Blaming sheep farmers for the loss of 43 jobs at AgResearch is akin to blaming investors for the failure of a finance company. Instead, the focus needs to turn to the private sector to unlock new wool fibre uses reports Scoop.“I think this is a tragedy for the research staff involved and for NZ It highlights a massive gulf between what is expected from research and what’s actually being put into the field,” says Don Nicolson, Fed Farmers President.

“But with the national flock less than half the peak of 70 million reached in 1982, research monies have simply followed this 28-year realignment. AgResearch is basing its business plan on where the sheep industry is, not where it once was. “For wool to be on a par with 1980s returns, it ought to be a $2.8 billion export but now it’s down to just under $500 million. It’s simply wrong to blame farmers for pulling the wool levy when our returns have collapsed.

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AgResearch will once again this year join forces with other industry leaders and agricultural providers at the South Island Field Days, which will be held next week (25 to 27 March) in Lincoln. This year AgResearch’s exhibition will be all about sheep – from the latest research to assist farmers with management and breeding programmes, to what happens to the wool once it leaves the farm gate.

While Field Days are focused on the farming industry, the fashion industry will certainly make an impact this year, with AgResearch making the leap from faming to fashion as part of its exhibition titled “The Sheep Revolution”. Seven designer garments from last year’s highly successful New Zealand Fashion Week, which featured unique new woolen fabrics developed by AgResearch, will be on display. Creations from top New Zealand designers, Cybèle, Jimmy D, Annah Stretton and Jaeha will demonstrate the exceptional characteristics of AgResearch’s Natural Easy Care wool suiting fabric, non-woven windproof fleece, next- to-Skin superfine Merino knitwear and Vintage Dyed Merino.

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