The Board of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has unanimously agreed to recommend woolgrowers vote to keep the current 2 per cent levy for investment in research, development, innovation and product marketing.
AWI investment is aimed at improving the long-term profitability of Australian woolgrowers. In an independent review conducted by ACIL Tasman, AWI was found to have delivered $417million in benefits from 2003 to 2006.
Ian McLachlan, AWI Chairman, said the off-farm project areas have produced many textile and garment innovations to further increase demand for Australian Merino wool.
"After serious consideration, AWI Board of Directors determined the current level of investment of two per cent will provide an appropriate level of funding for on and off-farm projects over the next 3 years," said Mr McLachlan.
"In the past 18 months, we have directed more funds into the off-farm areas of product development and product marketing. This strategy is set to deliver benefits into the future; through direct business relationships with key designers, retailers and manufacturers who have the ability to influence the wider market.
"We have established over 50 of these partnerships, and the AWI Board believes the proposed investment of $35million a year in product development and marketing of innovative products will drive increased demand for Australian Merino wool.
"The Board considers $21million per annum to be spent in on-farm research the minimum appropriate for the industry, to continue research into such things as mulesing alternatives, shearing replacements, parasites and genetics; to continue productivity and efficiency gains for Australian woolgrowers.
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
