Farms in Mallorca are adopting a practical approach to their sheep wool by repurposing it for core agricultural tasks. This shift is sanctioned by the General Directorate of Agriculture as a response to ongoing challenges within the local wool supply chain. The move stems from a pilot project led by Mallorca Rural, aimed at evaluating whether Majorcan sheep wool can serve as a viable material within the industrial sector, supported by veterinary guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture.
In parallel, the Mallorca Ecological Agricultural Production Association and its partners provide technical support for the initiative. As a result of the project, a new on farm use for fiber previously considered waste has emerged. On origin farms, wool is now used for composting and mulching trees. Other potential industrial or off farm applications still follow the standard procedures, since wool is classified as an animal by product SANDACH when destined for non farm uses.
The decision, backed by the ministry and explained by the Director General of Agriculture, addresses a concern from the livestock sector which had observed wool lose commercial value and be sent to specialized treatment plants at the producer’s expense. The shift reflects a timely response from farmers facing the seasonal shear period and wool surplus.
The General Directorate of Agriculture issued a technical note to regional veterinarians, Sanitary Defense Societies and collaborating organizations, outlining permitted on farm uses for wool and guiding practice accordingly.
Directory
The future of the Mallorca Rural pilot involves developing a Good Agricultural Practices guide in collaboration with veterinarians from the General Directorate of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development. The guide will outline new agricultural activities for the use of wool, demonstrating how the same resource can support soil health by acting similarly to liquid manure or being processable on site. These activities, while promising, will require careful oversight and farmer education as they move toward broader acceptance.
The pilot feasibility project examining Majorcan sheep wool as a viable material for the industrial sector was undertaken by Mallorca Rural and APAEMA, with funding from FEADER, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and related national agricultural programs.