Government of Canada invests in building a sustainable Canadian wool industry

OTTAWA — The Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food has announced plans to provide the Canadian Wool Council with funding of almost $150,000 to help build a sustainable wool industry in Canada.

A statement from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says that consumers have become more conscious about where they shop and what they buy due to concerns of sustainability as well as the environmental impacts of sourcing raw materials. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says these growing public concerns have created new opportunities to create natural, sustainable and durable products.

The funds are intended to 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.

This announcement coincides with the release of the Council’s report, Carpet Plan (2022-2026), which maps opportunities for new and existing products in Canada’s carpet sector, which is valued at more than $367 million. The report identifies opportunities to grow Canada’s wool industry in international markets such as Europe, Australia and Asia.

One of these opportunities is a collaboration between the Canadian Wool Council, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Creative Matters Inc. to design and produce Canadian wool carpets at a Waterloo, Ontario plant for Canadian embassies in Copenhagen, Denmark and Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

“The demand for natural and environmentally friendly products continues to grow. By promoting the benefits of locally made, sustainable and biodegradable wool products, this initiative will help the Canadian wool industry tap into markets both domestically and around the world,” said Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau in a statement.