Wool processor Modiano claims European wool is losing its market edge to South Africa because of welfare concerns from consumers. The company has campaigned against a process called ‘mulesing’ – the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin in order to prevent flystrike. Modiano has called for either mandatory pain relief for lambs being mulesed, or an end to surgical mulesing altogether. In a new petition to the European Wool Industry, Modiano claims to have support from 70% of all wool combers. The petition also demands full traceability through the AWEX National Wool Declaration. The managing director of Modiano in Australia said the market would pay almost a 10% premium for non-mulesed wool from Australia and that the issue was very significant to Australian customers.
Wool processor Modiano claims Australian wool is losing its market edge to South Africa because of welfare concerns from consumers. The company has campaigned against a process called ‘mulesing’ – the removal of strips of wool-bearing skin in order to prevent flystrike. Modiano has called for either mandatory pain relief for lambs being mulesed, or an end to surgical mulesing altogether. In a new petition to the Australian Wool Industry, Modiano claims to have support from 70% of all wool combers. The petition also demands full traceability through the AWEX National Wool Declaration. The managing director of Modiano in Australia said the market would pay almost a 10% premium for non-mulesed wool from Australia and that the issue was very significant to European customers.