New Zealand’s ‘Next Top Monarch’ backs wool

13 November 2012

New Zealand’s ‘Next Top Monarch’ backs wool

His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, has used his wool suit to show what a big future wool has. At wool’s ‘Shear Brilliance’ yesterday, HRH inspired New Zealand farmers by showing exceptional knowledge of our farm systems.

“Along with President Bruce Wills, we spent much of yesterday in high level wool meetings with Minister David Carter and industry leaders," says Jeanette Maxwell, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairperson.

“The star turn in Auckland was HRH. He spent well over an hour at The Cloud looking through ‘Shear Brilliance’ wool exhibits. He showed a real passion for wool and an on-going commitment to the global Campaign for Wool. All music to my ears.

“Proving HRH practices what he preaches, he showed his high regard for New Zealand farmers by proudly telling guests about his suit made from “beautiful New Zealand wool”.

“Wool matters to Federated Farmers because it is central to the future of our sheep industry.

“While wool is massively underperforming, I believe its export potential is in the billions of dollars and not the hundreds of millions it currently is.

“That is why the global Campaign for Wool and HRH’s patronage is central to wooing consumers back to wool. The innumerable health, safety and natural benefits of wool are real but underleveraged.

“Not to mention that wool is renewable and sustainable unlike oil-based materials.

“Perhaps it is now time for Federated Farmers to step up. This is something we do rarely and only when something breaks down. Wool is arguably at that point right now, given it was drifting even before the wool levy was lost.

“By becoming more involved, Federated Farmers could help drive unity from the grower up. That came through loud and clear during the Wool Unity group meeting yesterday, with HRH and Minister Carter.

“The status quo is not an option so Wools of New Zealand could be an opportunity for strong wool growers to invest in our future. Federated Farmers strongly encourages all of our members to get to a meeting to learn more.

“I attended a Wools of New Zealand meeting last Friday and know that on his return to Napier last evening, President Bruce Wills attended one as well.

“Given HRH The Prince of Wales knows wool and knows New Zealand farming, there is an expectation on us to show global leadership. Yesterday was inspiring and is why I believe Prince Charles is New Zealand’s ‘next top monarch’,” Mrs Maxwell concluded.

For more information about Wools of New Zealand and its roadshows for farmers, please click here.

ENDS

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