The President of the Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association (INHFA), Pheilim Molloy, has called on Irish MEPs and the European Parliament to once again push the EU Commission on the reclassification of wool.
Currently, wool is, Molloy explained, “classified as category 3 animal waste product under EU Regulation 1069/2009, which had subsequently amended previous regulations concerning animal by-products.”
Prior to 2002, wool was “classified as an agricultural product in a similar way to meat, milk or vegetables. Its re-classification following the foot and mouth outbreak has undermined how wool can be used while also increasing the cost of any final wool based product.” This fact was, he added “recognised by the EU Parliament who in 2018 called on the Commission in Resolution 2117/2017 to look into the possibility of making exemptions for wool, when applying EU Regulations most notably Regulation 1069/2009.”
The INHFA president detailed “it is now eight years since the EU Parliament’s resolution, and while most people have recognised the need to amend the relevant regulations and recognise wool as an agricultural product, the commission has yet to move. This is why we are calling on our MEPs to revisit the 2018 resolution and push the Commission to make the necessary changes.”
A reclassification of wool can, Molloy maintained, “create improved options around wool use and reduce costs.” One such option is he stated “fertiliser, as wool contains nitrogen, potassium and sulphur. While limited amounts of wool are being used here, costs have been driven up as a result of the cleaning requirements.”
“Other options that could be considered include the use of wool as a slug repellent or as a replacement for peat in the horticulture industry”, added the farm leader.
In concluding, the INHFA president stressed the need for the reclassification, stating “how we need to see this happen in order to realise the true potential of wool.”