AWI seeks input on investments

Australian Wool Innovation is calling on industry players to share their views on genetic benchmarking and the further commercialisation of genetic tools for the wool sector.

Key genetic benchmarking investments include initiatives such as Merinoselect, Sire Evaluation and Merino Bloodline Performance, which were all recently refunded and the projects extended to June 30, 2015.

According to AWI, the views of commercial woolgrowers and stud producers will be central to the current review of commercialisation of such genetic benchmarking tools.

The roles and responsibilities of ram buyers, ram sellers and AWI will be more defined through this process and, in turn, will guide the wool body in future investments according to industry and private benefit.

Wool levy payers are being asked to comment on the consultation document - called Genetic Benchmarking; Potential For Further Commercialisation of AWI Funded or Part Funded Projects Post June 2015 - by Monday, March 10, 2014.

The consultation document is available on the AWI website, www.wool.com .

This will allow time to collate the responses and report back to the AWI board at its April 2014 meeting.

It will also allow for a year to negotiate, plan and implement with Meat and Livestock Australia and other parties any changes that may result to the business models and funding of Merinoselect, Sire Evaluation and Merino Bloodline Performance (Wether and Ewe Trials), starting on July 1, 2015.

The AWI board recently extended the funding for the AWI and MLA Sheep Genetics agreement for research, development and extension in Merinoselect until June 30, 2015.

In March this year, AWI held a productive meeting to discuss future genetic investments which included a wide diversity of stud breeders, sheep classers and commercial woolgrowers.