Foundation of the European Wool Group

On 22 May 1997 representatives of major professional organisations involved in the producing and processing of European wool presented the newly founded European Wool Group (EWG) in Brussels. This is the first time that such a Europe-wide inter-professional organisation has been established, covering all parts of the wool production chain from the sheep farmer right through to wool processing and marketing structures.

Wool is one of Europe's oldest resources and was once the most important source of wealth of certain countries, However, the extremely low prices paid for wool and the almost total lack of efficient collection, grading and marketing structures in most EU member states have resulted in this natural resource being severely neglected. Prices often barely cover the cost of shearing and there is no incitement to sheep farmers to increase quality.

The development of quality wool breeds has required centuries of expertise and know-how, much of which is now in danger of being lost. Wool is not considered to be of any commercial value and large quantities are even thrown away. Meanwhile, the vast majority of wool processed by European textile factories is imported from the southern hemisphere.

Wool is not considered to be an agricultural product by the European Union and there has never existed a specific programme of support measures for the sector. Sheep breeding plays an important socioeconomic role, especially in mountain and marginal areas facing decline and rural exodus. The upgrading of the different kinds of European wool would contribute towards the sustainable development of the rural zones concerned, firstly through the increase in farmers' income and secondly through the creation of jobs in local collection and processing structures. In addition, there is a growing demand by consumers for quality products with a guaranteed origin.

The EWG's three main aims are to improve the value of European produced wool, represent members' needs to the EU and other institutions and seek financial aid to improve the sector.

In March 1996 the European Parliament adopted the report prepared by Liam Hyland MEP, in collaboration with the EWG, on the need for support measures for producers and processors of European wool. The Parliament then adopted Mr. Hyland's proposed amendment to the 1997 budget introducing a new line for a research programme to increase the use of wool within the European Union. The EWG has since made an application to Commissioner Fischler and DGVI for funding for such a research programme.

The following organisations are founder members of the EWG:

Agenzia Lane d'ltalia (Italy)

Asociacion Nacional de Criadores de Ganado Merino (Spain)

British Wool Marketing Board (United Kingdom)

Chambre Syndicale des Laines de France

European Association for Study, Liaison, Innovation and Research into Textiles (ATELIER)

Federaçao das Associações Portuguesas de Ovinicultores (Portugal)

Gordet Oy (Finland)

Kooperative Norsk Kjott (Norway)

Nederlandse Wolfederatie (Netherlands)

Schweizerische Inlandwollzentrale (Switzerland)

Sveriges Ull & Skinnrad (Sweden)

Among other interested organisations are:

ARGE Schafzuchtverband Österreich

Greek Ministry of Agriculture

Irish Farmers Association

Vereinigung Deutscher Landesschafzuchtverbände

At its meeting on 22-23 May in Brussels the EWG elected its President and three Vice- presidents:

President.. Carlo Piacenza, President, Agenzia Lane d'ltalia

The three Vice-Presidents are representatives of the British Wool Marketing Board, the Spanish

Association of Merino Sheep Breeders and the Swedish Wool and Sheepskin Council.

The secretariat of the European Wool Group will be carried out jointly by

Agenzia Lane d'Italia, c/o Dr. Leo Gallico, CNR Istituto Rivetti, Corso Pella 16, I-13051 Biella (Tel. +39.15.849 30 43; Fax. +39.15.835 35 23)

ATELIER, Le Pigeonnier, F-04300 Limans

(Tel. +33.492 73 18 15; Fax. +33.492 73 18 18)