And prominent market analyst Malcolm Bartholomaeus has warned that the real percentage may be even smaller.

The survey, conducted by FarmOnline on behalf of WoolPoll, invited woolgrowers to indicate their intention to vote in WoolPoll 2009.

The vote will determine what percentage of their wool incomes will go to AWI.

Over 200 growers participated, with 47.5pc responding that they would vote, 27pc that they wouldn’t and 25.5pc undecided.

Mr Bartholomaeus, who produces the Callum Downs Commodity News, said the results probably favoured growers more likely to vote, as they were the ones most likely to respond to an online survey.

He said many growers no longer considered wool to be a priority on their properties.

"The reality is that wool production is no longer a large percentage of their income."

The opinions of those larger producers who were engaged though, whether positive or negative, tended to be strongly held, according to Mr Bartholomaeus.

Last week Mr Bartholomaeus published an article criticising AWI's recent comments on the mulesing issue, but advocating growers vote for a 2pc levy to fund product and brand development and promotion.

WoolPoll Panel chair Will Roberts said the survey findings were a cause for concern.

"At such a pivotal time for the wool industry, growers need to use this opportunity to have their say," Mr Roberts said.

"This vote is going to shape not just the future of AWI, but the shape of the industry we work in. How can you be a part of that and not want a role in the outcome?"

Under the Wool Services Privatisation Act 2000, AWI is required to conduct a poll of woolgrower levy payers every three years.

Woolgrowers who have paid $100 or more in wool sale levy in the three years to 30 June 2009 will be eligible to vote in WoolPoll 2009.

WoolPoll 2009 voter information kits will be sent to eligible growers in late September.

The poll closes at 5pm EST on Friday, 6 November, 2009.