THE Victorian Farmers Federation will advocate for a 1.5 per cent wool levy, proposed by Wool Producers Australia, in the 2018 WoolPoll. The levy is currently at 2 per cent.
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WoolPoll is a triennial vote undertaken by eligible wool growers to determine the amount of their wool cheque that goes towards research, development and marketing which is administered by Australian Wool Innovation.
Voting started last week and will be open until November 2.
VFF Livestock president Leonard Vallance said livestock members were of the view a wool levy of 1.5 per cent would provide sufficient funding for AWI to continue investing in ongoing research and development.
“This is about the prudent and productive investment of wool producers’ money,” he said.
“We have come to the view that that a levy rate of 1.5 per cent is the best option, which will allow AWI to continue working to provide solutions to the industry, now and into the future.
“We strongly encourage all voting wool levy payers to select the 1.5 per cent option before voting closes on November 2.”
Rod Miller, of Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino, Brimpaen, said he thought 1.5 per cent was a reasonable amount.
“It will help us in the long-run by hopefully coming up with some alternative developments in the industry,” he said. “The research done by AWI is always of benefit. I’m hoping they will be able to fund more research into internal parasites.”
Brimpaen producer Luke Dunn agreed that the number was an adequate choice.
“I’d be happy with the industry implementing a 1.5 per cent levy,” he said.
“It will reduce our costs into the future. It’s a small amount and won’t mean a great, but it wool mean that they will be able to make improvements.
“A slight reduction will help in a small way those farmers up north who re in drought conditions. The increase of wool prices at the moment will also give them a strong revenue stream hopefully.”
David Grimble, of Brimpaen, said he supported the VFF’s position to reduce the levy.
“There is a high demand for high quality merino wool and the supply isn’t keeping up with that,” he said.
“These fees do add up, but it’s worth it. The AIW need to provide evidence they are able to maintain their business with this cut to the levy.”
Producers are asked to consider five levy rate options in the poll – 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent, 2 per cent, 1.5 per cent or 0 per cent.
More information about WoolPoll 2018 is available at www.woolpoll.com.au.
