New Zealand Merino is willing to take a lead role to unite the fragmented strong wool industry. The chief executive of the fine wool marketing company, John Brakenridge, said after the recent vote by farmers not to pay a wool levy, collaboration in certain areas was needed for the good of the wider wool industry. That included shearer training and trade representation in areas such as market access reports The ODT. "There are many [collaborative efforts] on farm areas and global political areas that need to be continued as much as possible - a representative voice of industry [is needed] rather than a whole lot of fractured voices." NZM was prepared to take a lead to initiate harmony within the strong wool sector. The strong wool industry has degenerated into factions, with allegations Meat and Wool New Zealand was favouring a new marketing company, Wool Partners International (WPI); exporters angry WPI had been formed; and Elders Primary Wool claiming WPI's branding was ineffective. Mr Brakenridge said it was necessary to focus on the 80% of the industry where there was consensus, rather than the 20% where there was discord. He said collaboration and co-operation was vital for the strong wool sector, but there were also benefits for fine wool growers from mutual sheep and wool projects.
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