2004 News
Truss urges Australians to support wool farmers
Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today encouraged Australian shoppers to support Australia's wool growers by purchasing quality Australian made wool garments during the Christmas shopping period.
Mr Truss' comments come in response to a campaign by a US animal rights organisation, PETA, which is calling for a boycott of wool products. (The same organisation opposes the use of seeing-eye dogs by the blind, the keeping of pets and horse racing).
"Wool is a clean, green, natural fibre and, as Australians, we should feel no qualms about the use of this fibre which is produced using world's best practice animal husbandry," Mr Truss said.
"By purchasing wool apparel products made from Australian wool, Australians are not only buying the highest quality wool garments and woollen fabrics in the world, but they are supporting one of Australia's most important agricultural industries," he said.
Australia has over 37,000 woolgrowers, many of whom have been severely affected by the recent drought. Nevertheless, the quality of Australian wool remains the best in the world, and is produced by people committed to caring for their animals in the best possible way.
"Woollen products are ideal Christmas presents for friends and family, and a purchase this year would send a strong message to those animal welfare extremists who are seeking to black ban Australian farmers," Mr Truss said.
"Australian wool is in high demand across the globe, as demonstrated again recently when Raymond's of India purchased the world's finest bale of Australian wool at auction in Victoria."
Wool and wool blend products are heat and water-resistant and are suitable for all seasons, providing material not only for traditional winter clothing products but also for summer fashion apparel.
"Recent developments and improvements in woollen products mean that the days of the bulky, woollen jumper are gone. Today there is a range of silky feeling, lightweight wool and wool blend garments that are cool in summer and warm in winter, suitable for both the fashion and active-wear markets," Mr Truss said.
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Source: www.daff.gov.au
Released by: Tim Langmead - Media Adviser (02) 6277 7520
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