NZ Romney to brief members about Elders strategy

NZ Romney to brief members about Elders strategy

NZ Romney will be running a nationwide series of workshops from late April to update its members and commercial clients on the Romney NZ / Elders Primary Wool (EPW) -wool initiative.

Stud breeders and commercial clients will be briefed on details around the recently announced relationships with EPW for the marketing of Romney wool Nepalese rugs.  Discussions will also take place on supplying large volumes of pure Romney wool to Elders to meet their requirements in the US market.

John Bates, CEO of NZ Romney says that they will be also discussing the establishment of a subgroup of Romney growers for supplying wool to Elders on a contractual basis. These discussions will include details of wool specifications, timing of supply and payment systems.

“NZ Romney’s role is to manage the relationships with EPW, establish quality assurance systems and to negotiate terms on behalf of our members,” says Bates.  “One of the attractions in working with EPW is that they are doing all the leg work and upfront investment in the marketing development – which leaves our members to focus on what they do best – growing and preparing quality wool.”

Currently EPW representatives are in the US finalising details with CCA Global Partners and with a number of carpet manufacturers.  They will be returning to attend the NZ Romney workshops to answer questions, to provide an update on progress of the marketing strategy and to outline fibre requirements including colour and length.

Stuart Chapman, Managing Director of Elders (NZ) explains that farmers need to return to a focus on producing quality wool if they wish to see the profitability returned.  “We know that it’s tough to continue to produce a quality product when the return hasn’t reflected the investment.  However our strategy to return the profitability to wool growers relies on quality wool being procured.”

Bates is convinced of the merits of the relationship between the entities. “Pure Romney wool is a quality interior textile fibre. This relationship has the potential to encourage farmers to invest in wool preparation and breeding with confidence for the future, based upon this deal.  NZ Romney believes that this venture has the best potential on offer at the moment to reward farmers who produce pure Romney wool.”

Romney farmer Dennis Bell, from the Hawkes Bay agrees and is quick to encourage Romney growers to attend the workshops, it’s all about famers starting to get involved in marketing and promoting their products and finding ways to get a decent return on our good quality wool . 

“This is a great opportunity for growers to ask the questions they want to know answers to. It’s really up to us now.”

ENDS

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