WoolPoll: Alex Lewis wants to see more growers share their views on funding

Seeing a lift in the number of growers who vote in WoolPoll is the goal of this young farmer, as AWI releases details of what current levy rates will deliver.

Redesdale grower and WoolPoll panel member Alex Lewis of Beverly Merinos, says the wool sector is facing a hard time with prices still at low levels. However, he says he still believes in the future of the fibre, that wool was “still viable but we do need to see the market improve”.

New data from Australian Wool Innovation, released today by the WoolPoll Panel committee - which overseas the voting process - has shown how even if growers vote for a continuation of the current levy percentage, falling wool revenues will see a drop in the amount of money invested by AWI promoting and developing their industry.

Even if growers vote to up levies from 1.5 to 2 per cent of sales, AWI has said it would need to cut marketing to 70 per cent of its current level, despite a potential revenue of $66.1 million.

WoolPoll chairman Rich Keniry said “ultimately, you get what you pay for”.

If a vote of zero per cent levy gets up, AWI closes. At 1 per cent, promotion in key markets like China drops to 41 per cent, and even at 1.5 per cent, there will be cuts to major programs like marketing, wild dogs and even shearer training.

The AWI spend in 2023/24 is projected to be $67.1 million, back from its peak of $99.4m in 2018/2019.

If growers vote for 2 per cent expenditure will be $66.1m; at 1.5 per cent it will be $54.6m, and at 1 per cent AWI will spend $42.9m.

This comes as the past week’s auctions have saw Eastern Market Indicator up 17 cents, closing at 1124 cents.

Alex Lewis from Beverley Merinos, Redesdale. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Despite the better price signal, farmers with land types that could support other enterprises may move away from the industry without a lift in returns, Mr Lewis said.

Mr Lewis’ family has been at Redesdale for 100 years, and he has been home on the home for 10, running ultra and super fine Merinos.

He said it was important for growers to have their say. “It would be great if we could lift the level of participation in the vote and have worked to make the information easier and faster to review for growers, so more growers’ views on the levy percentage are heard,” he said.

WoolPoll is conducted every three years to determine the levy rate paid to AWI for industry R&D and marketing.

Now, it is 1.5 per cent of the price growers receive for shorn greasy wool.