With much focus on trade, it is nice to sidetrack to agricultural organizations that are focused on building-back within Canada. The Canadian Wool Collective is one of them.
The CWC “was established as a grassroots organization in 2020 to create meaningful connections between members of the Canadian wool community.”
They do this by prioritizing traceability, transparency, collaboration, accessibility, equity—diversity and climate resilience.
“Traceability - The entire life cycle of a wool product can be tracked from growing to production to purchase thereby encouraging accountability and accurate labeling.
Transparency - The process, resources and costs associated with growing and producing wool products can be measured and observed. Transparency throughout the value chain can promote fair pay, accountability, animal welfare and greater understanding at all levels for consumers, producers and processors.
Collaboration - The CWC is committed to open communication with all members of the Canadian wool community. We believe that by sharing information, experience, expertise and resources, the Canadian wool community will become more resilient and more diverse leading to greater strength for all.
Climate Resilience - Wool is renewable, biodegradable and carbon sequestering. A robust domestic wool industry can help to mitigate climate change. Shorter supply chains result in fewer emissions and increased resilience. Through the adoption of ecological agricultural practices, the Canadian wool industry will support greater biodiversity.”
They do this and more…
Bringing Processing Back
“The Canadian Wool Collective's Certification program currently has three certification tiers to recognize and support Canadian wool production.
Tier #1
The first tier certifies wool that has been both grown & milled in Canada, emphasizing a fully domestic production process that aligns with the Collective's commitment to strengthening domestic wool manufacturing infrastructure.
Tier #2
The second tier acknowledges the current limitations in Canada’s wool processing capacity and certifies wool that is grown domestically but milled outside the country. The Canadian Wool Collective advocates for increased domestic production capacity and believes the second tier supports that goal as a pragmatic step toward sustainability and industry growth.
Tier #3
This certification verifies products that have been blended with a minimum of 50 per cent Canadian wool. These wool products can be manufactured within Canada or outside of the country.”
For more information and to participate see https://www.canadianwool.org/get-certified
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