UFU backs British wool insulation petition

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is supporting a new petition calling for British wool products to be used for insulating Government’s new home insulation scheme and for insulation and carpeting in any public financed building projects. If successful it would deliver a new, long-term market for British wool.

The petition was launched after there were increasing reports that wool fleeces were being dumped into the manure heap rather than being sold to British Wool as the worth of wool plummeted below the expense of paying shearers for many farmers.

UFU hill committee chairman Nigel McLaughlin said: “We are proud to be backing this new campaign to find new uses for wool and create a much-needed, new market.

“This year has been an extremely difficult one for sheep farmers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it has had on the global market. Farmgate prices are improving but the price for wool remains dire because of trade disruptions. Many farmers are beyond frustrated with the unjust price and have started to dump wool as they see no value in selling it.

“I cannot urge everyone enough, the farming community and the general public, to sign this petition to prevent such a useful product going to waste. It can be used for so many things including textiles, clothing and carpets, and is also suitable for housing insulation. We are all working towards a greener world and wool is a natural, sustainable and environmentally friendly product.”

To find out more about the petition and to sign, click the link: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/british-wool-for-british-insulation