Scale and sustainability: An exploratory study of sheep farming and adding value to wool in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article presents results of an exploratory study examining potential for adding value to sheep’s wool in a region in which smaller sheep farmers sometimes discard wool because its price is so low. The study is a) a literature scan and farmer survey to determine inventory of wool produced but not marketed in Atlantic Canada; b) an evaluation of sustainability of sheep’s wool insulation products currently marketed globally; and c) an exploration of potential scenarios for manufacturing sheep’s wool insulation. It indicates some potential for adding value to wool, for more profitable sheep farming, but further research is needed on the economic, environmental, and social benefits in a wide range of rural contexts in order to ensure sustainability over the long term.