AWI believes that this initiative, in partnership with state governments will ensure that woolgrowers have the information to assist them in decision making about the future management of their flocks.

The project will be managed by the AWI Extension Network projects in each state and supported by each State Government with staff and resources estimated at an in-kind contribution $1,050,000.

The CEO of AWI, Craig Welsh, said the Departments of Agriculture and Primary Industries are committed to supporting woolgrowers to meet international retailers needs.

"This decision by the departments is an acknowledgment of the importance of finding alternatives to mulesing and getting this information to woolgrowers ," Mr Welsh said.

"This will also help in enhancing understanding in the wool growing community of the importance of meeting the requirements of retailers and customers who are expecting to see the practice of mulesing phased out."

The program will promote the immediate need to commence the long-term strategy of breeding productive, high fleece weight sheep that do not require mulesing.

It will also stimulate discussion and demonstrate the range of early options already available or in the development stage.

These include changes to management practices, including the new plastic clips which will be available in the first quarter of next year, intradermals and breeding tools – and how to assemble them into a workable package for each business.

There will also be assistance for woolgrowers to implement and refine the management package used on each property, in both the short and medium terms.

The program will be carried out in:

• Victoria by BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Victoria,

• NSW by SheepConnect NSW and DPI NSW,