Defra has published its review into British Wool, highlighting the ‘vital’ role the organisation plays in the supply chain and the measures needed to ensure it remains financially resilient in the future.

The review was carried out by Defra with the aim of evaluating British Wool’s operations and its relationship with government.

It found that British Wool is ‘vital’ to the success of the sector and highlighted the important role the organisation plays, particularly for those with smaller flocks such as in the South Hams and in remote rural areas.

NFU Livestock Board chair Richard Findlay described the review as “positive”, citing the recommendations for restructuring the business and changes to the board appointment process as “critical to achieving financial stability”.

“We also recognise that the financial arrangements required have hampered British Wool and the proposals to introduce some flexibility in managing the reserve fund is long overdue,” he said.

The review produced three key recommendations which include:

• clearer structures and reporting and communication arrangements between HMG and British Wool

• a review into the organisation’s financial arrangements

• amendments to the 1950 order to be brought forward by British Wool.

The review recognises that British Wool is self-funded and has sufficient operating independence to be considered as separate from government.

NFU Livestock board chair Richard Finley says: “It is positive that the review recognises the need to restructure the business, and with changes to the board appointment process these

Referencing the “challenging global market” producers are currently facing as the industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic, and competition with other fibres, Richard emphasised how British Wool continues to provide guaranteed collection, and “aims to achieve the best possible price for its members”.

“The precautionary approach to move British Wool out of the public sector will allow it to continue to innovate, promote and market wool for the long-term benefit of British sheep producers,” he concluded.

You can read the report in full at: GOV.UK | British Wool Review 2022