I am sharing this message from the Canadian Wool Collective because it is an essential call to action for all involved in agriculture in Canada. It is the time to use our voices and contribute opinions and ideas to help shape funding and programs for the ‘Next Policy Framework’ being built by Agriculture and Agrifood Canada. The deadline to make comment is June 30th.
The Canadian Wool Collective have laid out the issues related to wool and why your opinion matters as well as how to access the survey. If you are a wool producer there are also some ideas on how to respond to the survey.
What is the Canadian Agricultural Policy Framework?
The Canadian Agricultural Policy Framework is the primary funding and policy structure shaping programs and services for farmers across the country. As consultations begin for the Next Policy Framework (NPF), the coming months represent a critical window for farmers, producers, and those who care about agriculture in Canada to ensure their voices are heard and reflected in the future of Canadian agriculture.
Sheep & Wool must be a part of Canada’s Agricultural Future.
The Canadian Wool Collective understands that wool is a valuable agricultural commodity that offers many benefits for local economic development and climate action. As such, wool should be an important part of the Next Policy Framework.
Priorities for the Next Policy Framework should include:
1. Reinvestment in domestic wool processing infrastructure
Canada currently lacks sufficient regional processing capacity, which limits the ability to turn raw wool into value-added products. Strategic investment in domestic wool production infrastructure through grants, low-interest and micro loans for regional scouring facilities, wool processing mills (carding, combing, and spinning), textile mills, and domestic garment production is essential to keep value within Canada and strengthen rural economies. Additional investment is also required in training and education for these wool manufacturing enterprises.
2. Recognition of wool as a climate-positive material
Wool is a renewable and biodegradable resource that offers an outstanding nature-based solution to the climate crisis. A natural fibre with strong potential in low-carbon applications far beyond personal and household textiles, wool could replace microplastics and synthetics in several applications, such as insulation, landscaping, and roadside stabilization. Throughout its life-cycle, from sheep to sweater to soil, wool serves as a carbon sink, holding almost twice its weight in atmospheric carbon, thus preventing this stored CO2 from further contributing to climate change. Policy must explicitly include wool within climate change targets, circular economy, and green building strategies.
3. Support small-scale, diversified, and next-generation producers
The sheep sector plays a key role in enabling new entrants and diversified farm models. Programs must be more accessible and better tailored to reflect the realities of small ruminant production and integrated wool & fibre businesses.
Join us in shaping Canada’s New Agricultural Policy Framework by following these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)'s Consultation Next Policy Framework (NPF) consultation link and fill out the demographic and introduction questions.
Step 2: In preparation for answering the core consultation questions, we invite you to reflect on your own experiences and/or review our suggested survey responses at Canada Agricultural Policy Framework - Canadian Wool Collective. Please answer all the questions.
Step 3: After you have submitted your response, tell others in your community. You don’t need to be a farmer or wool mill owner to care about the future of agriculture, sheep and wool in Canada.
Source: Canadian Wool Collective Newsletter
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