AgForce Sheep & Wool president Brent Finlay said the lead up to the elections for the national research, development and marketing body had so far been both divisive and damaging for the reputation of the entire industry.

"This has distracted growers from the main point they should be considering when looking at their prospective national representatives who are in charge of allocating our levies: are they going to be able to boost the profitability and productivity of my industry?" Mr Finlay said.

"The three new professional directors appointed to the board in April this year – Ken Boundy, Robyn Clubb and John Keniry – all have proven business acumen and the skill set to market our product to a global customer base.

"These three, along with the other established board members (chairman Brian van Rooyen and Chris Abell), provide a strong, unified team that will deliver results for the industry."

Mr Finlay said AWI needed sound corporate governance to improve profitability for woolgrowers and AgForce believed the five incumbents could deliver the leadership needed to achieve that goal.

"AgForce member and Queensland stud breeder Will Roberts is also standing for election and we wish him well," he said.

"No matter what the outcome of this election, our wool industry needs a strong, unified presence at the top and growers will expect their new representatives to conduct themselves in a professional manner for the benefit of everyone."