Wool 2030: A Strategic Plan for Australian Woolgrowers

A recommendation of the 2018 review of performance of Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) by Ernst & Young was that AWI develop a ten-year wool strategy to inform AWI’s three-year strategic plans.

Forest Hill, in conjunction with Miracle Dog, assisted AWI to develop the 'Wool 2030' plan. Oversight of the plan's preparation was provided by AWI's Woolgrower Consultation Group (WCG) plus a group of 'next-gen', emerging leaders of the industry. The project involved:

• Five discussion papers on key industry topics
• A series of webinars on these topics with the WCG, featuring guest speakers (the project was undertaken during the COVID pandemic)
• Online consultations with key industry groups and participation in an international supply chain conference
• An online survey that attracted over 850 responses
• Circulation of draft plans, and final approval by the WCG.

Wool 2030 prioritises greater communication along the value chain, emphasis on wool's sustainability credentials and the harnessing of new technologies. More information and the plan itself can be accessed on the AWI website. A microsite established by AWI specifically for the Wool 2030 process provides further description of the planning process.

Scott presented the main elements of the plan to the 2021 International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO) Congress. The presentation can be viewed here.