The Chairman of the NFU Cymru Less Favoured Areas (LFA) Board has urged local wool producers to stand together as the industry faces competitive times.
John Owen said: “I strongly believe that wool sold outside of the British Wool Marketing Board (BMWB) auction system at lower prices simply reduces the value of wool to all producers. There is demand for our product and in the modern world, where consumers are becoming more familiar with the environmental and green agenda, I believe there is huge potential for wool as a natural and sustainable product.
“We do however need commitment from producers to support the Board so that it can promote, market and sell our wool in order to achieve the best possible price.”
Mr Owen was speaking after a meeting which was addressed by Gethin Havard, BWMB member, who gave an update on the Wool Board’ s work and outlined recent improvements in the prices members have received for their product.
Mr Havard said: “Wool prices have increased substantially since October 2009 with the result that, on average, the 2010 wool clip value was double that of 2009 and treble that of 2008. The demand for wool in our auctions throughout the first few months of this year has continued to grow and we therefore project a further increase in the value of the 2011 wool clip.
“Achieving the best possible returns for producers has always been the priority of the BWMB. But if sheep farmers had no Board in place to market their wool, the consequences for the sheep sector in Wales would be unthinkable. We urge farmers who produce wool to support the Board – it is vital that we as producers support the Board.”
Commenting on those wool producers who choose to sell their wool to foreign buyers, Mr Havard added: “It is vital, now more than ever, that the Board has the full support of all producers, as the more wool we handle the lower the cost per kilo to all producers. By having as much wool as possible to sell through the auction system, increasing demand and competition will ensure we get the highest price possible, which is to the benefit of all producers.”