Retailer compact with Australian wool industry a major breakthrough

11 Jul '05

3 min read

Mr Pietsch said the Compact was currently being discussed with the National Retail Federation, which represents a large number of key US retailers. Similar discussions are also taking place with industry bodies internationally.

“The Compact will highlight the commitment of the Australian wool industry to the highest standards of animal welfare and to a research and development program focused on continuous improvement in sheep welfare, including the development of an effective and acceptable alternative to mulesing.

“Industry's progress in meeting milestones outlined in the Compact will be reported to retailers regularly.

“The Compact will also feature the commitment by the Australian wool industry to commit funds and work together with retailers on new wool textiles and apparel products, ensuring that Australian Merino wool is an integral part of the retailers' product offering.”

Mr Pietsch said the Compact would be finalized with US retailers in the near future. The Compact also represented the achievement of another important stage in the strategy of the Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce to protect the reputation of Australian Merino wool and the retailers who market Merino garments from the misleading attacks by animal rights activists.

Commenting on the recent meeting between Chick Olsson of the Australian Woolgrowers Association (AWGA) and PETA in New York, Mr Pietsch said: “Mr Olsson briefed the Taskforce on 30 June about a draft agreement provided by PETA. Mr Olsson said that the draft was unacceptable to AWGA and that he wanted another week to negotiate something he could bring back to the industry. He hasn't tabled anything yet for us to consider.”

Mr Pietsch said that the Taskforce strategy of dialogue and agreement with retailers would produce the best results for both retailers and the Australian wool industry.

“Retailers are the ones who decide what to stock on their shelves and the Taskforce will continue to focus industry's efforts on meeting the needs and requests of the retailers.”

Sarah Llewellyn-Evans

More Textiles News - Australia...