PEAK wool grower body WoolProducers Australia is encouraging people involved in agriculture and consumers to celebrate National AgDay today.

WoolProducers said it will celebrate the amazing work and contribution of Australia’s 49,964 wool growers.

WoolProducers chief executive officer Jo Hall said it is a great time for Australian wool growers with the current high prices being received.

“Whilst this is good for the growers, it’s also good for the economy with the gross value of wool production for 2016/17 being $3.3 billion, up from $2.96 billion the previous year.”

WPA said the wool industry is part of the Australia’s fastest growing industry – agriculture, which as a sector has grown an astonishing 23pc in the past year. Australia produces the best quality Merino wool in the world and is sought by many countries across the globe, particularly China which buys 79.3pc of our wool clip, the body said.

“Australian wool is a magnificent product and grown naturally on our 71 million sheep, needing only water, air, sunshine and grass.

“Wool is also biodegradable and completely renewable, making it a clean and green fibre,” Ms Hall said.

“This coupled with the fact that wool is stain, odour, wrinkle, static, UV and fire resistant, there really is no comparison with man-made fibres.’ Ms Hall said.

AgDay is a national celebration of Australia’s farm sector and is hosted by the National Farmers’ Federation. Since its inception. It has grown to be a broad collaboration between industry groups, corporate Australia and government.

WoolProducers is encouraging all wool growers to get active on social media during AgDay and share their stories and pictures using the #AgDay hashtag

“AgDay is a wonderful initiative designed to acknowledge and enjoy all things agricultural, from those in the paddock producing food and fibre to those in the city wearing and consuming our wonderful produce.

“WoolProducers are always proud of our wool growers, but AgDay provides a day to celebrate them and everyone involved in Australian agriculture,” Ms Hall said.

Share the AgDay love

National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson said whether it’s producing the world’s best food and fibre, creating jobs along the supply chain, or caring for our environment – Australia’s farm sector has a great deal to celebrate.

“Today, on Australia’s first ever National Agriculture Day (AgDay), join me in sharing the remarkable story of agriculture with the nation.”

She urged attendance at one of the many AgDay events around the country, or online producers would share the AgDay video, take the AgDay quiz or spread some #AgDay love. Click here for details.

“I hope you’ll join me in making our first AgDay a celebration to remember,” Ms Simson said

Sources: WPA, NFF.