Visitors to the popular sheep shearing demonstration and competition at the Great Yorkshire Show will also have the chance this year to help revive the popularity of wool and at the same time secure a better return for Yorkshire farmers.
That’s because the Yorkshire Agricultural Society is backing the NFU’s petition to get British wool to the Olympics in two year’s time and as a result will be giving show-goers the chance to sign-up while enjoying the frenetic activity of the shearing extravaganza.
The petition was launched at the end of May and has already attracted 1500 signatures. Part of a national wool campaign launched by Prince Charles in January, the aim is to highlight the green credentials of wool and drive home to the Olympic organisers the need to provide a showcase for what was once Britain’s biggest export.
“Wool is such a naturally versatile product that it presents a whole range of possibilities for the Games,” said NFU West Riding County Chairman and sheep farmer, David Airey. “Running shorts are maybe not an option, but there are a great many other ways of using wool – from carpets to garments and I’ve even heard rumours that commemorative badges or brooches for competitors could be made from wool.
“From a farming point of view, the petition is important because wool has been in the doldrums for too long. As a result, it has been many years since farmgate prices have even covered the cost of clipping so this drive to promote what is, after all, a completely natural and biodegradable product from a thoroughly renewable and sustainable source, is very timely.”
Commenting on the Great Yorkshire Show’s involvement, Honorary Show Director Bill Cowling said he was delighted to help encourage public support.
“To my mind this is just common sense. As the largest event to be staged in the UK for decades, of course we should make the most of the opportunity to showcase the best of what we can produce.
“British wool is produced by more than 60,000 farming families across the UK and the North East is home to more sheep than anywhere else in England. It would be a great shame if we missed this chance to remind people of the value of wool and so help our hard-pressed sheep farmers.
“I very much hope we will encourage hundreds of people to add their names to the petition during the three-day Show, which runs from July 13 -15.”
No comments have been made.