WHAT IS THE SFA CASHMERE STANDARD
The SFA Cashmere Standard defines best practice for responsible cashmere production. Focused at the herder-level, the standard covers the most pressing sustainability issues associated with raw fibre production and outlines the intended outcomes achieved through the standard’s adoption.
The SFA Cashmere Standard was first introduced in January 2023 following an extensive revision and multi-stakeholder consultation throughout 2022. This revision involved a restructuring and integration of the SFA’s three herder-level codes of practice: the Rangeland Stewardship and Animal Husbandry Codes of Practice, which have been in operation in Mongolia since 2017 and 2019 respectively, and the SFA x ICCAW Cashmere Goat Welfare Code of Practice, which has been in operation in China since 2020. You can learn more about the revision process and the comments received here.
Due to an extended consultation period, please see details below, herder organisations will continue to operate on the previous SFA Cashmere Standard and will still be able to access guidance on the Rangeland Stewardship Code of Practice, Animal Husbandry Code of Practice, and the SFA-ICCAW Cashmere Goat Welfare Code of Practice until further notice.
FIVE GLOBAL PRINCIPLES
- Ensure the welfare of their goats
- Safeguard biodiversity and use land responsibly
- Promote decent work
- Preserve and enhance fibre quality, and
- Operate an effective management system
Click on a principle below to learn more
EXTENDED CONSULTATION FOR SFA CASHMERE STANDARD
The recent discussions regarding animal welfare mean we will be extending consultation on the new SFA Cashmere Standard, which was due to come into effect in January 2024. We will continue using the existing Codes of Practice while we take the time to better understand and address the issues raised. In this, we will follow the ISEAL requirements for more public consultation in the face of persistent differences of opinion. This is to ensure we hear different views from different people.
We will use this time to:
- Include a new ‘Due Diligence’ requirement for selling to slaughterhouses.
- Clarify existing animal welfare requirements.
- Remove duplication.
Public consultations will open in 2024.
In the meantime, please read our Statement of Intent document that explains in detail why we are doing this work by clicking the button below. If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us at standards@sustainablefibre.org.
