The major proportion of the wool clip is still sold through the auction system at five different locations. The average lot size is still far too small, adding to complexity and cost. There is still a vast chasm of misunderstanding between the producer and his immediate customer – let alone his final customer – the retail consumer.
There is still a statutory body which relies on compulsory levies for its income, which is charged to spend the money wisely on behalf of its constituents, and there are still people (from all levels of the pipeline) who question the direction and efficiency of that expenditure.
Whilst I hope that what I have to say will not again bring down the wrath of the gods, I do trust that it will provide some food for thought, and encourage clear headed debate about wool's future, which is clearly in the balance.
It has been suggested that I speak about the Opportunities and Challenges facing the wool industry, and this is indeed a subject (or rather two subjects) which gives plenty of scope for discussion – in fact almost too much scope for the 15 minutes allotted to me
Please allow me to deal first with the negatives – the numerous and daunting Challenges - and thus be able to finish on a positive note with the real and exciting Opportunities which lie out there waiting to be seized.
The first and most critical challenge facing wool is that Australian farmers continue to produce it. I am not talking here about the crossbred wool which is more and more a by-product of the burgeoning sheep meat industry.
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