The Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC) formed in April 2023 is all-island voluntary member group comprised of wool related stakeholders. The IGWC was formed following a recommendation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Review of Market Opportunities for Irish Grown Wool Based Products‘ report published in July 2022.
IGWC brings together stakeholders from both sides of the border to focus on improving the Irish wool sector. Working together to establish and further benefit the sector for the wider good. The clear and concise brief is to create additional value in the total wool value chain and ensure that a fair proportion of that value makes it way to the primary producer.
See our founding 21 members here and our Vision & Aims here.
Join the Irish Grown Wool Council at Showcase 2024 for a series of curated panel talks on Irish wool. Talks will take place on each of the three days of Showcase, 21st – 23rd January,(RDS, Dublin) across the key themes of Sustainability, Fashion and Innovation, focusing on the past, present and future for Irish wool. Register here.
For further information and media enquiries please contact us at: hello@irishgrownwoolcouncil.com
Media and related coverage to date:
September 2024
The Irish Times: What’s wool worth? ‘It’s an incredible product – natural, low carbon, biodegradable’ (Interview with David Heraty)
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2024/09/21/whats-wool-worth-its-an-incredible-product-natural-low-carbon-biodegradable/
Farming Life: Shear Success: A guide to help farmers maximize wool’s value
Ulster Farmer’s Union: Shear Success: A guide to help farmers maximize wool’s value
National Ploughing Association: Exhibitors Press Release
August 2024
RTE Radio 1: CountryWide segment ‘Irish Grown Wool’ Listen back here:
Agriland: Kerry Lamb and Wool Co-op celebrates 50th anniversary
https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/watch-kerry-lamb-and-wool-co-op-celebrates-50th-anniversary/
TG4 Nuacht (TV)
Comharchumann Uain Chiarraí ar a 50ú bliain / Kerry Lamb Cooperative 50th year
(Segement starts at 5.18) https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/categories/news-stories/play/?pid=6360424666112&title=Nuacht%20TG4&series=Nuacht%20TG4&genre=Cursai%20Reatha&pcode=692564
July 2024
Shannon ABC’s Springwool Project Receives Over Half a Million in Funding
https://www.shannonabc.ie/springwool-project-receives-funding/
https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/3eecc-minister-heydon-announces-223-million-in-new-research-grants/
June 2024
Agriland: Teagasc and wool council produce videos on shearing best practice
https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/teagasc-and-wool-council-produce-videos-on-shearing-best-practice/
May 2024
Fashionista.com
https://fashionista.com/2024/05/aran-fisherman-sweater-irish-wool-history-popularity
March 2024
Irish Examiner
Dream weaver: Meet the New York-based Irish designer Claire McGovern
Agriland
Ministers to wear and gift wool products abroad on St. Patrick’s Day
Kerrane: ‘Missed opportunity’ not to gift all-Irish wool items on St. Patrick’s Day
Irish Grown Wool Council rejects criticism of St. Patrick’s Day gifts
Irish Farmers Journal
Irish wool to feature in governments St Patricks Day Programme abroad
Agri Careers: Movers & Shakers
BusinessPlus
Ministers Join Push To Promote Irish Wool Garments
Wicklow People
Wicklow-born chair of IGWC promotes Irish wool
February 2024
Agriland
Hackett: ‘The world is our oyster when it comes to wool’
October 2023
Irish Farmers Journal
‘Government needs to show ambition for wool, INHFA.’
April 2023:
Irish Farmers Journal ‘A new Irish Wool Council is to be formally launched…’
Agriland: ‘New research and innovation hub to support wool council’
That’s Farming:
IGWC: ‘It costs more to shear a sheep than would be received in revenue for the fleece’
Westmeath Examiner
‘ICSA welcome launch of Irish Grown Wool Council’
Circular Bioeconomy Cluster South West
Establishment of the Wool Hub
Pippa Hackett, TD
‘Promote wool as a natural, sustainable and versatile material and help improve the quality of Irish farmed wool and facilitate collaboration in product and market research.’
Download DAFM ‘Review of Market Opportunities for Irish Grown Wool Based Products’ here.
