Most of New Zealand’s organic crossbred woolgrowers have been brought together by PGG Wrightson Wool to supply their product to international markets. Prior to the company and its export arm, Bloch & Behrens, creating this initiative, organic wool achieved no commercial advantage for growers.

In 2014 Bloch & Behrens became the first and only New Zealand exporter certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard, also ensuring the wool scour achieved the same certification.

Since the initiative started operating fully, around five years ago, the company has exported approximately 650,000 kilograms of certified organic wool. Growers have collectively received an estimated $1 million in premiums, which equates to around a $1.50 per kilogram premium on top of the standard crossbred price paid for organic wool consigned to PGG Wrightson Wool.

During that period, the United States has been the largest market for organic wool, primarily via partner Jeffco Fibres, which specialises in bedding products.

Growers recognise the value of sticking together, and the extra critical mass has enabled another regular customer, a European bedding company, to take significant volumes of organic wool.