1. INTRODUCTION
The Cooperative Research Centre for Premium Quality Wool
(Wool CRC) began operations in July 1993 and is scheduled to terminate in
June 2000. Its major objectives have focused primarily on improving wool
quality, particularly in terms of reducing fibre diameter and increasing
average staple strength. Research results to date indicate that those
objectives can be achieved with effective technology transfer.
The Commonwealth Government is expected to announce an
extension of the CRC Program, providing an opportunity for the Wool CRC to
apply for a second term. To be successful, a proposal must be able to
establish a sound basis for its bid, to identify new research initiatives
not covered by the first Wool CRC and to demonstrate strong industry
support for the endeavour.
This document concentrates primarily on describing the
state of the Australian wool industry in 1998 within the context of the
international consumer demand for wool, features of the world textile
industry and trends in global wool production. In presenting that
analysis, key issues that need to be addressed are identified and these
will be prioritised and addressed in preparing a submission for a second
Wool CRC.
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