The ECUES project is inviting brands and buyers of South African wool and mohair to a new dialogue forum with emerging and communal farmers in the Eastern Cape. The forum seeks to explore challenges and opportunities for marginalized farmers in South Africa, and strengthen access and connection between local production and international markets. The dialogue forum is a unique opportunity to engage with smaller-scale producers whose voices are not often heard in international trade discussions.

The webinar is open to all companies/enterprises who wish to:

• Gain greater understanding of the climate consequences related to wool and mohair production, and what actions companies can undertake to make a difference
• Greater understanding of the situation of the different categories of producers in South Africa
• Get the opportunity to assist the marginal farmers to ‘graduate’ to more established commercial farmers producing high quality product
• The opportunity to develop relationships with producers and to create positive “good story” lines that could be used in branding
• An opportunity to educate customers to the reality of the farming situation facing wool and mohair farmers in South Africa
• Better understanding local conditions and standards for ethical production

 

Agenda:

• Welcome and introduction, Kaja Elise Gresko, Ethical Trade Norway
• Presentation by Kgotsofalang Lehlapa, Coordinator of Mount Fletcher Wool Farmers’ Association
• Presentation by Lloyd James, emerging farmer
• Discussion on key issues, i.e.
  • What are the future trends in wool product manufacturing, and how will natural fibres compete with synthetic materials?
  • Will the incentive to produce wool responsibly and sustainably remain intact in the market?
  • What are key priorities for brands sourcing wool/mohair, and how can South African farmers provide what the market requires?
  • How can South African farmers support/incentivize more collaboration with Norwegian/European brands, and contribute to raising awareness of benefits and opportunities of sustainably produced South African wool/mohair?
  • Other issues

 

Target group:

Companies or enterprises who are considering or currently sourcing wool and/or mohair from South Africa or other geographic locations.

Registration and cost:

The webinar is open to members of the Ethical Trading Initiatives: Norway, UK, Sweden and Denmark. For other stakeholders who wish to participate, please contact project manager, Kaja Elise Gresko. (kaja@etiskhandel.no).

The Eastern Cape Upliftment, Empowerment and Sustainability project is funded by Norad – Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.