Sales of Icelandic woollen goods have seen a dramatic increase in recent years, creating new opportunities for sheep farmers. The spokesman for the sheep farmers association told the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service that farmers had to seize this opportunity and increase the production of high quality wool, which is in huge demand.
RÚV reports that currently only half of all wool produced in Iceland is used domestically to produce lopi, the knitting wool made from the fleece of Icelandic sheep. Lopi is both wet resistant and extremely insulating, making it the perfect material for knitting sweaters for Icelandic conditions. The rest is wool of lesser quality which is exported unprocessed.
Read more: The Chicago wool jumper scandal: Ministry spokesman confirms identity of jumper
Þórarinn Pétursson, the chairman of the National Association of Sheep Farmers told RÚV that farmers, the association and Ístex, Icelandic Textile Company, which processes most wool produced in Iceland, should work together to raise the quality of the wool by improving its processing. This way the supply of high quality wool in natural undyed shades could be increased, thus increasing the supply of high quality woollen goods, made from domestic wool, and raising the income of farmers.
Sales of Icelandic woollen goods have seen a dramatic increase in recent years, creating new opportunities for sheep farmers. The spokesman for the sheep farmers association told the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service that farmers had to seize this opportunity and increase the production of high quality wool, which is in huge demand.
RÚV reports that currently only half of all wool produced in Iceland is used domestically to produce lopi, the knitting wool made from the fleece of Icelandic sheep. Lopi is both wet resistant and extremely insulating, making it the perfect material for knitting sweaters for Icelandic conditions. The rest is wool of lesser quality which is exported unprocessed.
Read more: The Chicago wool jumper scandal: Ministry spokesman confirms identity of jumper
Þórarinn Pétursson, the chairman of the National Association of Sheep Farmers told RÚV that farmers, the association and Ístex, Icelandic Textile Company, which processes most wool produced in Iceland, should work together to raise the quality of the wool by improving its processing. This way the supply of high quality wool in natural undyed shades could be increased, thus increasing the supply of high quality woollen goods, made from domestic wool, and raising the income of farmers.
