Organic Merino Wool
Production of Clothing from Organic Fibres to Increase
Interest is growing in the use of sustainably grown fibres for clothing. Organic wool production is in its infancy but is set to increase to fulfil growing demand.
Perhaps you are interested in organic food perhaps growing it or purchasing it for the health benefits and the benefits to the environment. Organic growing is an ecologically sustainable activity that gives environmental pay offs. Now not only food is grown organically, but also the coat on your back.
In May, 2007 the largest sale yet of organic wool was held by the firm Elders Ltd in Melbourne Australia. Although organically grown wool represents only about 1 % of the country's wool clip, the sale demonstrated that there was growing international interest in sourcing wool to make clothing from sustainable fibres.
As well as Australia, Argentina and New Zealand have been producing some organic wool. Organic wool is particularly in demand by USA and UK millers but growth in the sector has been hampered by lack of consistent supply.
Recently, people from the British clothing retailer Marks and Spencer visited Australia to research the supply of organic wool. The firm has announced their “eco-plan”, a scheme that will see clothing made of organic cotton, linen and wool as well as a tripling of organic food products.
The wool will be environmentally friendly as well as delivering premiums to growers.
With the Marks and Spenser representatives, were those from Ferney Spinning which firm spins and makes wool for Marks and Spencer clothing. They visited the wool centre Dubbo in Western New South Sales and became convinced that a supply chain could be set up so that organic wool could be consistently delivered to the manufacturers.
Being certain of supply was the issue, as inconsistency has meant that the marketers could not be sure they would get enough high quality wool to fulfil their plans.
Other Wool garment makers joined Marks and Spencer in visiting outback Australia to understand the production practicalities and realities of organic merino wool.
One industry source said, “The push is in its early days, and whether the organic wool industry can profit from such demand is going to depend on developing better supply." The ability to meet demand will determine the profitability of organic wool in the long term.
In Australia the consultancy group, Organics for Rural Australia (ORA) has been working since 2001 to develop relationships, to create a selling mechanism and to provide a framework for future organic wool production.
Jamine McClure, OAR managing director said, "Our consultancy group together with Geoff Redden, Manager of Elders Ltd Premier and Certified organic wool, and the AOC have cooperated to ensure that the certifications and supporting paper trails were in place for the wool to be marketed with organic integrity.”
Consumers must know that the organic product that they purchase really is truly organic and that there is an agreed definition as to what the term "organic" means. Charlatans that creep into the business to latch on to the premiums paid for organic products need to be exposed so that we all have confidence in the product offered.
The manufacturers visiting Dubbo were, obviously, checking for themselves that the merino sheep producing the fine wool were being grown under organic conditions. Also that the certifications offered were part of the agreed international organic protocols.
For those who believe in the value of sustainable farming practices the commercial growth and interest in organic wool as well as other fibres for clothing is a welcome development.
