted vegetable seedlings for other growers.
“There is a real shortage of that capability in NSW, and it is holding back organic greenhouse growers.”
Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said the grant would support a local operation with wider agricultural benefits.
“This funding will help Hortifutura expand a unique operation that turns waste into valuable resources while supporting a high-tech organic nursery,” Mr Barr said.
“It’s a practical investment that benefits local businesses, growers, and the broader agricultural sector.
“Hortifutura’s innovation showcases our region’s reputation as a leader in agriculture.”
Other projects funded under the program include $4 million for AgConnex at Griffith to upgrade rail loading, storage and processing capacity at the Western Riverina Connect rail siding, $2.1 million for Provenance Propagation at Grafton to expand controlled-environment seedling production, and $2 million for Freeman Vineyards at Young to build NSW’s first dealcoholisation facility for non-alcoholic wine production.
Funding has also been allocated to Yieldtech Enterprises at Coffs Harbour to establish a facility converting hemp by-products into prefabricated building materials, and to AWH Pty Ltd at Goulburn to establish a digital wool auction and handling hub.
Agriculture and Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said the projects were intended to strengthen regional economies and supply chains.
“Investing in agriculture means investing in the strength of our regional communities,” Ms Moriarty said.
“When farming businesses do well, the whole community benefits – from local shops to transport operators and service providers.”
The government says the program is focused on helping regional industries adapt to environmental and geopolitical change. It comes as NSW primary industries recorded a $25.5 billion gross value of production in 2024-25.
More than $220 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust Fund is being delivered through programs and projects supporting regional and rural industries, businesses and communities.
