increase font size
A WEBSITE with further information on the wool levy referendum has been launched.
The website will also include an interactive section so that farmers can share their views on the levy and provide feedback to the Wool Levy Group. The website can be found at www.votewool.co.nz.
"The website will be a portal for information and includes important details on how to vote, the activities the wool levy will support and frequently asked questions. Farmers can also use it to voice their opinions or ask questions," said Sandra Faulkner, chair of the Wool Levy Group.
"The re-introduction of the wool levy is the result of four years of work by a pan sector group to find ways to improve the future of wool.
"Establishing a levy to be used to represent the industry was recommended by independent review and now grower support is needed to make it happen.
"The levy will support and complement work being done by existing organisations and will, where required, contract services from existing suppliers," says Faulkner. "Use of the ley will be efficient and effective and will be non-commercial and therefore will not compete with existing commercial businesses."
Voting papers for the Wool Producers Referendum will be sent out to farmers in mid-September and voting will take place on 10 October 2014.
Farmers will be asked to vote on a levy of between 2 and 5 cents for each kilogram of greasy or slipe wool at the first point of sale which will be used to fund industry good activities. This equates to $4.6 million based on 3 cents per kilogram for the 154,000 tonne of wool.
A positive grower vote, both by number and weighted sheep numbers, is required for the Wool Levy Referendum to be presented to the Ministry for Primary Industries before the Minister can enact the necessary regulations under the Commodities Levies Act 1990.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
New research has provided insight into the functional potential of wool-derived protein, with an initial trial revealing it can influence how the body responds to insulin.
South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Wool carpet maker Bremworth's Napier plant remains offline following Cyclone Gabrielle in February, with the future of 136 workers still up in the air.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
