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In 1990 the Australian Government established the Cooperative Research Centres program. The CRC's bring together researchers from universities,
CSIRO and other government laboratories, and private industry
or public sector agencies, in long-term collaborative arrangements
which support research and development and education activities
that achieve real outcomes of national economic and social
significance. The Government contributes AUD145M to the
program, with additional funding being provided by industry.
Woolwise was born of the CRC for Premium Quality Wool as
a service to the wool industry. This CRC commenced in 1993
and was wound up in 2000.
The CRC was a joint venture in research and education between
Australia's wool growers (through The Woolmark Company) and several
research organisations including CSIRO, Agriculture WA and four universities
(The University of Western
Australia, The University
of New England, The
University of New South Wales, and The University of Adelaide).
During its lifetime the CRC for premium quality wool:
- used genetic engineering to develop new fibre characteristics
in sheep;
- developed faster breeding programs in selecting for
fleece weight and fibre diameter;
- improved our understanding of the impact of fibre structure
on processing performance;
- identified ways to increase staple strength in a Mediterranean
climate; and
- set up innovative education programs for undergraduates
and vocational trainees.
More information about its activities and achievements can
be obtained from the publication The
Cooperative Research Centre For Premium Quality Wool: 1993
- 2000 An Evaluation.
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