Nutrien Ag Solutions re-joins AWEX as part of its ‘working together’ commitment to the wool industry

Nutrien Ag Solutions has re-joined the Australian Wool Exchange as a broker member for the first time in several years, in what its leaders say is a sustained commitment to serve the industry. The company’s general manager of customer and business services, Tom Breen, said he was pleased to announce the recent membership to AWEX. “As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important groups right across the supply chain work together to address challenges to its productivity and influence positive change to improve the efficiency, transparency and integrity of the industry,” he said. “Nutrien is looking forward to working together with its members to progress the Australian wool industry, overcome challenges and unlock further opportunities for those right across the supply chain. “We are committed to working with wool producers and industry representatives to make Australian wool businesses more productive, more sustainable and more profitable.” The new membership deal was marked with Nutrien Wool selling to a top of 1860 cents greasy at the Western Wool Centre last week with its offering of a total 2322 bales on June 1. Nutrien Wool auctioneer Cameron Henry said the market opened with easing values, but gained support on day two on the finer wools while most other types remained unchanged. AWEX chief executive Mark Grave said Nutrien Ag Solutions, through its affiliates, was a foundation member of AWEX in 1994 and was integral in establishing many of the services and programs that existed today. “AWEX was established to develop and deliver quality services, standards and market information to the Australian wool industry,” he said. “Since 1994, these services have evolved and focused on the core initiatives and innovations that support members and industry stakeholders, by providing integrity and transparency of Australian wool.” Mr Grave said AWEX directors were delighted to have received Nutrien’s application and were looking forward to the active contribution Nutrien would make to AWEX and furthering the development of the industry services and standards. The new AWEX membership from Nutrien comes after the previous owner of the company, Landmark, did not renew its membership a few years ago. Mr Grave said there were 100 memberships nationally that totalled a strong contingent of brokers that provided essential feedback for AWEX to make any necessary changes. Specific memberships provided by AWEX include categories for broker, exporter, private treaty merchant, processor, wool grower and associate. AWEX members have an active role in industry self-regulation, through the development of AWEX rules and have the ability to propose and comment on rule changes, in order to facilitate the ongoing improvement of an efficient, innovative and informed trading system. Members also form an extensive network of various industry participants which enables AWEX to provide a central point for the exchange of timely and relevant industry information. Additional members allows access to AWEX managed trading facilities, including auction, the right to attend and vote in AWEX general meetings and also the right to elect representatives to the National Auction Selling Committee and elect AWEX board directors. “Membership provides stronger cooperation across the network of buyers and brokers,” Mr Grave said. “AWEX is committed to work with members to provide services and innovations to add value and support the Australian wool industry.”