That's what The Land has tried to discover with a recent online survey to provide some insight around what levy rate woolproducers are willing to support.

The levy rates to be put forward are 0 per cent, 1pc, 1.5pc, 2pc and 2.5pc, and all woolgrowers are urged to cast their vote.

This rate will set the income for the industry's peak body, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), for the next three years, and in turn, the amount of revenue it has available to put into research, development and marketing.

AWI chairman Jock Laurie recently said an increased levy from the current 1.5pc would deliver more industrywide investment that benefits all Australian woolgrowers, but if funding stays at current levels, AWI's ability to deliver for growers will be limited.

"Our industry has opportunities, but also many challenges, and that's why we need the extra investment," Mr Laurie said.

While only a small sample (45 responses in total) the survey showed 31pc considered the 1.5pc levy sufficient, while 29pc thought the levy should be lifted to 2pc.

A further 27pc would cast their vote for 1pc levy, while 11pc thought a levy of 0pc was all that was needed and only 2pc of respondants would vote for a 2.5pc levy.

When asked "Do you think AWI is fulfilling its wool promotion and research and development agendas?", 44pc said no, while 40pc said yes and 16pc were unsure.

To the question: "Are you concerned about the effect on wool promotion and R&D if future levels of income are not sufficient?", 51pc recorded a "no" response, 44pc said "yes". Two per cent were unsure.

Those responses were reflected in conversations The Land had with woolgrowers in connection with this survey, with a fairly even split between those who would rather see the 1.5pc levy retained and those who are happy with AWI's suggestion to raise the levy to 2pc.

Doug Wright, a woolgrower from Claremont, Cowra, said the industry is going through interesting times with apparent demand, but would rather the levy be dropped to 1pc and see AWI match its outgoings to its income.

"I don't see there is any need for the increase to 2pc," Mr Wright said. "I suggest we go back to 1pc and see if it is possible for AWI to work within that budget."

He also said he was confused as to why AWI was working on a vaccine for flystrike prevention when breeders should be concentrating on the basics of breeding a better animal.

"Instead of developing a vaccine, why aren't the breeders looking to genetics to breed better wool and better skin which doesn't attract flies," he remarked.

The work AWI is doing in promoting wool to the consumer drew a bouquet from Monaro-based Merino breeder Lawrence Clifford, Bindaree, Berridale.

"We've got to keep on promoting wool and continue to research better ways in which in it can be produced," Mr Clifford said. "So I think a 2pc levy would be fair enough."

Tony Manchester, who produces non-Merino wool types from his Corriedale and Poll Dorset sheep at Kingsvale, via Young, agreed with Mr Clifford on the amount of levy.

"I'm in favour of 2pc, but only if it is used for the right purpose," Mr Manchester said.

"We have to keep promoting wool, but I do feel a lot of money is being wasted, which I think could be better used in some other programs."

Merino wool producer, Tony Hill, Springvale, Cootamundra, is encouraging every Australian woolgrower to have their say on the levy.

But his main concern is "I don't think people realise they have to be a registered shareholder to vote in the AWI elections".

"I am a levy payer, but have to become a shareholder to be able to vote," he said.

He also expressed concern about the risk of wool growers switching to alternative sheep enterprises.

"We have to make sure the wool industry keeps up with what is happening around the world, otherwise people will leave and move into other sheep enterprises."

Having said that, Mr Hill was supremely confident in the future of wool and industry for which he has a great deal of passion.

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