WoolPoll 2015 Fast Facts
- 50.68 per cent of levy payers voted
- 67.86pc voted for a levy of 2pc or above
- 32.14pc voted for a levy of less than 2pc
- Every State voted to retain 2pc
- Voter participation was in line with the long-term trend, however, just under 10pc less levy payers voted in 2015 compared to the 2012 WoolPoll
- The zero vote decreased by almost 7pc when compared with 2012
- The 1pc vote decreased when compared with 2012
WOOLPOLL has been fought and won by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) for another three-year term.
AWI will continue as the industry's research, development and marketing body for at least another three years after woolgrowers voted in WoolPoll to maintain the two per cent levy on wool sales to fund the organisation.
As previously reported by FarmOnline, the result was announced at the AWI annual general meeting in Sydney on Friday.
As in previous polls, eligible levy payers were invited to select their preferred levy option from 0, 1, 2, 2.5 and 3 per cent.
Results showed just over 67pc of growers who voted supported a 2pc levy or above - an increase on 60pc voting for 2pc or more at the last WoolPoll in 2012.
AWI chairman and superfine woolgrower, Wal Merriman, Merryville Merino stud, Boorowa, claimed at the AGM the industry was in good shape with strong wool prices, citing the Australian Eastern Market Indicator had lifted by almost 20pc in last 12 months, while some microns had experienced lifts of 25pc.
"I am proud of what we have been able to achieve and look forward to further success for our fibre and the industry," Mr Merriman said.
Mr Merriman said work on the next strategic plan was underway with industry consultation being conducted in accordance with the wishes of wool growers as expressed at this year's WoolPoll, with a 60:40 split in spending toward marketing and RD&E respectively.
"You have my commitment that AWI will continue to fund projects that we believe will benefit Australian woolgrowers," he said.
He highlighted the most important on-farm research and development expressed by growers was flystrike, combating wild dogs, genetic and genomic research, extension activities such as Lifetime Ewe Management and more shearer and wool handling training.
Mr Merriman also highlighted the company's commitment to nurturing the new generation to develop careers in the industry through its programs such as the National Merino Challenge, Breeding Leadership Program, shearer and wool handling training, scholarships through Nuffield and rural leadership programs.
He said the company would continue to back youth education in wool fashion and textiles with programs such as Wool4School.
AWI chief executive officer Stuart McCullough highlighted the success of marketing campaigns for the company with the Campaign for Wool - which His Royal Highness Prince Charles was patron of - still one of its best with 445 global partners.
That was significantly more than the highly criticised No Finer Feeling campaign which had so far garnered 86 partners and the Cool Wool campaign which was relaunched in 2012 and had 31 partners.
Mr McCullough said the International Woolmark Prize remained "the star" marketing performer as it continued to return about $35 million to $45m of press publicity.
"It's repeatable, memorable and on target with consumers," he said.
Friday also saw Mr Merriman re-elected chairman at a board meeting following the AGM.
Former NSW Farmers' and National Farmers' Federation president Jock Laurie was elected as a new board member.
Western Australian board member David Webster retained his position on the board.
Fellow Western Australian Brian van Rooyen chose not to re-stand for election after serving as a director for AWI for 13 years.
Jimmy Jackson was also commended by the chairman for his 45 years of commitment to Woolmark, AWI and the wool industry.
