After wool farmers across New Zealand voted not to renew the wool levy for funding research and promotion activities undertaken by different wool related organizations, these organizations are pondering, “Where to from here”.
Meat and Wool New Zealand which allocates funds for these activities has cut spending by NZ $6 million, which includes cuts of around $100,000 to $150,000 a year to Merino New Zealand Incorporated.
Funding for projects to improve the productivity and efficiency of merino sheep and an animal welfare programme will end in April next year, when the levy runs out, though Merino New Zealand says that most of projects are due to finish anyway.
Merino New Zealand's Chairman, Tom Rowley says that most of the projects it is currently financing were due to finish soon anyway, though he does agree that the non-renewal of the levy will have a big impact.
Mr Rowley added by saying that the fine wool industry could consider applying to raise its own levy.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India