AWI appeals to growers to vote in WoolPoll 2018

Every three years wool growers have the opportunity to vote on the levy rate to fund AWI’s research, development and marketing activities.

AWI Board member and WoolPoll Panel member Jock Laurie highlighted the wool industry is one of the few industries where every levy payer is provided the regular opportunity to directly influence the levy rate.

“The current levy was voted on by levy payers in 2015, resulting in wool growers contributing 2% of their income to fund AWI activities which include enhancing the profitability, international competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian wool industry and increase demand and market access for Australian wool,” Mr Laurie outlined.

“Some of these include 4,603 shearer and wool handler training days delivered in the past three years, investment in the world’s biggest 10-year sheep genetics research trial, continued support of wild dog control with 171 community groups supported, the launch of the online wool exchange platform WoolQ, increased participation in the International Woolmark Prize with around 700 alumni designers worldwide, continued growth in the ‘Wool4School’ student fashion design competition, and the launch of a new global consumer awareness campaign – Live & Breathe.

“We understand growers in parts of the country are currently experiencing drought, which is why the Board is focused on building resilience into their research, development and marketing investments.”

Mr Laurie outlined growers have the choice to vote for one of five proposed levy rates.

“There are five levy rate options growers have the opportunity to vote for from 3% to 0%,” Mr Laurie said.

“We are focused on building resilience within the industry, particularly through AWI’s investments, while times are good. We believe it is prudent to balance our financial responsibility with our capacity to deliver benefits for growers.

“AWI is calling on all eligible voters to have their say – regardless of whether they have 1 vote or 100 votes – and not to leave the future of their industry in the hands of others.

“AWI is committed to optimising the funds the government will contribute to the industry to ensure we can continue to build resilience and future proof our industry. AWI will continue to maintain its industry leadership position and act in the best interests of woolgrowers.

“AWI is encouraging every levy payer to have their say.”

All eligible levy payers – those who have paid at least $100 worth of wool levies over the past three years, are able to vote with voting closing on Friday, 2 November.

Growers are encouraged to come and speak with AWI staff at various industry and markets updates that AWI will be hosting in the coming weeks. These are listed on www.woolpoll.com.au

Growers with any WoolPoll queries can call the voter helpline on 1800 990 365.

About WoolPoll

WoolPoll is the opportunity woolgrowers have every three years to vote on what percentage of your wool income you’d like to invest in research, development (R&D) and marketing undertaken by AWI.

Anyone who has paid at least $100 worth of wool levies over the past three years is eligible to vote when WoolPoll opens on Monday, 17 September. Voting closes on Friday, 2 November.

Eligible woolgrowers will start to receive information about WoolPoll over the next few weeks, including their voting information kit.