Partnership explores the potential for sheep wool
A new report, exploring the potential for development of Irish sheep-wool products, highlights ways in which LEADER companies could support the value-chain from processors to producers.
The report was commissioned by the Wool Partnership – a joint initiative comprising local development companies in Galway, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary and Kilkenny – and it was launched in ATU Mountbellew Agricultural College last week at an event attended by Ministers Noel Grealish and Sean Canney.
“We wanted to see if the LEADER programme and LDCs had a role to play in developing this sector,” explained Steve Dolan, CEO of Galway Rural Development.
“The proposed actions on training, enterprise supports, research pathways, and pilot programmes all deserve consideration.
“This partnership shows what rural Ireland can achieve when we work together. Wool has huge potential across product development, nature based solutions, tourism, and the circular economy. Working together, we can help farmers capture far more of the value they create,” he added.
A farmer survey conducted for the report showed that 18% of respondents are already utilizing their wool for a productive application, while a further 47% are motivated to do something with their wool that will add value to the raw commodity.
A key focus of this study was to achieve engagement with sheep farmers and to obtain their feedback on the current situation plus their interest in innovating with wool locally.
Among the events at which responses were collected with two major Galway gatherings – Sheep 2025 in Athenry and Shearfest in Mountbellew.
A total of 199 responses were collected, within the regions relevant to the Leader organisations; 53 of those were in Galway East and 32 in Galway West.
Coffins, bandages, rope, and pellet fertilizer are just some of the uses for sheep wool identified in case studies from Europe, New Zealand, Mongolia.
Conversations with farmers during the compilation of the report revealed that they would like to see their own wool used in products that they could sell within the farm and that they are willing to work collaboratively with other local farmers, designers, or product developers.
However, the absence of scouring and small-scale processing is one of the most significant national bottlenecks identified in the report.
The establishment of a micro-scale, wool scouring plant in Ireland was identified as a potential demonstrator hub for the bioeconomy.
“Interestingly, the report advises us to build a broad base of skills across the value chain, ensuring we reach shearers, community groups, craftspeople and emerging processors, as well as farmers – particularly in relation to training,” said Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership.
“I believe this is something we could deliver. But beyond training, the LEADER programme has a unique ‘toolbox’ of support measures it can offer eligible project promoters: analysis and development (research), marketing, capital towards equipment and buildings, as well as the training measure.
“These supports are available at a relatively high level in both percentage and monetary terms for small and medium sized enterprises. If the right idea emerges, LEADER can certainly help!” he added.
It is hoped that The Wool Partnership will now move forward with feasibility work and pilot initiatives aimed at building a stronger value chain, from processing to high quality yarn and garment production, so Irish wool becomes a sustainable commercial resource.