The International Mohair Summit in Graaff Reinet, attended by over 200 of the world’s leading natural fibre authorities, including 100 internationals, got off to a heated start on day 1.
Temperatures in the Karoo town soared to 38 degrees by midday and vigorous discussion in the first panel on greening the industry did little to cool down the atmosphere.
Receiving particular attention was this issue of vermin – mainly jackal and karakal cats – which account for the industry’s major losses. Asked whether Global Warming was an opportunity or threat, National Wool Growers Association representative Smiley de Beer said climate change represented both a risk and opportunity.
“To a certain extent we are able to predict broad patterns like the distinct possibility of the Eastern Cape becoming wetter and the Western Cape drier. We need to adapt and remain tuned into the way things are moving,� he said. “There will be new diseases and ways of doing things in the future.’’
Heidi Hawkins of the GreenChoice Alliance said attention needed to be focussed on the sparsification of the Noorsveld vegetation of the Karoo which appeared to be patchy and a “stage away from desertification. The entire industry needs to support restoration initiatives although it is apparent that many farmers employ sound management practices.â€? Â
Hawkins said research, monitoring, and a collaborative approach to the management of the environment was required.
Twist Magazine Editor Jonathan Dyson said there was much potential to market the health benefits of Mohair to an increasingly discerning consumer. |
