Freeze branding not non-mulesed in new Oz National Wool Declaration

27 Jul '21

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

Australian wool exporters and brokers are supporting a revised National Wool Declaration (NWD) that does not define wool from sheep that have undergone the freeze-branded process as non-mulesed. The latest NWD review released by the Australian Wool Exchange listed new definitions for mob status encompassing the breech modification processes, surgical mulesing and sheep freeze branding.

The focus of the review reportedly was the identification of wool from sheep treated with liquid nitrogen. Before the latest review, wool growers could include wool from freeze branded sheep as non-mulesed.

Both Australian Council of Wool Exporters and Processors and the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia support the NWD revision for reasons of transparency.

WoolProducers Australia (WPA) chief executive officer Jo Hall told an Australian media outlet dedicated to the wool industry that the WPA board hasn’t formally considered the final NWD. However, she said there are a few points of concern, including the retention of ceased mulesed.

Meanwhile, the board of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is recommending woolgrowers vote for a 2 per cent levy in the upcoming WoolPoll. According to AWI chairman Jock Laurie, an increased levy from the current 1.5 per cent will deliver more industry-wide investment that benefits all Australian woolgrowers.

The wool industry has opportunities and faces many challenges as well, and that’s why it needs the extra investment, Laurie said. Several key projects need extra AWI funding.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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