The outcome of the recent WoolPoll on the levy rate was announced at the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) annual general meeting on Friday. 

The levy is used to fund wool research, development and marketing.

AWI chief executive officer Stuart McCullough said it was heartened the level of support for the two per cent levy rate increased this year. 

Eligible levy payers were invited to select their preferred levy option from 0, 1, 2, 2.5 and 3 per cent.

At the AGM, Mr McCullough said wool prices “must lift to keep and attract more woolgrowers.” 

He said AWI would explore new, innovative ways to make wool growing easier and more profitable.

“We must also educate more designers and brands to use wool and in turn more consumers around the world to wear wool,” he said.

Mr McCullough said the number of retail, brand and manufacturing partners joining AWI’s marketing programs were increasing, as reflected in increasing revenue from Woolmark licenses.

He said AWI would continue to find innovative fabrics using wool and seek new ways to exchange wool via the Wool Selling Systems Review.

In the election for three positions on the AWI board, AWI chairman Wal Merriman and David Webster were reelected as directors. 

Former National Farmers’ Federation and NSW Farmers’ Federation president Jock Laurie was also elected to the board after former director Brian van Rooyan chose not to stand for reelection.

AWI this month announced it would triple ts investment over the next four years in ewe reproductive efficiency.

AWI said it would further extend its Lifetime Ewe Management (LTEM) program and invest in new research and development opportunities to improve the reproductive performance of the Merino.

As AWI’s flagship extension program, LTEM  now directly influences 20 per cent of the national flock.

The 3000 wool producers who have participated in LTEM have on average increased weaning rates by 10 per cent and reduced ewe mortality by 30 per cent.

AWI now aims to lift the participation rate of LTEM to 50 per cent of the national flock by 2019, assisted by regional variants of the program.

Developed and delivered through Rural Industries Skill Training, LTEM involves woolgrowers learning to best match the energy requirements of animals with pasture production and supplementary feeding to maximise production and animal welfare.