Environmental care

Australian wool is a natural fibre that is produced in a sustainable and ethical manner. It is a natural biodegradable fibre that is both renewable and recyclable.

Large investments are also being made to ensure that Australian wool continues to be grown in an environmentally appropriate way.

The wool industry is committed to a range of programs to encourage farmers to farm in responsible ways that are sympathetic to the unique environment of Australia.

But do woolgrowers really care about the environment?

They certainly do.

In 2003, a comprehensive national survey of Australian woolgrowers' attitudes toward on-farm environmental practices revealed a strong focus on managing natural resources.

The survey of 1500 woolgrowers found nine out of ten considered natural resource management (NRM) to be an important part of their farm business and 91 per cent were either doing something about it now or had taken some action already.

The "Best Practice Survey", which was conducted by independent market analysts, is a core component of the wool industry's national Land, Water & Wool (LWW) program.

LWW is a partnership between Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and Land & Water Australia that focuses on sustainable and profitable wool production.

The survey was the most comprehensive look at Australian woolgrowers' attitudes to NRM, highlighting their current practices and needs for information and support.

The research showed Australian woolgrowers strongly consider themselves as custodians of the land - they want to do something about improving the health of the soil, water and native vegetation on their farm.

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