AWI is a not-for-profit company owned by over 29,000 wool levy payers who have registered as AWI shareholders.

AWI’s mission is to invest in research, development and marketing to:

• enhance the profitability, international competitiveness and sustainability of the Australian wool industry and
• increase demand and market access for Australian wool.

To see a summary of what AWI has delivered over the last 12 months, click here (PDF 2.65Mb).

AWI was established in 2001 the Federal Government and the wool industry as the wool industry’s rural Research and Development Corporation (RDC). AWI is one of 15 rural RDCs for specific rural industries – and is responsible for delivering research, development and marketing activities for the benefit of Australian woolgrowers.

Legislation (the Wool Services Privatisation Act 2000) governs the way AWI must operate. The legislation required the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to negotiate a Statutory Funding Agreement (PDF 273Kb) with AWI setting out the basis for expenditure of funds on research, development and marketing activities.

AWI’s strong links with key stakeholders along the supply-chain means the company is strongly positioned to:

• support Australian woolgrowers to adapt to changing market conditions
• deliver research, development and extension solutions that are responsive to industry and government needs and
• provide a vital link between government and industry to ensure efficient and effective investment in research, development and extension.