A 10-year history of sustainability
Sustainability is vital to the industry. Mohair SA has been developing processes to manage and monitor the production of mohair since as far back as 1999.
Beginning with unique producer numbers to monitor production statistics, the launch of the Sustainable Guidelines and farm assessments in 2009, and the appointment of a full-time sustainability officer in 2015, Mohair SA’s sustainability programme is in continual evolution. It is designed to respond to new findings and critical environmental factors, making necessary improvements as time goes by.
Today, the programme includes the development of a digital application to capture and analyse Angora farm data, as well as third-party audits that can track mohair fleece from farm to production.
Image: Supplied
Accreditation programme
As part of this evolution, 2019 will see Mohair SA and industry stakeholders drive a stringent shearing accreditation programme to ensure the industry continues to maintain and improve, as well as ensure the continued ethical treatment of its Angora goat livestock.
Mohair SA has further illustrated the country’s commitment to building a sustainable and ethical mohair sector through its engagement with Textile Exchange. Textile Exchange is a global non-profit organisation that works closely with international members to drive industry transformation in preferred fibres, integrity and standards, and responsible supply networks.
Textile Exchange has spent the past few months scoping SA’s existing mohair Industry Sustainable Guidelines against other standards, particularly the Responsible Wool Standards. In October, at its Annual Sustainability Conference in Milan, it announced that mohair will be included in the revision process of the Responsible Wool Standards.
Deon Saayman, Mohair SA MD, said: “We will continue our commitment to producing a sustainable fibre that can be used with confidence and assurance of ethical practices.”
When you buy South African mohair, you’re not just buying a scarf, a coat or a jersey. You’re enabling sustainable, ethical farming practices. You’re ensuring that thousands of South Africans are able to get up and go to work every day. You’re supporting the farmer who loves his goats. It doesn’t get any simpler, or better, than that.
Visit www.mohair.co.za for more information.
