1st European Wool Forum
Summary of the 1st European Wool Forum
The 1st European Wool Forum, moderated by the event’s host, welcomed participants and introduced an agenda focused on sharing insights and promoting dialogue about the wool sector. The event featured presentations by Karin Flatøy Svarstad from Norway and Dorthea Joensen from the Faroe Islands, followed by an open floor discussion.
Karin, a Norwegian textile artist and cultural entrepreneur, shared her insights on North Atlantic native sheep and wool, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the European wool sector. She discussed the history and importance of North Atlantic native sheep breeds and ongoing efforts to preserve and promote their wool production and craftsmanship. Several participants, including one from Germany and another from the Netherlands, shared their experiences and ideas, such as the use of wool for insulation and its potential for sustainable production. After a short Q&A, Karin continued her presentation, detailing the unique characteristics of various sheep breeds in the North Atlantic region and the importance of focusing on local breeds to promote preservation and use. She shared the success of a Norwegian project where emphasizing wool led to increased use and appreciation of the resource, encouraging others to focus on their local breeds and wool resources. The session concluded with a discussion on the use of local wool breeds across different regions.
A participant asked about building a local supply chain for wool products, with Karin explaining that it was primarily a private investment initiative. The moderator added insight on the Isle of Man case, where Dr. Jenny Shepherd gained wool-processing skills through networking and personal investment. Karin reiterated that private investment and shared learning experiences are vital for developing exclusive ranges of textiles and yarn.
The moderator then introduced Dorthea Joensen, an agriculture researcher and farmer from the Faroe Islands. Dorthea shared her experience in sheep farming and wool production, explaining that the Faroe Islands’ unique sheep breed has existed for over 1,500 years. She discussed the annual wool collection, which began in 2016 and has steadily grown, noting the breed's double-coated wool in various colors, especially brown, which is highly popular. Dorthea highlighted challenges, such as high processing costs and difficulty finding buyers, yet expressed optimism about the future of Faroe Islands wool production.
Dorthea also presented on the recent North Atlantic Native Sheep and Wool (NANSW) conference held on the Faroe Islands, attended by around 90 participants. The conference featured presentations from various speakers, an exhibition showcasing wool products, and a felting workshop led by a participant from Germany. She emphasized the value of shared knowledge and collaboration for growth in the wool industry.
In discussing the future of the wool industry in the Faroe Islands, Dorthea highlighted a new mini mill, industry engagement, and collaborations with the National Museum and Agricultural Cultural Center, where they showcased the wool collection and work processes. She praised local designers promoting Fair Isle yarn and emphasized educating young people on wool’s sustainability. She shared student-led projects like a sound insulation project and a hand-spun yarn lamp as examples of wool’s innovative uses.
Dorthea underlined the importance of participating in conferences to learn about wool sorting and processing, stressing cooperation between agriculture and industry, and the role of marketing and education in promoting natural wool products. During the Q&A, a participant shared wool-sorting experiences from England, discussing the challenges of dividing wool into different classes and the need for better education on natural wool's benefits.
The moderator closed the forum by thanking the speakers and all participants, encouraging ongoing cooperation and communication among them.
Presentation of Karin Flatøy Svarstad:
EWA_North_Atlantic_Native_Sheep_Wool
Presentation of Dorthea Joensen: