Government of Canada invests in wool industry

On Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of nearly $150,000 for the Canadian Wool Council to help build a more sustainable wool industry in Canada and spread awareness of the beneficial qualities of Canadian wool.

The funds will support the Council in conducting market research, promoting trade and export opportunities, connecting the sector with global best practices, and improving industry and consumer awareness through education and promotional activities.

“The demand for natural and environmentally friendly products continues to grow. By promoting the benefits of locally made, sustainable and biodegradable wool products, this initiative will help the Canadian wool industry tap into markets both domestically and around the world,” said Bibeau.

This announcement coincides with the release of the Council’s report, Carpet Plan (2022-2026), which maps opportunities for new and existing products in Canada’s carpet sector, which is valued at more than $367 million. The report identifies opportunities to grow Canada’s wool industry in international markets such as Europe, Australia and Asia.

One of these opportunities is a collaboration between the Canadian Wool Council, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Creative Matters Inc. to design and produce Canadian wool carpets at a Waterloo, Ontario plant for Canadian embassies in Copenhagen, Denmark and Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

“Canadian wool is renewable, sustainable and biodegradable. Today's investment from the Government of Canada demonstrates a commitment to developing the full potential of this natural fibre and improving the livelihoods of Canadians across the value-chain - from producer to consumer,” said Matthew J. Rowe, CEO, Canadian Wool Council and the Campaign for Wool - Canada.

AAFC’s funding comes through the federal AgriMarketing Program, which aims to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities.

Ontario Sheep Farmers, an organization representing over 3000 producers, has also provided financial support for this initiative.