Member for Hume Angus Taylor has announced that the Association – representing more than 2,000 breeders - will receive $16,866 for professional alpaca wool classer training.

“It’s fantastic to be able to announce the success of the Association’s Industry Skills Fund application on the eve of Australian Alpaca Week (April 30 to May 8),” Mr Taylor said.

“This funding will help breeders, representing a consortia of four businesses, undertake training in professional alpaca wool classing. These businesses have the opportunity to enter new markets nationally and internationally if they are able to provide graded fleece.

“This is a perfect example of how the Industry Skills Fund works - it is designed to develop the skilled workforces needed to maintain and improve Australia’s economic position in the face of increasing global competition.”

Mr Taylor said Australia was recognised worldwide as a leading force in the alpaca industry, and Hume was home to some of Australia’s leading alpaca studs.

“Like many parts of Australia, the Hume electorate has conditions very suitable for alpaca farming,” he said.

“For optimum fibre production alpacas thrive in similar conditions to sheep – and the electorate includes areas well known for fine merino production.

“The Southern Highlands is home to some of the founders of the Australian industry some 25 years ago, and there are farmers in the area now leading innovation that will be key drivers for the industry’s future.” 

Australian Alpaca Association director Fiona Vanderbeek, of Canyonleigh’s Birrong Suri stud, welcomed the funding announcement ahead of Australian Alpaca Week.

“This is recognition that our industry is an increasingly serious contributor to Australia’s economy, with domestic and international market opportunities in fleece and meat growing rapidly,” she said.

Further information on the ISF can be found at www.business.gov.au/industryskillsfund.

Further information on Australian Alpaca Week can be found at www.alpaca.asn.au/index.php/australian-alpaca-week.