En route from Goondiwindi to the Organic Wool Information Session on a bus organised by Leading Sheep, the Queensland delegation of 18 producers collated their questions and were able to have these answered by the speakers, who included Fletcher International managing director Roger Fletcher.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) extension officer Tony Hamilton said it was sometimes hard, as an individual, to get information on emerging markets such as organic wool but by formalising the groups’ questions they were able to be addressed on the day.

“Leading Sheep provided the presenters with a list of questions that were collated from the members on the bus on the way down. Fletcher’s staff thanked us for providing them with the list and answered all of the group’s questions,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Fletcher’s representatives explained that there are market options for organic wools, with the premiums being mainly for fleece wools.”

“The organic market is small and being driven by consumers and although there currently are premiums for wools under 20 micron, Fletcher’s is working on the developing markets for medium wools also.”

“Fletcher’s managers are trying to expand the processing of organic wools at the Dubbo plant because they can see market opportunities at premium prices for organic wools, which still have to be good white fibres that are contaminant-free.”

Mr Hamilton said producers could sell directly to processors such as Fletcher’s or trade organic wools in the auction system.

“The producers who joined the bus tour facilitated by Leading Sheep said they enjoyed a very informative and well organised activity.”

Leading Sheep is an Australian Wool Innovation project in partnership with the DPI&F and supported by AgForce, which targets the adoption of new technologies and practices to increase the productivity and profitability of the Queensland industry.

Contact Tony Hamilton on 0429 879 458 or 4671 6708 or anthony.hamilton@dpi.qld.gov.au