Increasing the global demand for Australian Merino wool has been given far greater focus in the AWI Strategic Plan (2004-2009).
AWI Chairman Ian McLachlan said the Strategic Plan had been updated to show the company's increased spending on the development and commercialisation of textile products and processes.
"Building relationships with leading global textile manufacturers and retailers is vital. By targeting these areas and meeting customers' demands for soft, easy care clothing, we can regain and grow Australian Merino wool's share of the world apparel market," he said.
"AWI is making a major effort in China, as Australian wool's biggest customer, an enormous domestic textiles market and a leading supplier to the major apparel markets in the US and Europe. An office has also been set up in New York, where many global retailers are based.
"Over coming years, some 53 percent of AWI's funding will be spent in the Textile Technology and Trade Development areas," Mr McLachlan said.
"This is an increase from 36 percent spent last year."
Nevertheless, Mr McLachlan says that on-farm investment remains important, and there are many exciting projects underway in this area.
These include developing alternatives to mulesing, the commercial release of upright posture shearing platforms, genetics, natural resource management, grower networks, the release of nutrition guidelines to optimise wool and lamb production, and a strong commitment to education and training within the industry.
-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)")
