AWI Opens Expressions of Interest for 2026 On-Farm Investment Priorities
Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for on-farm research, development and extension (RD&E) projects commencing in 2026. Guided by AWI’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, these investments aim to deliver profitable, resilient and sustainable outcomes for Australian woolgrowers through levy and matched funding.
EOIs are sought across a breadth of opportunities — from short, targeted initiatives through to larger, multi-year programs. AWI is particularly encouraging proposals that adopt whole-farm systems approaches and demonstrate strong collaboration between research organisations, RDCs, industry partners and producer groups.
Priority Areas for Investment
1. Genetics & Breeding
AWI seeks projects that advance Merino genetic improvement, including:
- Improved selection methods for worm resistance, particularly relating to Barbervax integration.
- Development of Merino production systems and indexes incorporating feed efficiency for long-term gains in profitability, productivity and welfare.
- Translation of outcomes from the Merino Lifetime Productivity (MLP) project into practical, commercially relevant selection tools that integrate objective and visual assessment.
- Strategies to increase uptake and effectiveness of artificial breeding and reproductive technologies to accelerate genetic gain.
- Cost-effective phenotyping and genotyping methods that improve recording, analysis and selection accuracy in Merinos.
2. Animal Health & Wellbeing
- Development of biological or environmentally friendly control methods for internal and external parasites, with a focus on innovations targeting the soil stage of parasite lifecycles.
3. Environmental Sustainability
- A literature review of practices used by well-managed grazing properties that contribute to ecosystem services, including water and food quality, biodiversity, threatened species habitat, nutrient cycling, shade and shelter, and soil health.
- A literature review of regionally appropriate emissions-reduction, carbon-storage and biodiversity approaches applicable to Australian woolgrowers.
4. Labour Saving
- Novel approaches that reduce time, labour and cost burdens across sheep management, wool harvesting, handling systems and supply chain logistics. This may include practical, technical or digital innovations that improve farm efficiency and support workforce challenges.
AWI CEO John Roberts said the 2026 EOI process is designed to bring forward new ideas, partnerships and technologies that can support woolgrowers in a rapidly changing production and market landscape.
“Our focus is ensuring that levy investments deliver real, practical outcomes for woolgrowers. By inviting proposals across these priority areas, we aim to support innovation that drives productivity, resilience and long-term industry prosperity,” Mr Roberts said.
EOIs must outline the proposed project, alignment with AWI’s strategic priorities, expected grower benefits, delivery capability and indicative budget and timelines.
The EOI round opens on 24 November 2025 and closes on 30 January 2026.
Full guidelines and submission requirements are available at www.wool.com/projects
