Check out the response from the Ministers office at the bottom
There is over 425,000lbs of wool grown in manitoba every year - but only one mill (and we can only process 3500lbs/year). It does seem totally bananas that wool processing has been left entirely up to the private sector - with zero support, infrastructure or subsidy..... I think as sheep producers, and wool consumers - we have the ability to let our voices be heard - to insist that those making decisions about agriculture in Canada recognize and value wool.
The Next Policy Framework is currently being developed - it is an initiative between federal and provincial governments to identify priorities and to support the agriculture sector for the next 5 years - they need to know that wool is important and being left behind.
Below is a letter that I wrote to the Federal and provincial ag ministers - as well as the sheep specialists in Manitoba - you are welcome to use any/all of my letter to help you write your own (i've also included their email addresses, so it will be easy for you to send). I encourage others to send it to your provincial ministers as well.
I know it may be easiest to be angry at the long delays with our current Mills/processors - but I think the more appropriate avenue for us to channel our collective frustration is at those that make decisions on where public funds and support go in agriculture.
Marie-Claude.Bibeau@parl.gc.ca (Federal Minister of Agriculture)
minagr@leg.gov.mb.ca (Manitoba Minister of Agriculture)
dmagr@leg.gov.mb.ca (Manitoba Debuty Minister of Agriculture)
To Provincial & Federal Agriculture Ministers,
Good afternoon, I am writing with my feedback and recommendations regarding the Next Policy Framework and the future of sheep and wool in Manitoba.
Canada does not currently have a comprehensive national strategy for growing the domestic wool industry - we need a shift in leadership, representation and revitalization of the industry. If wool processing was enhanced and supported in communities across the country we would see tangible benefits:
- Reduction in emissions from the transportation of wool and finished goods globally
- Increased Carbon sequestration by utilizing wool instead of synthetics
- Rural community development and increased employment opportunities
- Economic growth in the domestic manufacturing
- Innovation and product development using wool
- Increased revenue to Canadian sheep farmers
These benefits directly speak to the 5 priorities outlined in the Guelph Statement.
Currently, there is only one wool processing mill in Manitoba - the infrastructure and facilities are far too small to adequately address the demand in our region. Producers in Manitoba are waiting between 12 - 18 months for manufacturing of their wool - this is an outrageous amount of time to be waiting for a product to get to market. We just simply don't have the infrastructure to meet the needs of farmers.
According to Stats Can (2012) there are over 71,000 sheep in Manitoba - this is approximately 426,000lbs of wool (avg of 6lbs/head) a year. The lone mill in Manitoba can only process 3500lbs a year, and the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers has had large delays in their wool program since the pandemic. This means that over 400,000lbs of wool is being composted, trashed, burned or put in storage every year. This is a lost economic opportunity and a wasted valuable resource - it needs to be addressed.
I would like to see the next agricultural policy framework prioritize wool and to increase investment in the agri-processing of wool. Here are some ideas for how to prioritize wool in the coming budgets and plans:
- Funding and investment for the development of medium and large wool processing facilities across the country
- Support and funding for existing processors to grow their wool processing operations
- Funding for innovation and development of new Canadian wool products
Thank you for your time, I look forward to hearing from you.
I received this response from the Federal Minister’s office on September 26th.
Dear Ms. Hunter:
I am writing in response to your email to the Honourable Marie‑Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri‑Food, regarding recommendations for the next policy framework. Please be assured that the Government of Canada values your important contribution to the sector and the greater agricultural landscape as a sheep producer and wool mill owner in Eastern Manitoba. I appreciate the opportunity to convey the following information to you and regret the delay in this reply.
On July 22, 2022, the federal, provincial and territorial governments reached an agreement on a new $3.5‑billion agricultural policy framework—the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP). This new five‑year agreement will inject $500 million in additional funds, representing a 25 percent increase in the cost‑shared portion of the Partnership, which will advance key priorities outlined in The Guelph Statement. The new framework will position the sector for continued success as a world leader in environmentally, economically and socially sustainable agriculture, while also enabling an innovative and productive internationally competitive sector that can continue to feed Canada and a growing global population.
SCAP will allow Canada to meet upcoming challenges that face agriculture—and the sheep sector more specifically—such as climate change, markets and trade, and the expectations of consumers. Program details are under development in close collaboration with our provincial and territorial partners, and I thank you for sharing your views related to the wool sector in this context.
I recognize that the marketing of wool has faced significant challenges lately due to a lack of qualified labour in the textile industry, as well as the COVID‑19 pandemic, which caused the closure of retail clothing stores and widespread cancellation of contracts in the greater textile supply chain. As you noted, despite current market conditions, opportunities remain to market high‑quality wool and to create economic growth through new product information as well as increased consumer awareness of the sector to bring more vitality to the Canadian wool market.
To that end, an investment of $150,000 for the Canadian Wool Council was announced on February 23, 2022, to help build a more sustainable wool industry in Canada. Environmental awareness has led consumers to be more conscious about where they shop and what they buy, creating new opportunities for natural, sustainable and durable products. Developing Canada’s wool industry will provide consumers at home and abroad a greater variety of sustainably produced products.
The funds announced earlier this year will support the Canadian Wool 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 funding is delivered through the AgriMarketing Program under the current framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. While the parameters of this program are still being worked out for the next framework, it will continue to help the sector develop opportunities domestically and internationally.
I invite you to share any further recommendations you may have on SCAP through Agriculture and Agri‑Food Canada’s Share ideas: Next Agricultural Policy Framework consultation webpage.
Again, thank you for writing with your views on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Natasha Kim
Assistant Deputy Minister
Strategic Policy Branch