Wool Poll to gauge wool levy rate

The triannual Wool Poll is back this year and wool growers are encouraged to have their say in how levy funding will be used.

Opening on September 20 and running through the end of October, the poll, conducted every three years, will allow eligible wool levy payers to vote on the levy rate paid to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).

The results will directly impact funding for industry research, development, and marketing decisions.

AWI plays a role across the global supply chain for Australian wool, from supporting woolgrowers to influencing retailers. 

The levy funds go towards different projects such as researching flystrike and worms, running courses like lifetime ewe management, shearing courses and merino classing days.

AWI have also recently expanded their outreach to schools through the Merino Wether Challenge. 

Luke Rapley sits on the Wool Poll panel on behalf of the superfine wool association and noted the importance for wool growers to vote in the upcoming poll.

“Three years ago, only 20 per cent of eligible voters voted which was disappointing,” Mr Rapley said.

“It was a terrible turnout so this year we’re hoping to improve that.”

“Our primary focus is on raising Wool Poll’s awareness within wool growers’ groups and within in the rural community.”

“The Wool Poll panel doesn’t mind what you vote, we just want to make sure everyone knows it is on and has their say on how their money is spent,” Mr Rapley said.

Voting can be done online or via a paper ballot that will be mailed to eligible voters. 

There are four levy options can be voted on:

1. 0 per cent — No funding to AWI.
2. 1 per cent—  A cut in current funding.
3. 1.5 per cent — Current projects will be scaled back.
4. 2 per cent — Current project will continue as planned.

Currently, the levy rate is set at 1.5 percent. However, with wool prices down, Mr Rapley says this rate doesn’t generate as much revenue as it did three years ago. 

“AWI are feeling that if they don’t get 2 per cent then their current programs will have to be cut and that’s all going to come out in a voting information kit over the next few weeks to every wool grower,” Mr Rapley said.

A voting information kit will be provided that will state what projects can be funded at what levy rate.

The WoolPoll panel urges all eligible voters to thoroughly review the voting information kit to make an informed decision. 

“It’s important for people to vote because the levy is essentially their money and so they should have a say about how that money is spent, at what level and on what programs.”

Mr Rapley encourages voters to have their say and update their wool grower and contact details on the website before the vote.

For more information and to keep updated on WoolPoll 2024, visit www.wool.com/news-events/news/woolpoll-2024/