A new farmer co-operative, led by Wool Partners International and Wool Grower Holdings, is aiming to unite at least half the country's strong wool production.
Wool Partners Co-operative issued a prospectus on Wednesday outlining plans to offer growers a $1 share for every kilogram of greasy strong wool supplied.
Wool Grower Holdings Chair, Jeff Grant, says the prospectus offers growers a better international marketing system and higher prices.
“The reality is that the market has got so small, and so grouped by factions within the industry, that it is practically leaving money on the table that should be in the hands of growers.
More than 50 per cent of the country’s strongwool growers will have to sign up to raise the $65m needed.
Jeff Grant says with 100 planned grower meetings taking place around the country, they should achieve that number easily.
"We think that once farmers grapple with the idea that the last two decades haven’t delivered a benefit in terms of their investment in the wool industry - and the only way they can do it is by coalescing into 50% at least - if that argument is strong in their minds, which it has been over recent times, I think we will be successful.”
Grower Mark Shadbolt says most farmers would jump at a chance to return profitability to their struggling industry, and the co-operative approach is the best way of doing that.
“As a grower, I’m sitting here saying this is the most exciting opportunity I’ve ever had, and it’s a very soft investment.
"I’d be very surprised if growers don’t support it."
"If they don’t, not only are they letting themselves and their neighbours down, they are sending a signal that they want to go broke slowly.”
Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chair Bruce Wills agrees the 50 per cent target is well within the group’s reach.
“I think they will, and I certainly hope they will because we do need consolidation.
"For too long, we’ve had too many players all heading in different directions with the industry, and we know what that’s done – brought it to its knees.”
