Press Release

The PGA has expressed dismay with the way the Board of AWI have interpreted the science to suit their press release regarding the adoption of the new AWI flystrike prevention policy, released yesterday.

“It would appear that AWI still have a governance problem with self interest within the Board, especially with regards to the possible commercialisation of pain relief,” says Digby Stretch, Wool Committee Chairman.

“AWI are showing no support for the many who have listened to their customers and are going down the non-mulesing path.  It is very disappointing that they have re-ignited the issue globally.  (Board member) Modiano’s letter to Marks & Spencer should have explained that they can have all the non-mulesed wool they want if they open their wallet, but being a processor, he left that bit out.”

In July 2008 the PGA carried a motion of support to allow market forces dictate how producers dealt with their lambs after 2010.  “We demand good governance and accountability from AWI, not populist spin doctoring laced with self interest.”

“The PGA is pushing strongly for more emphasis on on-farm R&D which will create options for growers who wish to cease mulesing.  At the moment the AWI are failing to trigger retailers to send price signals to growers who will sell non-mulesed wool if it offers them a premium price.”