Farmers put British wool at the top of the agenda

Farmers in North Derbyshire have thrown their support behind efforts to bring British wool back into fashion and encourage industry and consumers to support the sector.

Members of the National Farmers’ Union’s Buxton and Hope Valley local branches met last week (26 October) to discuss the issue with Gareth Jones, of the British Wool Marketing Board, BWMB.

Mr Jones told wool producers that demand for wool at their new season auctions had remained strong and this had led to a dramatic increase in price over the last 12 months that will see an increased return for producers.

He said: "At the end of last year the British Fleece Wool Price Indicator, which is average price of our main grades sold at auction was 74p per kilo. Due to a strong demand and limited supply, the indicator, at the last sale on 20 October, increased again to 148p per kilo.

"It is important, in order for us to continue to achieve the best possible returns for producers that we receive the support of all wool producers as the more wool we handle the lower the cost per kilo, and the more wool we have available to sell increases competition at our auctions. It’s also important enabling us to continue to promote wool in the best possible way and raise awareness amongst manufacturers to encourage more use of British wool in their products."

HRH Prince Charles is also calling for those in the textile, fashion and the carpet trade to increase demand for wool and help raise its value.

Gareth Jones said: "The Campaign for Wool, launched in January 2010 by HRH Prince Charles had a number of official events as part of "Wool Week" that took place during October. The week-long activities achieved great support and coverage and focused on working with the major retailers and manufacturers in translating information on the benefits of wool to consumers. We see this as an exciting campaign that will hopefully raise the profile of wool as well as increase the demand for wool."

Buxton and Hope Valley NFU members were also told that wool was starting to be recognised for being home-produced, natural, long lasting and bio-degradable and therefore was a great green commodity.

Philip Burnip, the NFU’s group secretary based at Chapel en le Frith, said he was pleased Mr Jones attended the meeting and had given farmers an excellent update on the wool sector.

He said: "All farmers would welcome a revival in the wool sector as the price that they receive for their wool has for many years failed to even cover the cost of shearing the sheep and it was pleasing to hear the BWMB’s commitment to promote it. It is important that our wool, grown on British farms, by British farmers has a sustainable future. Without sheep to graze our beautiful hills, much of the landscape as we know it today would not exist.

"We would also like to see retailers and manufacturers get on board and push what is an excellent, environmentally friendly product."