ASWGA recognises demand for ethical superfine wool

24 Aug '17

2 min read

Recognising the growing demand for ethically produced superfine wool, the Australian Superfine wool Growers’ Association (ASWGA) has adopted an animal welfare policy. ASWGA encourages members to follow best practice in animal welfare with the ultimate aim of removing the need for mulesing. The Superfine Industry is the flagship of the wool industry.

To be a superfine wool grower one has to be very passionate about their sheep and wool production, and have very high ethical and welfare standards.

The policy was adopted at ASWGA’s council meeting on the August 11, 2017.

ASWGA is a signatory to the Dumfries House Declaration and its members are adherents to the International Wool textile Organisation (IWTO) Specifications for Wool Sheep Welfare.

“A large number of our members already abide by this policy. We encourage all our members to abide by this policy. Over half of ASWGA members no longer mules their sheep or never did. Of those that do still mules, nearly all, if not all, use pain relief,” Danny Picker, president of ASWGA, said.

ASWGA members raise their animals under a lot of different climatic conditions around Australia. They decide their own animal husbandry procedures.

“Most of our members use the voluntary National Wool Declaration to provide evidence of their mules status for our wool clients around the world,” Picker said.

ASWGA recognises the growing demand for ethically produced superfine wool, in particular, the evidence of orders specifying unmulesed wool. The association’s policy is to ensure super fine growers are made aware of all market opportunities for their wool, Picker added. (SV)

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