With farmers getting lower prices for their wool, a new project is keen to reach out to them to discuss opportunites for a fairer deal.
Led by Menter Môn, ‘Made with Wool’ aims to add value to Welsh wool as a natural and sustainable product. For the first time the project team will visit the Winter Fair at Llanelwedd on the 29th and 30th of November to meet and hear the views of farmers.
The cost of sheering has been higher than the price farmers get for fleece for some time – Sioned Prydderch McGuigan, the project’s Senior Project Officer is determined to change this.
She said: “We recognise the challenges that farmers face annually when they sell their wool on, as we do the gap that exists in terms of opportunites to make worthwhile use of the wool as a material. As a team we look forward to meeting as many people as possible in Llanelwedd to hear what our stakeholders have to say and to show that there is real potential to Welsh wool as a valuable resource.”
As part of the scheme farmers and others with an interest in the supply chain can attend training and mentoring sessions as well as have their wool tested at the specialist facility in Caernarfon.
Sioned added: “This is an exciting project and there is real potential to make a difference not only to farmers but also to ensure that wool is promoted and used in an innovative way. In this age of increased awareness of matters relating to the environment and climate we need to take responsibility for making more use of renewables and to look at new ways of using natural materials such as wool.”
“Our message to visitors to the show this month – come and speak to us! We will be on stand 001 in South Glamorgan Hall. The whole team will be there and you can learn about the new project and how you can benefit.”
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
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For further information please contact Sioned Prydderch McGuigan Sionedmc@mentermon.com or Catrin Jones catrin@mentermon.com at Menter Môn.
Caption: Sioned McGuigan from the Made with Wool team
Notes to editors
1. The ‘Made with Wool’ team will be on stand 001 South Glamorgan Hall at the Winter Fair in Llanelwedd on the 29th and 30th of November 2021.
2. Menter Môn is a social enterprise which works across Wales to deliver a range of regeneration, environmental and cultural projects for the benefit of local communities. By working in partnership with government, the third sector, business and individuals, Menter Môn attracts funding from different sources to add value and to contribute to creating a sustainable future.
3. The ‘Made with Wool’ partnership includes Menter Môn and British Wool
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