Funding & investments

How AWI is funded

AWI investments are funded primarily through a wool levy paid by woolgrowers (currently two per cent of the sale price received for their shorn greasy wool) and a matching contribution from the Federal Government for eligible R&D activities (capped at 0.5 per cent of the value of gross national value of wool production). The sale of Woolmark licences contributes a further important source of income for AWI.

Sources and amounts of revenue for the past two financial years are shown in the table below. 

For further information, refer to the Financial Statements in AWI's Annual Reports. 

Woolgrowers collectively determine the rate of levy they pay. They vote every three years in WoolPoll on the percentage of wool sales they want invested in research and development and marketing. In the most recent vote - WoolPoll 2018 - woolgrowers voted for a 1 1/2 per cent levy for 2019/20-2021/22. In previous years it has been a 2 per cent levy. The wool levy paid by woolgrowers is collected by the Federal Government and passed on to AWI.

Where AWI invests

AWI invests in research and development (R&D) and marketing projects to increase the long-term profitability and sustainability of Australian woolgrowers.

AWI is focused on delivering results for wool levy payers in line with the priorities identified through industry consultation and reflected in the company's Strategic Plan.

To maximise returns for levy payers, AWI has increasingly adopted an integrated approach to its business, underpinned by research-based marketing: marketing programs based on R&D outcomes, and R&D programs informed by consumer needs and trends.

At WoolPoll, as well as determining the amount of levy to be paid, woolgrowers also determine the strategic direction of AWI's expenditure.

At the 2012, 2015 and 2018 WoolPolls, woolgrowers voted for a funding split of AWI investment (for 2013/14-2015/16, 2016/17-2018/19 and 2019/20-2021/22 respectively) in the following ratios:

Click here for further information on AWI's current investment areas.