Two farmer co-operatives associated with competing wool marketing ventures have begun discussions which may lead to them exploring the idea joining forces.
The Primary Wool co-operative is a partner with Elders New Zealand in a venture to supply New Zealand strong wool to the top-end carpet trade in the United States under the new 'Just Shorn' brand.
Grower Holdings is in the Wool Partners International joint venture with PGG Wrightson, which is also targetting the international carpet market with its 'Laneve' brand.
Directors from Primary Wool and Grower Holdings have met in Palmerston North to start talks on what they describe as a range of options for the benefit of the wool industry.
Primary Wool chair, Bay de Latour of Hawke's Bay, says farmers believe there should be only one co-op.
Further talks will be held on 8 January.
