Within the cashmere supply chain, from the initial procurement by herders and cooperatives to the final production of finished goods, key quality indicators such as fibre diameter, colour, and length play a crucial role. These factors determine product quality, enhance competitiveness in the international market, and build consumer trust. Ensuring and improving cashmere quality requires more than just refining processing techniques; it demands the implementation of sustainable and responsible production principles at all stages, including livestock health and care, raw material sourcing, preparation methods, storage, and transportation.
The SFA actively promotes knowledge sharing, training, research, and experience exchange among supply chain participants to address this. By fostering collaboration and multi-stakeholder engagement, the SFA is committed to implementing its certification and Chain of Custody standards, contributing to a market-oriented and sustainable production framework.
Throughout February 2025, various events and meetings were organised, focusing on cooperation, knowledge exchange, partnerships, standards, training, and discussions on integrated health systems. Below is an overview of the key highlights from these events.
Cashmere Partnership 2025
On 17th February 2025, the “Cashmere Connect 2025” event was held in Ulaanbaatar to enhance collaboration between cooperatives involved in the “SFA Certified” cashmere supply chain and cashmere buyers, strengthening business relations.
This year’s event welcomed the SFA’s CEO Una Jones, representatives from ICCAW (International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare) in China, Dr. Julie Garnier, founder of The Odyssey Conservation Trust (OCT), as well as partners from Obortech Mongolia and the “Dornod Mongolian Dry Steppe Sustainable Landscape and Biodiversity Conservation” Project.
The event brought together over 60 participants, including representatives from 12 processing factories and enterprises implementing SFA standards, traceability system participants, representatives from 35 local cooperatives, partner organisations, and project representatives. The participants exchanged experiences and insights.
In her opening remarks, Una Jones emphasised the importance of sustainability and collaboration within the SFA traceability system, stating,
“The foundation of long-term sustainability lies in mutual understanding, fairness, and reliable partnerships.”
During the event, SFA Mongolia presented an overview of the key activities implemented in 2024 and their outcomes. The team also provided updated information on the SFA Animal Fibre Standard v1.0 and the SFA Chain of Custody Standard v1.1.
Concluding the event, stakeholders discussed the quantity and quality of cashmere to be supplied in 2025, as well as storage and transportation conditions. A dedicated business networking session was also held to foster new partnerships and business collaborations.
Knowledge Exchange Meeting & Training with ICCAW
A knowledge exchange meeting and training session were organised with the International Cooperation Committee on Animal Welfare (ICCAW), SFA’s partner organisation in China.
During the session, ICCAW President Mr Ayongxi and other experts provided a comprehensive overview of the organisation’s “Animal Welfare Requirements” standards, detailing their structure and implementation. They also shared information on the unique aspects, policies, and requirements of the SFA-ICCAW Animal Fibre Standard in China.
Additionally, discussions were held on the certification process, assessment criteria for farmers, and the organisation and execution of China’s certification system. This provided valuable insights into the step-by-step implementation of certification practices.
This event marked an important step in strengthening collaboration between SFA Mongolia and ICCAW to enhance animal welfare, ensure the quality of raw materials, support sustainable production, and improve compliance with international standards.
Expanding the "One Health" Initiative
A special meeting was organised under the “One Health” initiative to safeguard the ecological health of rangelands in Mongolia’s steppe regions. This meeting brought together scientists, herder representatives, and environmental researchers to discuss key issues, including sustainable rangeland management, livestock health, and food safety. By advancing collaboration in these critical areas, the SFA continues promoting sustainable cashmere production and responsible livestock management practices, ensuring long-term benefits for producers and the environment.
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Tamir Bud
SFA COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
3 March 2025